Lilium huanglongense (Liliaceae): a newly-discovered species in north-western Sichuan, China

Researchers have identified Lilium huanglongense, a newly-discovered lily species within the section Lophophora, found in the Huanglong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. This discovery fills a distribution gap between broad-leaved forest and alpine scrub species in the Hengduan Mountains, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Morphological similarities to Lilium fargesii and molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ITS and chloroplast genomes confirm its independent status. The study enhances understanding of Lophophora diversity and distribution history, contributing to the region's rich botanical heritage.

Wang, T., Yuan, Y., Zhou, T.-H., & Gao, Y. (2025). Lilium huanglongense (Liliaceae): a newly-discovered species in north-western Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys, 252, 9–24. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.135155