Science has a new conifer tree species

According to the journal PhytoKeys, a new species of Amentotaxus has been determined: Amentotaxus hekouensis L.M. Gao. The identification of this new species has been confirmed by both physical and molecular (DNA) analysis. The tree differs from other species in several things: the length and width of the leaves, the shape of the top of the leaves, the curvature of the leaves, and the margin of the leaves. The tree prefers montane evergreen forests on limestone mountains. In Laos, A. hekouensis L.M. Gao. can only be found in Xiang Khouang. Besides, it grows in small disjunct areas in China and Vietnam as well.

Even though the species is just discovered, it is already labelled as 'endangered', because of its restricted distribution, small population size and habitat destruction.

Information source: PhytoKeys.