New fern species discovered in Quang Binh cave

New fern species discovered in Phong Nha - Ke Bang

Scientists from the Vietnam Museum of Nature and the Missouri Botanical Garden (USA) have just announced the discovery of a new fern species in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh. This species is called Polystichum quangbinhense, belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family, growing in Bat Cave and So Dua Cave.

Characteristics and living conditions of Polystichum quangbinhense

Polystichum quangbinhense is a cave endemic species that lives in a narrow habitat with humid tropical conditions and low light. It is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, based on the 2015 International Union for Conservation of Nature guidelines.

Importance of the discovery to botany

According to Mr. Vo Van Tri, deputy director of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, the discovery of this species is an important record in the botanical world, especially in relation to other species of the genus Polystichum in the world.

Diversity of fern industry in Phong Nha - Ke Bang

Phong Nha - Ke Bang currently has 248 species of ferns belonging to 92 genera, 26 families, 12 orders, and 3 classes, of which the genus Polystichum has 6 species. This shows the richness and diversity of the flora in this area.

Scientific research report and conservation status

This study is the result of cooperation between Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam Museum of Nature and Missouri Botanical Garden (USA). The new species was published in the journal Phytotaxa. Currently, Polystichum quangbinhense has two main populations in Bat Cave and So Dua Cave, living in humid and low-light conditions at an altitude of 120m.