Authorities at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province said on March 10 they had documented the presence of the Himalayan sapria, a rare and endangered plant species.
The species, scientifically known as Sapria himalayana Griff., grows as a parasite on the roots of woody climbing plants. Its flower, measuring about 15 to 20cm in diameter, is dark red with pale yellow spots across its surface.
The Himalayan eye flower features large, deep crimson blooms with pale yellow spots (Photo: Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park).
According to Vietnam’s Red Data Book and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Himalayan sapria is classified as endangered due to its limited distribution and complete dependence on host plants.
The plant shows typical characteristics of a fully parasitic species. It has no chlorophyll, leaves or true stems and therefore cannot perform photosynthesis.
Its vegetative body is highly reduced and exists only as thread-like structures that penetrate deep into the vascular tissues of the host plant’s roots to absorb water and nutrients. The flower is the only visible part of the plant above ground.
The flower emits a distinctive odour resembling decomposing flesh, which attracts pollinating insects, mainly flies from the Diptera order.
Researchers say the discovery not only adds scientific data to the region’s plant diversity but also reinforces the ecological value and integrity of the limestone forest ecosystem within Phong Nha–Ke Bang national park.
With the discovery, the total number of plant species recorded in the park has risen to 2,957.
