Phys reports how specialists all the way from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and all over the world reveal their picks of plants and fungi species that are labeled "new" to the world of science in 2022.
According to BBC, there are reportedly around 90 different plants and 24 various fungi species that have been labeled this 2022 by the Royal Botanic Gardens and other partners. Phys notes how such species can be traced to the central African rainforests, Brazil's Atlantic Forest, and Southeast Asian caves. Several of these new additions cover species that are endangered with the risks of extinction. Phys also notes how some of them only dwell in one location and at least one of these are already thought of as extinct on a global scale.
There have been international efforts to identify fungi and plants annually in order to note new food, solution, and medicine sources. However, this is one of humanity's greatest difficulties. Nevertheless, the generated data also helps in strengthening current knowledge about the world, the relation of species with each other, and where they are in the life tree.
Here are some of the interesting species that were brought to light this 2022.
Queen's Hedgehog
According to Taipei times, this new discovery was a mushroom that has spines that are soft underneath its cap. Rather than gills, spines can be found on it. A DNA analaysis on the species has found out that it is distinctly European, in contrast to the North American species that it was perceived to be.
The species was given its name to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Rainforest Tree
A rainforest tree all the way from Nicaragua and Honduras, Caribbean rainforests, also got discovered. It gots its name in recognition and memory of Berta Isabel Cáceres Flores' bravery (1971 to 2016). Flores was among the 123 activists that were killed between 2009 to 2016 due to their losing of their natural habitats and of Honduras' native lands.
The tree can reach up to 15 meters tall. It is armed with flowers that are 20mm wide on its main stem, star-like, and white. The specific species has been seen to be near threatened.
Huge Waterlily
The giant Bolivian water lily or Victoria boliviana is the newest addition to the water lily genus of Victoria. It has leaves that can reach 3.3 meters in width. The Bolivian water lily is also the biggest among the three discovered Victoria species and it also features various size, shape, and distribution differences.
Orchids of the Falls
These orchids of the falls are a herb family that is narrowed and adaptable to dwelling in white water or aerated areas. However, despite such a name, these species are actually not orchids and are rather, connected to Hypericums.
The species' adaptability to dwell in waters that are fast-moving and usually too rigid for other plants connotes how there is minimal competition for the species in the several million years in which the species has evolved. Nevertheless, seasonal water flow disruptions and habitat destruction has made several orchids of the falls species succumb to extinction. Scientists are fearful about how others may follow through.
There are still more species that make up the lineup of 24 fungi and 90 plants. These are just some of the highlights.
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