A remarkable discovery has been made in the Dakrông Nature Reserve, located in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, where a new species of plant, Begonia laxiflora, has been identified. This significant find enriches the already diverse flora of the Truong Son mountain range.
The discovery was made possible through a fruitful collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR), and the Dakrông Nature Reserve. Truong Quang Trung, the reserve's director, emphasized the commitment to preserving biodiversity in the region. He stated, “With prudent investments, the number of species recorded in the reserve will continue to grow significantly.”
He further expressed the importance of preserving endemic plant species and fragile ecosystems for future generations. Annie Wallace, director of USAID Vietnam’s Climate Change, Energy, and Environment Office, noted that this discovery highlights the effectiveness of partnerships in improving protected area management.
Begonia laxiflora thrives on steep rocky slopes and along streams, characterized by delicate inflorescences and smooth capsules, showcasing the unique biodiversity of Vietnam. Nick Cox, biodiversity conservation project leader at USAID, hopes that the Truong Son range will continue to reveal its exceptional biodiversity, underscoring the necessity of protecting these forested areas with support from the Vietnamese government and USAID.