New sunflower family species discovered in Big Bend National Park
A new plant species belonging to the sunflower family, known as the "woolly devil," has been discovered in Big Bend National Park, USA. This marks the first such discovery in an American national park in nearly 50 years.
This new plant species, termed Ovicula biradiata, or the "woolly devil," was found in Big Bend National Park.
The discovery was made by Deb Manley, a volunteer working in the park, who photographed the plant and shared the image on the iNaturalist platform. This led to the identification of a new genus and species.
Discovery in Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, is one of the most remote places in the USA, covering over 3,100 square kilometres of desert landscape. The park is home to unique plant and animal species, including coyotes, jaguars, and desert toads.
Isaac Lichter Marck, a botanist from the California Academy of Sciences, emphasises that many believe that the flora and fauna in US national parks have been fully inventoried. Still, scientists continue to discover new and surprising species.
Characteristics of the "woolly devil"
Ovicula biradiata is distinguished by its fluffy white leaves, purple petals, and a central yellow disc. According to Interia, the plant is so small that botanists must virtually lie on the ground to observe it closely. DNA analysis has shown that it represents not only a new species but also a new genus within the sunflower family.
The plant thrives in the harsh conditions of the Chihuahuan Desert, where extreme temperature fluctuations and droughts prevail. It is ephemeral, blooming only after rainfall.
Challenges and the future of research
Lichter Marck cautions that climate change could exacerbate the situation.
Plants that thrive in deserts are often quite unique, having evolved specific mechanisms to withstand the extreme drought-and-deluge conditions of these arid landscapes—from water-storing structures to rapid life cycles triggered by rain. But as climate change pushes deserts to become hotter and drier, highly specialized plants like the woolly devil face extinction.
Scientists plan further research into the potential medicinal properties of the plant. Keily Peralta from the California Academy of Sciences notes: "Under the microscope, we noticed specific glands that are known to possess compounds with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties in other plants within the sunflower family."
The discoverers encourage park visitors to document wildflowers and share photos on the iNaturalist service, which may help expand knowledge about the "woolly devil."
