The newly recorded species are Perilimnastes dongchauensis, known as Dong Chau rock tamarind, and Aspidistra nigrescens, or black-flowered aspidistra.
The Dong Chau rock tamarind, named after its discovery site, grows as a small shrub on rocks in lowland evergreen forests, typically along streams and humid valleys at elevations of 100-750 metres. It features pink flowers, densely hairy stems and leaf stalks, and paired leaves.
The discovery adds to scientific knowledge of Vietnam’s flora and provides a basis for further research, conservation and sustainable forest management, the reserve’s management board said.
Located in Kim Ngan Commune, Quang Tri, the reserve hosts rich biodiversity, with 76 mammal species, 214 bird species and 671 reptile species recorded.
Many are rare and endangered, including gaur, saola, large-antlered muntjac, Truong Son muntjac, Sunda pangolin, white-cheeked gibbon, red-shanked douc, crested argus and great hornbill, along with valuable timber species such as ironwood and agarwood.
