The vast and rugged landscapes of Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert, have once again proven to be a treasure trove of biodiversity. A new species and genus of sunflower, the wooly devil (Ovicula biradiata), has been discovered—marking the first plant of its kind found in a U.S. national park in nearly 50 years.
This remarkable desert ecosystem is the largest and most biologically diverse warm desert in North America, home to wildlife such as coyotes, quail, wild horses, and alligator lizards.
Despite over a century of botanical research, the wooly devil remained undetected due to its small size, fuzzy white leaves, and deep maroon petals. It is a “belly plant”, meaning it requires close-up observation and only blooms after rare desert rains.
Desert plants like O. biradiata are uniquely adapted to extreme conditions. They store water, have rapid life cycles triggered by rain, and grow alongside hardy species like ocotillo, cacti, and creosote.
However, with continued extreme heat and drought, even these resilient plants face extinction risks. Scientists have only found the wooly devil in three small areas, suggesting it may already be endangered.
Beyond its ecological significance, researchers believe O. biradiata may have medicinal properties. Under a microscope, it reveals glands similar to those found in other sunflower family plants with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds.
This discovery highlights the importance of conserving desert ecosystems, which may still hold countless hidden species and potential scientific breakthroughs.
