Scientists from the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai have made an exciting discovery using drone technology. High above ground level, they found a never-before-documented plant belonging to the carnation family in the Waiahulu area of Waimea Canyon. Despite the difficult terrain, researchers were able to collect cuttings with a robotic arm called the Mamba and confirm it as a new species with DNA analysis.
The plant, named Schiedea waiahuluensis, has since been located in abundance with the help of drone flyovers. The botanical garden is now studying its pollination and seed dispersal methods while also investigating the possibility of a new insect species found with the plant.
This discovery highlights the importance of filling gaps in our knowledge of Hawaiian flora and unique environments. The collaboration between NTBG, the State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the plant extinction prevention program, and Outreach Robotics in Canada made this breakthrough possible.
NTBG drone operator Ben Nyberg expressed his excitement about this find and the global significance of using drones for species discovery. The success of this project showcases the potential for new technologies in botanical research.
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