During biodiversity research and surveys in the limestone mountains of Razorback (Len Con Rong) and Rockpile (Nui Mot) in Quang Tri Province's Dakrong and Cam Lo districts, scientists from various countries discovered two previously unknown plant species.
One newly identified species, Chlorohiptage Viet Namensis T.V.Do, T.A.Le & R.F.Almeida, belongs to the Hiptage genus of the Malpighiaceae family. The Chlorohiptage genus is distinct from Hiptage due to characteristics such as its petal color, ranging from pale green to greenish-yellow (as opposed to white or yellow in Hiptage), and its unique stamen configuration (nine long stamens and one short one, versus nine short stamens and one long one in Hiptage).
Additionally, another species was found in the same area: Glycosmis quangtriensis T.A.Le & Tagane, a member of the Rutaceae (citrus) family. First collected in 2022, this plant, identified as a new species after a year of further study, has been named after Quang Tri Province, its only known habitat. This shrub, approximately 1.5 meters in height, has elliptic, wavy-margined leaves with heart-shaped bases, clustered flowers at branch tips, and produces round, fuzzy, pinkish fruit upon maturity.
Both new species are assessed as "Critically Endangered" (CR) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. Researchers are currently working to propagate and conserve these species and are investigating their bioactive compounds.
In addition, a rare endemic plant species, Aspidistra phongdiensis, was discovered in Phong Dien Nature Reserve, Quang Tri, in 2023. This forest garlic plant, unique to Viet Nam, features a broader leaf blade, white outer perianth, yellow pollen, and distinctive anthers and stigmas, setting it apart from the closely related Aspidistra khangii.