Discovery of New Plant Species in Arunachal Pradesh Sanctuary

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekhari, in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery draws attention to the wide range of plants and animals in the region.

Species Overview

The newly discovered species belongs to the Acanthaceae family and the Phlogacanthus genus, which contains 13 known species found mainly in the northeastern and eastern Himalayan states. Named after BSI scientist Dr Sudhanshu Shekhar Dash, this species recognizes his important contribution to ecological and plant research in the Indian Himalayan region.

Results of the investigation

The research paper detailing the discovery was written by Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maiti and published in the Indian Journal of Forestry. The new species is very similar to Phlogacanthus guttatus and differs in several morphological characteristics.

Importance of the discovery

Chief Minister Pema Khandu is happy with the discovery and stressed the importance of preserving the natural wealth of Arunachal Pradesh for future generations. The discovery not only highlights the biodiversity of the area, but also draws more attention to efforts to conserve it.

About Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekhari

The plant species Phlogacanthus sudhansusekhari is found only in India, in the northeastern region. It was found in 2015 and belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This plant has bright purple flowers and unique leaves. It is named after Sudhansu Shekhar Das. It usually grows in humid, shady forests and is an important part of the ecosystems of those places. Habitat loss makes conservation activities very important. Its health benefits have not yet been fully studied, suggesting it may have important uses in traditional medicine.

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