Langsa (15 October 2024). – With the limited number of botanical explorations that include plant collecting activities, Mount Kemiri remains a considerably poorly known area. Some of at least 23 species were previously collected. Indeed, a species-rich place with some informally reported species. They belong to four genera according to the recent concept, i.e. Gaultheria, Rhododendron, Rigiolepis, and Vaccinium. Other genera like Pyrola and Styphelia is also likely to occur.
Among them is the widespread but problematic species, Gaultheria leucocarpa – a species from the same genus as the American wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens. Previous research suggests that variations of this strongly methyl-salicylate-smelled plant need further investigation, especially one that includes materials from the northern part of Sumatra.
The expedition will be conducted, after years of planning and delay, at the end of 2024. A formal permit application will be made to the Gunung Leuser National Park authority.