Through his research to document the diversity and conservation status of Belizean sedges, Dr. Robert Naczi of New York Botanical Garden recently discovered a species of beaksedge previously unknown to science. In Belize, the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) is one of the five largest (most species-rich) plant families. Beaksedges (genus Rhynchospora) are a diverse and ecologically important group of flowering plants, especially in the tropics. Beaksedges constitute the largest genus of plants in Belize, with 53 species.

When a scientist formally publishes a new species in order to make it known to the world, the new scientific name is one of the most exciting parts of the publication. This name becomes the means of communicating about the species throughout the world. Because this name will be permanent and must be unique, its formation is very important and provides an opportunity to be creative.

The fact the new species of beaksedge is unnamed presents an opportunity. Dr. Naczi has generously offered to donate the naming rights to BFREE to support our spring fundraising. Therefore, from Earth Day until Arbor Day, any donation of $100.00 or more will be entered into a raffle to win the opportunity to name the beaksedge. The minimum value of this naming opportunity has been set by Dr. Naczi at $15,000.00 with all proceeds going towards BFREE’s conservation programs. For every $100.00 you donate, your name is entered into the raffle one time!

Note: The fundraiser must reach its minimum goal of $15,000 for the raffle to occur.

The new species is remarkable in several ways. It is known only from Belize and increases the number of known plant species restricted to Belize to 42, highlighting the importance of Belize as a biodiversity hotspot. Too, this new species belongs to a group of species most diverse in the eastern U.S.A. In fact, this new species is the only member of this group that is restricted to the tropics. Its occurrence in Belize is completely unexpected, but Belize is full of surprises!

The money raised will go towards professional development opportunities and infrastructure improvements:

$2,500 - New Cacao Fellow, Roxanna Chen's, travel expenses to attend the Penn State Chocolate Course
$800 - First Aid/CPR training for BFREE staff
$1,200 - Install audio/visual system at the BFREE classroom
$10,000 - Acquire components for “The Chocolate Cafe” at the new Dining facility: including equipment for hot and cold BFREE drinking chocolate, local craft coffee, and specialty teas
$500 - Training materials, books and other resources for BFREE Science and Education Fellows

Rules for Naming:

We will have to provide a few rules/guidelines/conditions, including the following.

Fundraising goal must be met or exceeded.
The scientific name of a species consists of two parts, the genus name and the specific epithet, e.g. Rhynchospora marliniana. Rhynchospora is the genus name. This offer is for the opportunity to choose the specific epithet (the second half of the scientific name) for the new species.
The proposed species name must be unique, in order to meet the binding requirements of the international code of nomenclature for plants. In a genus as large as Rhynchospora, finding a unique name could be challenge, but Dr. Naczi will assist in this endeavor.
The proposed specific epithet must be latinized in order to meet the international rules of nomenclature. Again, Dr. Naczi will assist with this.

Botanical drawing of the newly identified Beaksedge – Copyright Bobbi Angell

z_Earth Day to Arbor Day Spring Fundraiser

Donate today for a chance to name a new species to science!