Chinese botanists have described a new plant species, Impatiens shanglinensis, first found in November 2022 in Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Shanglin County, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Its scientific description was published in Plant Systematics and Evolution on May 25, 2026.
A Rare Branch of the Impatiens Genus
The new species belongs to the subgenus Clavicarpa, which accounts for less than 10 percent of known Impatiens species. New discoveries within this group have been rare in recent years.
The plant is distinguished by obovate or obovate-lanceolate leaves, long bracts, and the structure of its sepals. Its white flowers appear from October to November.
Three Known Populations
Impatiens shanglinensis was found in a pristine forest valley at an elevation of 803 metres in Damingshan National Nature Reserve. Researchers have documented three wild populations totalling around 300 plants.
The report does not specify a formal conservation status for the new species.
