VietNamNet Bridge - Scientists from the Southern Institute of Ecology have announced four new species of camellia that were discovered in Vietnam.

The four new species of Camellia L. (Theaceae) include: C. duyana Orel, Curry & Luu, C. ligustrina Orel, Curry & Luu, C. bugiamapensis Orel, Curry, Luu & Q. D. Nguyen, and C. capitata Orel, Curry & Luu.

They were collected from the Da Lat Plateau and the Lang Biang Massif phytogeographic region in southern Vietnam.

The new finds are morphologically dissimilar to known Camellia species.

These species are endemic to the mountain temperate climate and to the lowland tropical rainforests of Vietnam.

Camellia bugiamapensis, a bush, was found along rivers and streams of the tropical rainy jungles of Bu Gia Map National Park in southern Binh Phuoc Province. About 50 plants remain.

Perennial plant Camellia duyana was found on a mountain peak near Bidoup Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong Province. Scientists suggested that this camellia be listed as a critically endangered species.

Camellia ligustrina, a bush, was found in the tropical rainy jungles of the Central Highlands' Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. About 50 plants remain.

Camellia ligustrina, a small bush, is a rare find in the mountainous area of Lam Dong Province's Phuoc Cat 2 Commune. It grows in evergreen jungles amid bamboo and rattan trees, and only three plants remain.

Globally, about 80% of the camellia species in the genus Camellia L. are found in China and most of the remaining species are distributed in the geographic region of Vietnam.

S. Tung