A Tiny Tibetan Treasure: New Sinocrassula Species Discovered

Image: Chinese Academy Of Sciences

A team of scientists from the Wuhan Botanical Garden (WBG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has identified a new species of succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Named Sinocrassula cuonaensis, the species was discovered in Cuona County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The finding adds to the growing understanding of Tibet’s rich alpine biodiversity and offers new insights into the evolution and distribution of the Sinocrassula genus.

Discovery in Cuona County

The discovery began in August 2023 during a botanical field survey in the mountainous terrain of Cuona County. Researchers noticed an unusual Sinocrassula plant characterized by its thick, nearly cylindrical basal leaves — a feature not observed in previously known species. Intrigued by this unique morphology, the research team conducted a follow-up expedition in October 2024, confirming another population of the same plant. They collected detailed specimens and cultivated living samples in WBG’s greenhouses to support long-term observation and further analysis.

Scientific Confirmation

To ensure the plant’s novelty, the researchers conducted both morphological studies and molecular phylogenetic analyses. They compared the plant’s characteristics against related Sinocrassula species, examined herbarium specimens, and reviewed relevant scientific literature. Their comprehensive study confirmed that this succulent represents a species new to science. The name Sinocrassula cuonaensis honors Cuona County, the site of its discovery.

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Although the species shares some traits with three related plants — S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, and S. jiaozishanensis — it can be distinguished by three defining features: its compact, rosette-shaped clusters of thick, nearly cylindrical basal leaves; subtle greenish-white flowers; and sub-rectangular nectar scales.

Ecological and Botanical Significance

The discovery of Sinocrassula cuonaensis expands the known plant diversity of the Tibet Autonomous Region and contributes to research on the biogeography and evolutionary history of the Sinocrassula genus. “The identification of Sinocrassula cuonaensis highlights the remarkable biodiversity of Tibet’s alpine ecosystems and underscores the importance of continued botanical exploration,” the researchers noted. Tibet’s high-altitude regions, with their unique climatic and geological conditions, continue to reveal new plant species, showcasing the region as a vital center of biodiversity in Asia.

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