Researchers discover new shrub species in Colombian Andes

Researchers from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and Universidad de los Andes identified a new shrub species called Trichostigma guacharense in the Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park in southern Colombia.

The discovery took place in the tropical mountain rainforests of the Huila and Caqueta departments. The new plant belongs to the Petiveriaceae family and grows in humid montane forests at elevations between 1,800 and 2,150 meters above sea level.

Scientists noted that the shrub reaches approximately three meters in height and possesses unique physical traits, including reddish-magenta inflorescences and distinct leaf and fruit shapes that separate it from other members of its genus. The research team, which included Andres F. Majin-Ladino, M. Alejandra Jaramillo, Laura I. Ramos, Gerardo A. Aymard, and Pablo R. Stevenson, published their findings in the international journal Brittonia.

The publication includes a taxonomic diagnosis and an updated key for identifying different species within the Trichostigma genus. The scientific name honors both the national park and the oilbird, a cave-dwelling bird whose protection led to the park's creation in 1960. The park covers 7,134 hectares and serves as a protected area for Andean and sub-Andean forests.