In 2025, the California Academy of Sciences described 72 new species, including a new sunflower genus found in Big Bend National Park named what?

In 2025, the California Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with other institutions, proudly announced the description of 72 new species, significantly expanding our understanding of Earth's biodiversity. Among these remarkable discoveries was a plant found within the rugged landscapes of Big Bend National Park in Texas. This particular find was exceptional, as it represented not only a new species but an entirely new genus within the sunflower family, a rare botanical event in a U.S. national park, marking the first such discovery in nearly 50 years.

This unique sunflower genus was formally named Ovicula biradiata. Its common name, the "wooly devil," aptly describes its appearance, characterized by thick, white hairs covering its leaves and distinctive maroon-marked florets that diverge from the typical bright, sunburst shape of most sunflowers. The scientific name itself is quite descriptive: "Ovicula" is Latin for "tiny sheep," referencing its woolly texture and serving as an homage to the bighorn sheep native to Big Bend, while "biradiata" points to the two ray florets present in each flower. The plant was initially observed in March 2024 by a park volunteer, Deb Manley, who shared her photos on the community science platform iNaturalist, sparking the scientific investigation that led to its formal description.

Ovicula biradiata is a "belly plant," a term botanists use for small, discreet flora that require one to lie on the ground to properly observe them. It thrives in the harsh, rocky, calcareous soils of the Chihuahuan Desert and is an ephemeral annual, blooming only after rainfall. Discoveries like the wooly devil underscore that even in well-studied and iconic protected areas like national parks, there are still vast amounts of undocumented life waiting to be found. These new species provide crucial insights into ecosystem function and highlight the ongoing importance of biodiversity research and conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.