See The New Plant Species Discovered In West Texas

West Texas has made it to national news more than a few times. Unfortunately, it's usually something negative and not something we locals brag about.

Good news West Texas, we made it to national and it's on the brighter side of the usual news we get highlighted for.

👇🏽KEEP SCROLLING: POISONOUS TEXAS PLANTS THAT COULD KILL YOU👇🏽

New Plant Species Found at Big Bend National Park

Almost a year ago in March 2024, a park ranger and volunteer came across a plant they did not recognize. The small plants were spread out through the desert rocks in a far northern part of the park.

While scientists researched the unknown plant they referenced herbarium records, species databases, experts, and taxonomy reporting, plus posted the plant photos online.

Nearly a year later it was confirmed that the plant was a new species.

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Naming the New Species

Researchers decided to name the new plant species Ovicula biradiata. According to the National Park Service, the inspiration behind the name is the interesting way the plant looks.

Ovicula means tiny sheep and that is referencing the thick white "wool" that covers the leaves. Biradiata is referencing the two noticeable ray petals in each flower.

Scientific names are cool but nicknames are cooler, this plant's nickname is the "wooly devil."

Other Discoveries at Big Bend

I bet you didn't know there have been other great scientific discoveries in Big Bend!

A fossil record of a new Duck-billed dinosaur species was found in the park and also a detection of an oak species that scientists thought was extinct.