Researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have recently identified two new species of flowering plants in the remote forests of Motuo County, southeastern Xizang , underscoring the region’s critical role as a global biodiversity refuge.

Agapetes and Vaccinium are two genera in the Ericaceae family which is particularly notable in the comprehensive list of vascular plants in Xizang, with 407 species across 18 genera .

During a plant survey in Motuo County, researchers from XTBG discovered two unidentified species belonging to Agapetes and Vaccinium respectively. After examining specimens and fresh materials of similar species and consulting relevant literature, they determined these plants represent two new species.

Agapetes brevituba is a small evergreen shrub with striking white, urn-shaped flowers featuring a dark red base and green tip. It differs from relatives by its shorter floral tube (10–12 mm) and unique flower color. It’s epiphytic on trees in mixed  coniferous broadleaved forests at elevations of 2,200-2,500 meters.

Agapetes brevituba is known only from Deergong Village, Motuo County. Only one population was encountered during the survey. The habitat is often at risk due to tree felling in the area

Vaccinium longisetosum is an evergreen shrub (about two meters tall) covered in long brown bristles, bearing translucent white berries. It differs from other species by its bristle-covered branches (vs. feathery hairs) and fruit color. It grows epiphytically on trees in mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests at elevations of 1,800 to 2,700 meters.

Vaccinium longisetosum is currently known only from Deergong Village in Motuo County. The researchers encountered three populations of Vaccinium longisetosum, but their habitat is increasingly threatened by logging and road construction in the region.

“Due to the lack of field surveys in adjacent areas, the distribution range and the number of populations still need to be investigated. We propose to assess the conservation status of the two new species as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN guidelines,” said TAN Yunhong of XTBG.

The study was published in Taiwaniaand supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Agapetes brevituba (Image by TAN Yunhong)

Agapetes brevituba (Image by TAN Yunhong)

Vaccinium longisetosum (Image by TAN Yunhong)

Published on: 23 June 2025