Source: phongnhakebang.vn

"Bung buc Phong Nha", with the scientific name Mallotus phongnhaensis Thin & Kim Thanh, was discovered by botanists Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh and Nguyen Nghia Thin from the Ha Noi-based Viet Nam National University in the park's Doc Tau area in mid-2006. The plant belongs to section Axenfeldia and genus Mallotus, a genus of the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. The plant has several notable features, including its up to one-metre high shrubby habit, six to 12 sub-marginal extra-floral nectaries per side and few flowers.

The discovery was recently published in The Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore magazine. The finding has not only scientific value but also contributes to the rich diversity of the park.

Reportedly, the park is among the 238 most important ecological zones in the world. A large number of fauna and flora species exist within the property with 849 recorded vertebrate species, including a number of indigenous and endangered species such as tigers, Asiatic black bears, Asian elephants, giant muntjacs, Asian wild dogs, and the recently discovered Sao la deer.

Reported by Mai Anh
Translated by Minh Huyen