A young graduate in Natural Resources discovered three plant species that, although already had records in other areas of the country, had never been detected in the Chaco region. The finding of these plants unknown to the environment took place in the El Impenetrable National Park, one of the last refuges of native biodiversity in northern Argentina.
The species are a vine (Ruehssia castillonii), a terrestrial air plant, and a variant of Lantana (Lantana micrantha) with pink flowers and dark berries. These records mark progress in the botanical knowledge of the Chaco ecosystem.
The graduate from the National University of Rosario has been volunteering in this park for two months, where she participates in fauna reintroduction tasks. During her daily walks through the forest, she managed to identify the plants thanks to her experience in plant communities.
This finding highlights the importance of fieldwork and a trained eye to detect peculiarities among wild vegetation.
Vine Ruehssia castillonii, species discovered in Chaco. Photo: iNaturalis Panama.
Unknown plants in this environment: exploring to conserve
Although these species were already known in other regions of the country, it does not mean they are not unknown plants in the Chaco, where they had not been officially recorded. Now, the scientific process requires their collection, documentation, and deposit in a herbarium to formally validate the discovery.
The unique characteristics of these plants caught the specialist’s attention. The vine stands out for its dark green leaves and striking fruits. The terrestrial air plant, unlike those that grow on trees or cables, appears directly on the ground. The Lantana surprised with the color of its flowers, unusual in the area.
The identification was possible thanks to collaborative biodiversity platforms and teamwork with colleagues. These records enrich the park’s plant inventory and enhance future research.
Threats in a wild paradise
The Chaco region is one of the most affected by deforestation. The advance of clearing threatens not only these newly recorded species, but also the entire ecological network that depends on the native forest.
Each loss of forest cover implies the destruction of the habitat of plants, animals, and fungi. Even the herbaceous species, which are not valuable for timber, suffer the consequences.
The finding highlights how much remains to be discovered in El Impenetrable. Exploring its plant communities not only allows for expanding knowledge but also reinforces the urgency of protecting one of the country’s last great natural strongholds.
Lantana micrantha, one of the unknown plants discovered in Chaco. Photo: ArgentiNat.
Habitats of the Chaco forest: refuge of botanical rarities
The three plant species recently recorded in the El Impenetrable National Park find in the Chaco forest a favorable environment to develop. This ecosystem, characterized by dense vegetation, sandy soils, and marked seasonality, hosts a unique and still little explored biodiversity.
The vine Ruehssia castillonii is usually found in clearings of dry forests, where it climbs on low shrubs and small trees. It requires partial sunlight and well-drained soils, typical of open areas within the forest.
The terrestrial air plant, an unusual species for developing directly on the ground instead of on trees, grows in areas of partial shade, among leaf litter and organic remains. This microhabitat provides it with essential moisture and nutrients for its survival.
The Lantana micrantha, with its pink flowers and dark berries, adapts to roadside edges, clear margins, and sites with minimal alterations. It prefers areas with good sun exposure, which stimulates its flowering and fruiting, essential for its dispersion.
