New Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh Sanctuary

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh. This find brings attention to the area’s wide range of plants and animals.

Species Overview

The newly discovered species belongs to the family Acanthaceae and the genus Phlogacanthus, which includes 13 known species primarily found in northeastern and eastern Himalayan states. Named in recognition of Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a BSI scientist, the species acknowledges his significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region.

Research Findings

The research paper detailing this discovery was authored by Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity and published in the Indian Journal of Forestry. The new species is closely related to Phlogacanthus guttatus, differing in distinct morphological features.

Significance of Discovery

Chief Minister Pema Khandu was happy about the discovery and stressed how important it is to protect Arunachal Pradesh’s natural wealth for future generations. This discovery not only shows off the biodiversity of the area, but also brings more attention to attempts to protect it.

About Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii

The Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii plant species is only found in India, in the Northeast area. It was found in 2015 and is in the family Acanthaceae. This plant has bright purple flowers and unique leaves. It was named after Sudhansu Sekhar Das. It usually grows in damp, shady woods and is an important part of the ecosystems in those places. Loss of habitat makes conservation activities very important. Its health benefits haven’t been fully studied yet, which shows that it might have important uses in traditional medicine.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2024

Category: Agriculture Current Affairs