It is home to more than 4,000 vascular plants, more than 2,500 kinds of medicinal plants, and over 20 species of rare plants protected at the national level, according to Liu Guodao, vice president of CATAS.

"The research began in 1993 but we made breakthroughs recently based on experiences and efforts over a period of more than 10 years. In total, we have found, named and published records of 85 new species in international journals, with 11 new species endemic to Hainan and 11 new in China," said Liu.