Hey, nature lovers! 🌿
Researchers from the Qianxinan Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences have uncovered a brand-new plant species in the limestone mountains of Xingyi Global Geopark in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.
Named Neocinnamomum citratum, this leafy gem emits a strong lemon fragrance 🍋, so intense it was first mistaken for a lemon tree! Its unique scent and leaf structure set it apart from any known species.
This plant thrives in evergreen forests at 1,000–1,300 meters elevation, with over 100 individuals spotted across five sites. Talk about a high-altitude citrus vibe! 🌄
Local villagers have long foraged its leaves and twigs as a zesty spice in traditional dishes, hinting at exciting new uses in food flavoring and beyond.
The discovery not only spices up China’s biodiversity records but also highlights the ecological magic of Xingyi Geopark—famous for its Triassic fossils and karst landscapes, and recognized by UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network in March 2024. 🌎✨
Who’s ready to plan a nature escape? ✨
Reference(s):
New plant species with lemon fragrance discovered in China's Guizhou
cgtn.com
