Four New Camellia Species Found in Vietnam

Vietnamese scientists of the HCM City-based Southern Institute of Ecology have discovered four new camellia species in Viet Nam. They are Camellia bugiamapensis Orel, Curry, Luu & Q.D; Camellia duyana Orel, Curry & Luu, sp. Nov; Camellia ligustrina Orel, Curry & Luu, sp. Nov; and Camellia capitata Orel, Curry & Luu, sp. Nov. The species were found during the scientists' investigation in the jungles of the Central Highlands and Southeastern regions. Camellia bugiamapensis, a bush, was found along rivers and streams of the tropical rainy jungles of Bu Gia Map National Park in southern Binh Phuoc Province. About 50 plants remain. Perennial plant Camellia duyana was found on a mountain peak near Bidoup Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong Province. Scientists suggested that this camellia be listed as a critically endangered species. Camellia ligustrina, a bush, was found in the tropical rainy jungles of the Central Highlands' Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. About 50 plants remain. Camellia ligustrina, a small bush, is a rare find in the mountainous area of Lam Dong Province's Phuoc Cat 2 Commune. It grows in evergreen jungles amid bamboo and rattan trees, and only three plants remain. According to the scientists, about 80% of the world's camellia species are found in China and the rest are scattered in various areas of Viet Nam. (Vietnam News Dec 2)