Researchers recently uncovered a fascinating new plant in Texas’ Big Bend National Park. This plant, named Ovicula biradiata, or the “wooly devil,” marks the first new genus and species found in a U.S. national park in nearly 50 years.
The wooly devil was detailed in a study published in February 2024 in the journal PhytoKeys. The Big Bend Park is famous among botanists, but this discovery shows that even well-studied areas can hold surprises. Isaac Lichter Marck, a plant taxonomist at the California Academy of Sciences, emphasizes that scientists continue to make unexpected finds in national parks. “Many assume that all plants and animals have been documented by now, but there’s still much to learn in these treasured landscapes,” he notes.
Despite its unique look, O. biradiata belongs to the sunflower family. After analyzing its DNA, researchers concluded that it’s not just another sunflower but a distinct species in a brand-new genus. A genus is a key category in biological classification, falling between species and families.
The wooly devil was discovered by a park volunteer in March 2024, who shared the observation through a community science app called iNaturalist. This small plant sports furry white leaves with maroon-striped florets. It’s informally called a “belly plant” since it’s easiest to see when you lie down. The wooly devil thrives in rocky, dry areas and usually blooms only after rainfall.
Plants that grow in deserts, like the wooly devil, have developed unique characteristics to survive in harsh environments. According to Lichter Marck, they have adaptations that help them endure extreme drought and sudden downpours. However, rising temperatures from climate change threaten these specialized plants. The wooly devil has only been spotted in a few locations in the park, raising concerns that it might already be at risk of extinction.
The name “Ovicula” translates to “tiny sheep,” a nod to the plant’s fuzzy leaves and the presence of bighorn sheep in Big Bend. Meanwhile, “biradiata” refers to its distinctive maroon stripes.
Botanist Carolyn Whiting, who co-authored the study, hopes to uncover more about the wooly devil, including its life cycle and how it reproduces. As the region currently faces a drought, it remains uncertain if more plants will sprout this spring.
In addition to its ecological importance, the wooly devil may also hold potential medical benefits. Researchers found glandular structures that, in other sunflower species, have properties linked to cancer prevention and anti-inflammatory effects. Keily Peralta from the California Academy of Sciences emphasizes that protecting plant diversity in delicate desert ecosystems is crucial for future discoveries.
This surprising find underscores the richness of plant diversity in national parks and highlights the importance of ongoing exploration in enhancing our understanding of nature. The wooly devil is a reminder that even in well-trodden environments, new treasures await discovery. For further reading on efforts to conserve biodiversity, you can explore this NASA Earth Observatory report on climate change and desertification.
Check out this related article: Uncovering Earth’s Billion-Year Mystery: How Geologists Are Using Rusty Rocks to Fill the Timeline Gap
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