News

CMU Researchers Discover ‘Ruchi Sirin’, a New Plant Species, Enhancing Knowledge of Thai Biodiversity

5 June 2026
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)

A rare plant species found in Narathiwat Province and discovered by a Chiang Mai University research team has been bestowed the name ‘Ruchi Sirin’ by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The team discovered this new plant species within the genus Pseuduvaria Miq. of the family Annonaceae in the tropical rainforests of Narathiwat. The royally bestowed name ‘Ruchi Sirin’ has brought great pride to both the research team and Chiang Mai University, whilst the discovery further enhances Thailand’s biodiversity profile on an international scale.
The project was led by Associate Professor Dr. Tanawat Chaowasku from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science. The research team also included Ms. Chanita Yoosukkee, a former graduate student who now teaches biology at Tha Chang Wittayakarn School; Dr. Anissara Damthongdee, a post-doctoral researcher in biodiversity and ethnobiology; and independent researchers Mr. Kithisak ‘Aongyong’ Chanthamrong, Mr. Abdulromea Baka, and Mr. Ismael Sama-ae.
Ruchi Sirin bears the scientific name Pseuduvaria sirindhorniana Yoosukkee, Damth. & Chaowasku. It is a small tree standing approximately 3–4 meters tall. Its axillary inflorescences produce flowers with 6 petals arranged in 2 whorls of 3. The outer petals are creamy white, whereas the inner petals are magenta, transitioning to a cream-colored apex. The apices of these inner petals are connivant, meeting to form a beautiful dome featured with openings between adjacent inner petals that act as entryways for pollinators. When the entire tree comes into full bloom simultaneously, its appearance is exceptionally striking and prominent.
In honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s continuous support of plant taxonomy and genetic conservation, and on the auspicious occasion of her 72nd (6th cycle) birthday anniversary, Chiang Mai University submitted a request to name this newly discovered species after her and to seek a royal vernacular name. Her Royal Highness subsequently graciously bestowed the vernacular name Ruchi Sirin, bringing immense pride to the research team and the university.
The findings confirming Pseuduvaria sirindhorniana as a new species were effectively published online on May 26, 2026, in the journal Blumea (Volume 70, Issue 3, pages 271–280). The identification of the species is robustly substantiated by detailed morphological comparisons alongside molecular phylogenetic analyses utilizing six plastid DNA regions. This study was conducted as part of a research project supported by the Mid-Career Researcher Development Grant from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Chiang Mai University.
Ruchi Sirin is a rare species, found exclusively in tropical forests near streams in the Chanae and Ra-ngae districts of Narathiwat, outside of formal conservation areas. The species currently faces pressure from land-use changes driven by rubber tree, oil palm, and fruit tree plantations, which poses a distinct risk of extinction. Consequently, the researchers have proposed the conservation of its natural habitat alongside the application of biotechnology, particularly tissue culture, for propagation and planting across botanical gardens and relevant agencies.
Beyond expanding the catalogue of flora found in Thailand, this discovery underscores the vital importance of fundamental research in plant taxonomy, which serves as the cornerstone for further study, conservation, and sustainable biological resource use. Plants discovered today may well pave the way for future advancements and applications across various fields, spanning ecology and horticulture to the study of active compounds that could benefit humanity in the years to come.

?
Research and Innovation News Highlights

Gallery