Phitsanulok Flora

 Phitsanulok

 Phitsanulok (Thai: พิษณุโลก, pronounced [pʰít.sà.nú.lôːk]) is a city municipality in northern Thailand and the capital of Phitsanulok province. It had a city population of 60,827 and an urban population of approximately 200,000 in 2024, making it Thailand's 19th-most populous city proper and one of the major urban centers in the northern region. Located in the geographic center of the province, it occupies the fertile plains along the banks of the Nan River, which flows south to join the Chao Phraya River.

Phitsanulok was originally named "Song Khwae" (lit. "Two Rivers") as it used to be situated between the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers, although the Khwae Noi River now drains into the Nan River ten kilometers to the north of Phitsanulok. The Northern Chronicles credited the foundation of Song Khwae to "King Srithampidok" or King Thammaracha I of Sukhothai, on the east bank of Nan River. King Thammaracha I also constructed the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and cast famous Buddha images of Phra Buddha Chinnarat and Phra Buddha Chinnasri. Song Khwae eclipsed Sukhothai in importance, becoming the royal seat of Sukhothai Kingdom in 1378. After the demise of the last King of Sukhothai at Song Khwae in 1438, Prince Ramesuan of Ayutthaya came to rule Song Khwae. When Prince Ramesuan was crowned as King Trailokanat of Ayutthaya in 1448, Song Khwae and the Sukhothai Kingdom were incorporated into the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

National parks

edit

There are ten national parks in region 11 (Phitsanulok), of which five are in Phitsanulok province.(Visitors in fiscal year 2024)

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park	1,262 km2(487 sq mi)	(47,395)
Namtok Chat Trakan National Park	543 km2(210 sq mi)	(12,844)
Phu Soi Dao National Park	340 km2(130 sq mi)	(26,811)
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park	307 km2(119 sq mi)	(223,790)
Khwae Noi National Park	198 km2(76 sq mi)	(4,950)

Wildlife sanctuaries

edit

There are six wildlife sanctuaries in region 11 (Phitsanulok), of which two are in Phitsanulok province.

Phu Miang–Phu Thong Wildlife Sanctuary	697 km2 (269 sq mi)
Phu Khat Wildlife Sanctuary	241 km2 (93 sq mi)

Gesneriaceae species found in Phitsanulok province include Paraboea romklaoensis, Aeschynanthus hosseusii, and various limestone-dwelling Microchirita herbs. These plants typically grow in shaded montane forests and karst limestone formations. 

Gesneriaceae

Notable Genera and Species

Paraboea romklaoensis: An endemic gesneriad described from Phitsanulok province (specifically associated with Rom Klao areas/botanic contexts). 
Aeschynanthus hosseusii: An epiphytic species recorded in northern provincial high-elevation evergreen and montane forests (800–1,700 m). 
Microchirita Species: Multiple localized karst limestone species are documented in Phitsanulok's Noen Maprang district (such as around Tham Pha Tha Phon and Ban Mung areas) at lower elevations. 
Didymocarpus Species: Regionally surveyed across northern boundaries including extensions into Phitsanulok national parks. 
Rhynchoglossum saccatum Patthar สายน้ำค้าง 

Rhynchoglossum saccatum is a rare, small flowering plant species in the family Gesneriaceae that is endemic to Thailand. It was scientifically described by N. Pattharahirantricin in 2014 during a revision of the genus Rhynchoglossum specifically recorded in Phitsanulok province (such as the limestone cave areas in Noen Maprang).Found at heights around 200–250 meters.

🔄 to know Gesneriaceae

▶️ go to another place

Districts, Phitsanulok province	#	Name	Thai	Population	Tambon	Muban
	1	Mueang Phitsanulok	เมืองพิษณุโลก	291,311	20	173
	2	Nakhon Thai	นครไทย	87,772	11	147
	3	Chat Trakan	ชาติตระการ	41,346	6	72
	4	Bang Rakam	บางระกำ	94,643	11	142
	5	Bang Krathum	บางกระทุ่ม	47,359	9	87
	6	Phrom Phiram	พรหมพิราม	86,103	12	123
	7	Wat Bot	วัดโบสถ์	37,694	6	61
	8	Wang Thong	วังทอง	121,047	11	168
	9	Noen Maprang	เนินมะปราง	57,972	7	77