Introduction

In an exciting turn of events, a park volunteer spotted an unusual fuzzy flower while strolling through the stunning landscapes of Big Bend National Park in Texas' Chihuahuan Desert. This whimsical flower, dubbed the "woolly devil," signifies more than just a pretty face; it is a groundbreaking revelation as the first new plant genus identified in a U.S. national park in nearly half a century!

The last time such a distinction was recorded was back in 1976 with the discovery of the July gold shrub (Dedeckera eurekensis) in Death Valley National Park. According to the California Academy of Sciences, this remarkable find serves as a reminder that the vast diversity of plant life in the Chihuahuan Desert remains largely unexplored.

"Many people assume that by now, the flora and fauna in our national parks have been thoroughly documented," expressed Isaac Lichter Marck, a botanist from the California Academy of Sciences and co-author of the study detailing this new species. "Yet, scientists continue to uncover extraordinary discoveries in these beloved protected areas."

The Discovery Journey

The journey of the woolly devil began in March 2024 when Deb Manley, the observant park volunteer, contributed photos of the intriguing blooms—measuring between 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 centimeters)—to the citizen science platform iNaturalist. Enthusiasts and experts from around the globe became involved, collaborating to identify the peculiar plant.

With the assistance of a dedicated team of botanists and biologists, Manley examined its physical traits and conducted genetic analyses, comparing its DNA with samples from herbaria at Sul Ross State University and the California Academy of Sciences. Their findings confirmed that this remarkable plant was indeed a new species, as well as a new genus, belonging to the sunflower family. Published on February 18 in the journal PhytoKeys, the research introduces the scientific name Ovicula biradiata. The name pays homage to the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), a threatened species, while the plant’s unique white and woolly leaves and horn-like red and white flowers draw inspiration from its discovery site, near Devil’s Den.

Biodiversity Under Threat

The Chihuahuan Desert is not only the largest warm desert in North America but one of the most biologically diverse regions, with Big Bend National Park housing an impressive array of species, many of which have very limited distributions. However, the woolly devil is currently known to inhabit only a small area of the park, leading researchers to suspect that its survival could be jeopardized by climate change.

This region has recently experienced severe drought, a situation expected to worsen as global temperatures rise. As a result, the woolly devil may face significant threats to its existence, qualifying it as a vulnerable species. "As climate change makes deserts hotter and drier, specialized plants like the woolly devil could be at serious risk of extinction," warned Lichter Marck. "It's likely that we’ve documented a species that might already be on the brink of disappearing."

In this age of climate uncertainties, the discovery of the woolly devil emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and highlights the importance of continued exploration in the world’s national parks. Who knows what other hidden botanical treasures await discovery in these timeless landscapes?