A group of Peruvian and foreign botanists have discovered two new endangered plant species from mining activities in the Peruvian Andes, the mayor of San Marcos National University reported Tuesday.
The new species, named Viola hornata and Viola longibracteorata, belong to the Neoandinium subgenus of violets, of which there are currently 15 species in Peru.
“San Marquino botanists have published a study revealing two new species of plants discovered in Arequipa and Moquegua that are in grave danger because of mining activity,” the university said in a statement. .
This subgenus brings together species that are mostly found living in the Andes at very high altitudes in remote and largely unexplored areas between 3,800 and 5,000 meters above sea level.
The new species is a perennial herb, more or less hairy, and grows in small flowered rosettes. Due to its appearance, it is considered an enigmatic species as its color and shape can easily be confused with its environment.
“The conservation status of both new species is in jeopardy, primarily due to the degradation of current and potential habitat quality, as these areas have been severely impacted by large-scale mining development.” added the statement.
The plant was recently discovered in the high Andean regions of the Moquegua and Arequipa regions in the southern part of the country.
Source: Diario.Elmundo