Northeast Desk, 18th July: Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India have unveiled a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, discovered within the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Belonging to the Acanthaceae family’s Phlogacanthus genus, the species is named in honor of Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, recognizing his contributions to botanical and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan Region.
This discovery not only highlights India’s diverse natural heritage but also underscores the importance of preserving such ecosystems.
In a separate June discovery, researchers from the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre of the Botanical Survey of India identified another new plant species in the Mandala region of West Kameng district. Named Petrocosmea arunachalense, it represents only the second species of its genus known in India, within the family Gesneriaceae.
These findings underscore Arunachal Pradesh’s status as a biodiversity hotspot, known for its rich flora. Petrocosmea arunachalense contributes to the growing catalog of unique plant species in the state, emphasizing the ongoing need for conservation efforts to safeguard its natural treasures.
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