The Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs confirmed that researchers from Ege University have discovered a new endemic plant in southwestern Denizli.

The plant, named "Ekimia ozcan-secmenii," was found within the borders of Turkey's Sami Soydan Sandalcık Dam located in Denizli's Acıpayam district.

Following the discovery, the ministry in a statement said that the endemic plant grew densely only within this single territory.

In order to protect the species and surrounding biodiversity, it has placed the area under state protection.

"The newly discovered endemic plant 'Ekimia ozcan-secmenii' can only be seen in this specific area. To protect the new species, the ministry has placed the area under protection after necessary research," the statement said.

Commenting on the new discovery, Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu stressed the importance of protecting endemic plants and safeguard Turkey's biodiversity for the future generations.

"Turkey is very rich in terms of endemic plants. Our duty is to protect all these species and pass them down to future generations," he said.