สำนักงานวิเทศสัมพันธ์ สำนักงานอธิการบดี 2024/08/20 , ( 311 views)
Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU) congratulates Assistant Professor Dr. Chortip Kantachot from the Department of Biological Science, and her research team, for their significant discovery of new plant species.
The newly identified species, called Helicteres ubonensis Chantar. & Kantachot, commonly called “Kee Oon King Dum,” was found in Ubon Ratchathani Province. This shrub, ranging from 1 to 2 meters high, features narrowly parallelogram-shaped or oval leaves, dark brown to blackish branches, and purple-white or pink flowers. The fruit of this plant has a distinct pointed beak. The discovery was made at Soi Sawan Waterfall, Pha Taem National Park, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This research was conducted in collaboration with Professor Dr. Pranom Chantaranothai from the Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University and was published in Blumea Journal, Volume 69, Pages 13-15, in 2024.
Another newly discovered species, Amischotolype balslevii Boonsuk, Chantar. & Kantachot, is known as “Muang Sri Udon,” is a herbaceous climbing plant characterized by its smooth stem, leaf sheaths, and leaf plates, with a purple calyx and purplish-white fruits. This species was discovered in Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province, and is found in Loei, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, and Laos. This research was carried out in collaboration with Assistant Professor Dr. Boonchuang Boonsuk from the Faculty of Science at the University of Phayao, alongside Professor Dr. Pranom Chantaranothai from Khon Kaen University. The finding was published in Blumea Journal, Volume 69, Pages 49-53, in 2024. This research was funded by the Center of Excellence on Biodiversity and Flora of Thailand Project.
This achievement highlights the excellence of the UBU researcher and aligns with the university’s mission to advance high-quality research and knowledge creation. Such contributions enhance the quality of life and regional economic development, reinforcing UBU’s international reputation.
English version by: Kanjana Manomai
Original (Thai) version by: Tippawan Valuvanathorn
English revised by: James K. Powell II
Photos by: Faculty of Science
