New plant species discovered in Texas national park after nearly 50 years

In March 2024, a new plant species called the Wooly Devil, or Ovicula biradiata, was discovered in Big Bend National Park located in southwest Texas. This significant discovery marks the first time in nearly 50 years that a new species of plant has been identified within a U.S. national park. The tiny, fuzzy plants with striking yellow flowers were first noticed by Deb Manley, a botany volunteer, alongside a park ranger during their exploration of remote areas within the park. The plants were growing among desert rocks, and their unique appearance led the park officials to believe they had found something distinctive. After extensive research involving consultations with experts, plant databases, and public inquiries, the staff at Big Bend, in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences and Sul Ross State University, confirmed the uniqueness of these plants. They published their findings in the botanical journal PhytoKeys, revealing that the plant's genetic composition was different enough to warrant classification as a new genus, Ovicula, which means 'tiny sheep.' The species is closely related to the daisy family, particularly paperflowers and bitterweed, both of which also possess yellow flowers. Researchers have noted that the Wooly Devil is significantly smaller than its relatives, measuring between less than 1 centimeter to 3-7 centimeters across. Its discovery was a notable moment for conservationists and botanists alike, raising questions about the resilience of plant species in desert environments. These plants have evolved to survive in extreme weather conditions; however, their continuing existence may be jeopardized by climate change, as suggested by taxonomist Lichter Marck, one of the researchers involved in the study. Finding the Wooly Devil in only three distinct locations within the northernmost part of Big Bend raises concerns about the potential fragility of this species. It may already be on a path towards extinction, showcasing the urgent need for conservation efforts and further understanding of the unique ecosystems within the park, covering over 800,000 acres of diverse Chihuahuan Desert landscape. The discovery underscores the importance of botanical research and the ongoing challenge that climate change poses to both specific plant species and the broader ecological framework they inhabit.