On May 2nd, it was reported that Chinese botanists recently discovered a new species of Impatiens in the Panzhou City area of the Beipan River basin in Guizhou during a scientific expedition.
After thorough research involving morphology and molecular comparisons, this new species has been officially named "Impatiens Beipanjiangensis," with the research findings published on April 30th in the international botanical journal PhytoKeys.
"Impatiens Beipanjiangensis" belongs to the Impatiens genus of the Balsaminaceae family. Its notable features include yellow flowers that bloom predominantly from October to November each year, followed by fruiting that lasts from November to December.
Distinguished by characteristics such as roots, sepals, pollen, and seeds, this new species exhibits significant differences from other closely related species within the Impatiens genus, providing strong evidence for its uniqueness and new species status.
Since October 2019, researchers have been monitoring this new species, and after extensive fieldwork and study, only five wild populations have been identified in the western part of Guizhou.
These populations thrive in the moist valleys at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 meters, with a total of approximately 5,100 plants. This discovery not only enriches our knowledge of the Impatiens genus but also offers valuable genetic resources and research materials for future breeding of new Impatiens varieties.
The discovery of "Impatiens Beipanjiangensis" represents a significant achievement in the field of botany, providing a fresh perspective on biodiversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of paying closer attention to and conserving the natural environment to ensure the continuity and propagation of these precious biological resources.
As scientific research progresses, we look forward to uncovering more unknown species in the future, further advancing research and practices in biodiversity and ecological conservation.
