Scientists have identified a new species of ginger in the Kabobo Massif in Congo which marks the eighth species found in the area. The scientists hope the new discovery will reinvigorate the importance of preserving the site, which is one of the most diverse in Africa.
There are fifty species of ginger spread throughout Africa and Madagascar. Both people and wildlife eat the fruits of many such plants, and the roots are also consumed, though to a lesser extent.
This particular plant has been called Aframomum ngamikkense, after one of the peaks in the Kabobo Massif. Its habitat is confined to 1,500 – 2,500 meters, occurring only in some isolated patches. However, in these patches, it’s very abundant. The plant was discovered during an expedition conducted by researchers from Trento Science Museum and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), with subsequent genetic analysis revealing that it’s a new species.
