Editor's Note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

In August 2022, a scientific exploration team trekked into the forests of Guidong county, Hunan province, an expedition that ultimately led to the discovery of a new species of Salvia (commonly known as sage) that was recently reported in a botanical journal.

The team, which consisted of engineers Huang Yanbo and Ge Binjie from the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, as well as researcher Qi Zhechen from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, aimed to explore the wild habitat of Salvia, the largest genus within the mint family that boasts nearly 1,000 species distributed globally.

Guided by Huang Cunzhong, an official with the local natural resources administration, the team ventured into Qiyunfeng National Forest Park. It was there, on the forest's fringe near a stream in a valley, that they stumbled upon a distinctive Salvia population.