New plant species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh sanctuary

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Discovery sheds light on biodiversity

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have unearthed a new plant species, ‘Phlogacanthus sudhansu sekhar’, in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.

This exciting discovery reflects the rich biodiversity of the region, which is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

Species description and identification

The new species belongs to the Acanthaceae family and the Phlogacanthus genus, which comprises 13 known species, found mainly in the northeastern and eastern Himalayan states

‘Phlogacanthus sudhansusekhari’ has been named in honor of Dr. Sudhanshu Shekhar Dash, a distinguished BSI scientist. His significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region have been widely recognised.

Research and Publications

The discovery has been detailed in a research paper authored by Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maiti, published in the Indian Journal of Forestry.

Conservation and Future Prospects

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed excitement about the discovery and stressed the importance of preserving the natural resources of Arunachal Pradesh for future generations.

The discovery not only highlights the diverse flora of the region but also highlights the need to enhance conservation efforts.

Phlogacanthus sudhansu sekhar is found exclusively in the Northeast of India and usually thrives in moist, shady forests, playing an important role in its ecosystem.

Although its potential health benefits are still largely unknown, the plant may have important uses in traditional medicine.

This new species is very similar to Phlogacanthus guttatus but is distinguished by its unique morphological features, including bright purple flowers and distinctive leaves.