Rare Lang Biang yellow camellia discovered in Phuoc Binh National Park

Lang Biang yellow camellia is an extremely rare plant species, recently discovered in Phuoc Binh National Park (Ninh Thuan).

Front and back views of the camellia leaf from Lang Biang - Photo: Phuoc Binh National Park

On the morning of March 27, the Phuoc Binh National Park Management Board announced the discovery of the Lang Biang yellow camellia species in its natural habitat within the national park's forest area.

Yellow camellia flower discovered in Lang Biang forest during a forest patrol.

Mr. Nao Duy Phap, an engineer at the Science and Nature Conservation Department of Phuoc Binh National Park, said that the department's staff discovered the discovery while patrolling the forest.

The Lang Biang yellow camellia, scientifically known as Camellia langbianensis, is an extremely rare plant species belonging to the tea family (Theaceae). It is a small evergreen tree or shrub, 3-5 meters tall.

According to Phuoc Binh National Park, the Lang Biang yellow camellia is classified as critically endangered according to the standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and is also listed in the Vietnamese Red Book.

This species has a narrow distribution range, appearing only in certain areas with specific ecological conditions. Vietnam is one of only two countries (along with China) that have recorded the yellow camellia species in the wild. The Lang Biang yellow camellia is endemic to Lam Dong province.

"The discovery of this plant species in its natural habitat (a new discovery at one location) is very significant, opening up many opportunities for research and biodiversity conservation in Phuoc Binh National Park," Mr. Phap said.

Flowers of the Lang Biang camellia tree - Photo: Phuoc Binh National Park

It has high medicinal value.

According to the Phuoc Binh National Park Management Board, compounds from the Camellia genus of the golden flower tea plant have the ability to inhibit tumor growth and help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.

In addition, this type of tea can reduce symptoms of atherosclerosis caused by high cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, tumors, etc.

Besides its medicinal value, the Lang Biang yellow camellia also has potential applications in the cosmetics field due to its natural ingredients beneficial to the skin, making it an important component of skin and hair care products. It is also highly valued for landscaping and as a rare ornamental plant.

The trunk of the yellow camellia tree in Lang Biang is recorded by Phuoc Binh National Park - Photo: Phuoc Binh National Park

Currently, the Phuoc Binh National Park Management Board is conducting in-depth research on the ecological and genetic characteristics of the Lang Biang yellow camellia, while also implementing conservation and breeding measures, protecting its habitat, and raising community awareness in the protection of forests and natural ecosystems.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-tra-mi-hoa-vang-lang-biang-quy-hiem-o-vuon-quoc-gia-phuoc-binh-20250327104247422.htm