At the invitation of the Lao Institute of Biotechnology and Ecology (BEI), a team of researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) conducted a 24-day botanical expedition in southern Laos from July 2-25. They investigated plant diversity and advanced regular bilateral cooperation with Lao research institutions. They also gave a special training session for BEI researchers on the identification of common tropical plant families, enhancing local capacity in field botany.

The researchers made systematic surveys in four provinces in Laos, including Savannakhet, Salavan, Champasak, and Attapeu, ranging from tropical monsoon forests and dry dipterocarp forests to wetlands. They collected 467 plant specimens totaling more than 1,200 duplicates, each accompanied by molecular materials for genetic analysis. More than 10,000 photographs were taken documenting plant morphology and habitat characteristics.

Preliminary field observations have revealed more than ten potential new taxa or new records for Laos, underscoring the remarkable biodiversity and research potential of the region.

Researchers pose a group photo.

Vegetation types.

Field surveys.