A team of scientists has compiled a comprehensive list of 337 plant species from 142 different genera, belonging to 63 families found in caves in Northern Vietnam. This groundbreaking research was conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Truong and his colleagues at the Vietnam Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. Through their work, they were able to identify and describe 3 new plant species for global science, as well as add 6 species to the Vietnamese flora, expanding our knowledge and understanding of cave plant diversity in the region.
The team collected plant specimens from 33 caves across 8 northern provinces of Vietnam, including Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Hoa Binh, Son La, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa. Their efforts resulted in the identification of 337 plant species, with a significant number of them having valuable uses such as being used as ornamental plants, medicine, firewood, and food. The research also highlighted 40 species that possess rare genetic resources, further underscoring the importance of preserving and protecting these unique cave plant species.
Associate Professor Truong emphasized the conservation efforts needed for the newly discovered cave plant species
