Tag: new palm species discovered

Researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RGB), Kew, and their partners discovered a new palm species, which flowers and fruits almost entirely underground. According to the report published in PALMS on Monday, given the new-to-science species' unique characteristics, it is called Pinanga subterranea, which means 'underground' in Latin. What was the location of the plant? It is native to Borneo in Southeast Asia, where it is well known to locals. Some of them consume the bright red fruit, which is said to be sweet and juicy. Scientists have found approximately 300 different palm species on the island, but Pinanga subterranea has been overlooked for years. Locals refer to the plant in three Bornean languages: Pinang Tanah, Pinang Pipit, Muring Pelandok, and Tudong Pelandok. The ...