New plant species found in south China's Guangxi

(ECNS) -- Chinese researchers have discovered a new species of Manchurian Dutchman's pipe stem in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local forestry authorities announced on Thursday.

The findings have been published in a recent edition of Taiwania, an international journal on biodiversity.

During an investigation on plant diversity, researchers found the new species (Isotrema leyeense) in full bloom in Leye County, Baise City of Guangxi, naming it after its location.

The species features gourd-shaped lanceolate leaves with densely hooked hairs on the underside, which can easily distinguishes it from other species in the genus Aristolochiaceae.

Following anatomical analysis and systematic comparisons with domestic and international literature and specimens, researchers confirmed the species as new to science.

Currently, the Isotrema leyeense has been identified in only two populations with a small number of individuals. It is endemic to the karst region in Guangxi.

Discovery of this new species provides fresh insights into the flora of the genus Aristolochiaceae and its medicinal and economic value.