Tenasserim Mountains: Thai Scientists Discover Striking New Tree Species
BANGKOK — A team of Thai researchers has unveiled a remarkable addition to the world’s flora: a new plant genus and species discovered in the Tenasserim Mountain Range. The finding, announced on March 4th at a Bangkok press conference, represents a significant contribution to botanical science and underscores the biological richness of Thailand’s diverse ecosystems. Representatives from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Forestry and Department of Botany, along with officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the National Science Museum of Thailand, were present.
The new genus and species, scientifically classified as Somnuekia flaviflora, has been given the common name “Por Sri Somnuek” in honor of Somnuek Pong-umpai, a distinguished professor of dendrology at Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Forestry. The discovery is formally documented in the scientific journal PhytoKeys (254: 221–243, 2025) in a paper titled “Somnuekia flaviflora (Malvaceae, Brownlowioideae), a new genus and species from Thailand.” As reported by Khaosod English, this discovery marks an important milestone in the ongoing exploration and documentation of Thailand’s botanical diversity.
Somnuekia flaviflora is a tree reaching heights of up to 35 meters. Its bark is brownish-gray or whitish-gray, with a lighter brown inner bark. The leaves are simple, alternately arranged on the branches, and range in shape from ovate and heart-shaped to somewhat pentagonal. They measure 9–21 cm in width and 10–24 cm in length. Younger branches are noticeably hairy; mature branches are smoother. The inflorescence, a terminal panicle, can grow up to 40 cm long and is covered in whitish-gray, star-shaped scales. The “flaviflora” designation in its scientific name refers to its vibrant yellow flowers, which boast 25–50 yellow stamens. The fruit is a short, cylindrical capsule, about 5–6 cm long, with five longitudinal ridges and dense, star-shaped scales. The seeds are nearly round, dark brown, and also covered with these distinctive scales.
The Tenasserim Mountain Range, where Somnuekia flaviflora was found, forms a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, stretching approximately 1,700 kilometers through Southeast Asia. Although not exceptionally high, the range plays a crucial role in the region’s biodiversity.
“The discovery of a new genus is not an everyday occurrence. This finding highlights how much we still have to learn about the natural world and the importance of continued botanical exploration, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Tenasserim Mountains,” said a representative from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
This discovery prompts several key questions:
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How does this discovery impact our understanding of plant evolution? Discovering new genera helps scientists refine plant classifications and fill gaps in our understanding of evolutionary relationships. It may also reveal unique adaptations to specific environments.
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What are the potential applications of this discovery? New plant discoveries can lead to advances in medicine, agriculture, and materials science. While it is too early to determine specific applications for Somnuekia flaviflora, further research could unveil its potential.
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What does this say about the importance of conservation efforts? This discovery underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats like the Tenasserim Mountain Range, which harbor undiscovered species with potential value to both science and society. Continued deforestation and habitat loss could lead to the extinction of species before they are even known to science.
The identification of Somnuekia flaviflora represents a significant advance in botanical knowledge and underscores the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts in regions like the Tenasserim Mountains. The discovery not only adds to the global catalog of plant life but also serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may yet be unearthed within Earth’s diverse ecosystems.
