Researchers at Chiang Mai University discovered a new aromatic flowering plant in Narathiwat Province, which is considered a new plant species at risk of extinction. It was named “Bu-nga Lalisa” after Lisa Blackpink, a famous singer who is the inspiration of Ph.D. students in the research team.
The researchers under the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science of Chiang Mai University, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Thanawat Chaowasaku, Ms. Anisara Dumthongdee (a Ph.D. student of Biodiversity and Ethnic Biology), and Mr. Abdul Romae Baka (a researcher under PDiT, Plant Diversity in Thailand), studied specimens of aromatic plants in the genus Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae) in Narathiwat Province.
Integrating morphological data and molecular phylogeny, they found this new species; the full name is Bu-nga Lalisa, Friesodielsia lalisae Damth., Baka & Chaowasaku. Lalisa Manobal, or Lisa, a famous Thai singer in South Korea’s girl group Blackpink. Lisa’s strong commitment to her art inspired Ms. Anisara Dumthongdee in her Ph.D. study.
“Bu-nga Lalisa” is characterized as a woody climber. The flowers are solitary, with a strong aroma. The outer petals are long, yellow, and thick; the inner petals are not spreading, and are half the length of the outer petals. According to the survey, only two Bu-nga Lalisa trees were found in the secondary forest near a rubber plantation and an orchard in Chanae District of Narathiwat Province. Unfortunately, one of the Bu-nga Lalisa trees has recently been cut down, bringing it extremely close to extinction. Therefore, there is an urgent need for conservation and propagation.
This research is part of a research project on plant taxonomy and Molecular phylogeny of the genus Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae), with emphasis on rare and unknown species found in Thailand for conservation and sustainable use. This project has been supported by the Office of Thailand Science Research and Innovation Promotion (TSRI) and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The research article was published in the 53rd volume of the international academic journal Willdenowia in 2023.
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