Meet the Worlds Newest Plants
MUCUNA CHIAPANECA, The climbing vine, which was found in Mexico, is one of nine new species that are related to the genus Mucuna. They contain a dopamine precursor, L-DOPA, which may help treat Parkinson's disease. MANIHOT DEBILIS, Scientists found this wild relative to cassavaa diet staple in the developing worldin central Brazil. It could help scientists develop new strains of cassava that are more resistant to climate change. BEGONIA ACIDULENTA, This 19-in.-long plant is one of 29 new species of Begonia that were discovered mainly in the forests of Malaysia. Locals use its leaves to polish silver and as an acidic food flavoring.