New Botanical Treasure: The First Record of Balanophora papuana in Thailand
Balanophora species are known for their medicinal properties, with reported effects including HIV inhibition, hypoglycemia control, anti-inflammatory activity, and analgesic properties. Balanophora in Thailand was first scientifically documented in the Flora of Thailand (Vol. 2, Part 2) by Hansen (1972b), which recorded five taxa. However, many herbarium specimens remained unidentified or misidentified, signaling the need for a comprehensive taxonomic revision. Recent research efforts at MWIT have revisited these specimens, leading to the discovery of a new species record for Thailand, Balanophora papuana Schltr. (Sakdapipanich et al., 2024, Fig. 1). This finding indicates the importance of continuous exploration and taxonomic investigation in biodiversity-rich regions such as Thailand. By reconstructing a dichotomous key for Thai or all Balanophora species, our study contributes significantly to future botanical research and conservation efforts.
