Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi: a new nickel hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with potential for tropical agromining

A new nickel hyperaccumulator plant, Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi, has been discovered in Sabah (Borneo Island), with significant potential for tropical agromining. This rare species, found only on Lompoyou Hill near Kinabalu Park, can accumulate high concentrations of nickel and is easily cultivated, making it a promising candidate for metal extraction from soil using plants. The study identifies its unique flower structure, suggesting pollination by Epicephala moths, and classifies it within the subgenus Gomphidium, representing the most western species in this group. Its potential use in agromining not only offers a novel approach to metal extraction but also provides a mechanism for conserving this endangered taxon, emphasizing the importance of habitat and germplasm preservation for rare species utilized in green technologies.

Bouman, R., van Welzen, P., Sumail, S., Echevarria, G., Erskine, P. D., & van der Ent, A. (2018). Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi: a new nickel hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with potential for tropical agromining. Botanical Studies, 59(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40529-018-0225-y