Botanic gardens discovers new plant species

15:12:20 24th December 2009

Researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew have discovered 292 species of plant in its 250th anniversary year of 2009.

These include an unknown variety of acanthus which was discovered by biologist Iain Darbyshire, who spotted the plant when on his lunch break, the Times reports.

"I happened to be walking a different way through the glasshouse and noticed it because it was in full flower," he told the news provider.

"It was just because I was working in the group that I realised it was a new species."

It turned out the plant had been brought to the gardens from Africa but classified incorrectly.

The gardens discoveries also include seven varieties of coffee this year, which will come as good news to those who like the drink.

A unique tall tree with exploding seed pods was also among the new finds.

Kew Gardens has a number of giant temperature-controlled glass sheds where plants from tropical climates are kept.

Find out more information about potting sheds.