This World Wildlife Day, we are celebrating the role of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), which are essential for both human health and ecological balance. To highlight this year’s theme – “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods” – we have spotlighted six fascinating species from the open-access journal PhytoKeys.
Medicinal Marvels
The Coleus genus, a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, comprises approximately 294 species of perennial herbs and subshrubs native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. These plants are well-regarded for their diverse medicinal applications, and are traditionally employed to address respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis. The pictured Coleus harmandii species, native to Indo-China, shares the genus’ characteristic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Read more: Paton AJ, Mwanyambo M, Govaerts RHA, Smitha K, Suddee S, Phillipson PB, Wilson TC, Forster PI, Culham A (2019) Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus (Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera. PhytoKeys 129: 1-158. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.129.34988
Meanwhile, an interesting-looking parasitic plant named Balanophora xinfeniae, and found in the shaded forests of Motuo County in Tibet, exhibits similar properties. A study on its taxonomic identification notes the broader medicinal significance of the Balanophora genus. Indeed, species within this genus are historically used to treat ailments, including liver disorders, stomach aches and hemorrhoids.
Read more: Fu C-L, Zhou J-N, Liao W-H, Zhang T, Xu B, Li M (2025) Balanophora xinfeniae (Balanophoraceae), a new species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys 266: 241-252. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400
Perhaps the most interesting of the bunch are species within the genus Huperzia, commonly known as firmosses, which are highly valued for their ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease. While the newly-discovered species, Huperzia crassifolia, was identified during medicinal plant inventories in China, it belongs to a group of plants that have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for cognitive health. Because this new species is a close relative of these established medicinal plants, it holds significant potential for future pharmaceutical research.
Read more: Guo Z-Y, Liu H-M, Wang K-K, Fujiwara T, Liu Z-Y, Zhang X-C, Schneider H (2024) Huperzia crassifolia (Lycopodiaceae), a new species from China based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys 246: 27-42. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.246.131046
Fragrant Frontiers
We now shift our focus to aromatic plants, beginning with Capsicum fruits. These are driven by a diverse range of organic compounds, responsible for their characteristic “bell pepper” scent. Pictured below, Capsicum cornutum is a unique pepper known locally in Rio de Janeiro as Pimentinha-do-mato (wild pepper). Its specific aroma is the product of rust-coloured outer hairs, which densely cover its stems and leaves. Unlike many common garden peppers, this species features a continuous ring of glandular hairs, which give it a distinct herbal scent.
Read more: Barboza GE, García CC, Bianchetti LB, Romero MV, Scaldaferro M (2022) Monograph of wild and cultivated chili peppers (Capsicum L., Solanaceae). PhytoKeys 200: 1-423. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.200.71667
Plants within the genus Uvariodendron are also frequently characterised by the presence of aromatic compounds. Their scents are concentrated in the leaves, bark and flowers, ranging from spicy and peppery notes to distinct citrus or anise-like fragrances. These aromatic profiles have served as key diagnostic markers for botanists; for instance, species like Uvariodendron anisatum are named specifically for their scent. Interestingly, the fragrance emitted by the pictured Uvariodendron molundense aids in attracting many pollinators!
Read more: Dagallier L-PMJ, Mbago FM, Couderc M, Gaudeul M, Grall A, Loup C, Wieringa JJ, Sonké B, Couvreur TLP (2023) Phylogenomic inference of the African tribe Monodoreae (Annonaceae) and taxonomic revision of Dennettia, Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis. PhytoKeys 233: 1-200. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.233.103096
We end our series with the species Neocinnamomum citratum, a recently described evergreen tree from southwestern China. Unlike other Neocinnamomum species, which typically possess only a faint fragrance, N. citratum is characterised by a strong lemon fragrance present throughout its branches, leaves and bark. This potent aroma is reflected in its specific epithet, “citratum”. Due to these aromatic properties, the species has practical local utility; in Malipo County, for instance, residents collect the branches and leaves to use as spices for cooking.
Read more: Lin W-L, Zhang Z-Y, Deng C-Y, Xu W-B, Liu B (2026) Taxonomic notes on Neocinnamomum (Lauraceae): a new combination and a new species from southwestern China. PhytoKeys 269: 209-220. .https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177163
From the life-saving potential of Huperzia crassifolia to the cultural heritage of Neocinnamomum citratum, these selected species demonstrate that the conservation of wildlife is deeply intertwined with our own survival. Through the protection of these medicinal and aromatic plants, we can safeguard the health and heritage of our planet for generations to come.
Cover image: Passiflora juliana – Porter-Utley K (2014) A revision of Passiflora L. subgenus Decaloba (DC.) Rchb. supersection Cieca (Medik.) J. M. MacDougal & Feuillet (Passifloraceae). PhytoKeys 43: 1-224. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.43.7804
Don’t forget to also keep yourself up-to-date with the latest discoveries described in PhytoKeys by signing up for the journal newsletter from the PhytoKeys homepage. You can also follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.
