The recent discovery of a new species of floating fern in Dapeng New District was published in Phytotaxa, an international peer-reviewed online journal that focuses on original research regarding the taxonomy of plants, algae, and fungi.

The Baguang floating fern. Courtesy of iDapeng WeChat account 

Named the Baguang floating fern after its discovery location in Baguang, this species was identified in 2023. Researchers noted that its leaf shape significantly differs from that of its related species. Further comparisons, analyses, and observations by the research group confirmed it as a new species, with their findings officially published in July 2024.

The Baguang floating fern measures 26.5 to 35 centimeters in height, featuring a short, upright rhizome and growing in muddy flats. This discovery enriches the biodiversity of the coastal wetland and provides valuable material for research on the evolution of floating ferns.