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New Flowering Plant Species 'Begonia nyishiorum' Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Eastern Himalayas.

Environment | Dated: 05 Jul 2025

In June 2025, forest officials from the Seppa Forest Division in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) discovered a new high-altitude flowering plant species named Begonia nyishiorum in the eastern Himalayan forests of East Kameng district. The finding adds to India’s botanical diversity and highlights the ecological richness of the region.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The plant was discovered during a forest expedition titled "Documentation of Rare Flora and Fauna of East Kameng District", carried out between July 2024 and January 2025 by the Seppa Forest Division. The study aimed to identify and conserve little-known species from this remote biodiversity hotspot.
  • - Begonia nyishiorum is a shade-loving species that thrives on moist, mountainous slopes at elevations between 1,500 to 3,000 metres above sea level. Its habitat lies in the cool, forested highlands of Arunachal Pradesh's East Kameng region.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The species is visually unique due to the presence of crimson-fringed indumentum (scales) on its light green petioles, a trait not found in any other Begonia species across Asia.
  • (ii) This feature also helps botanists differentiate it from over 2,150 recognised Begonia species worldwide.
  • (iii) The plant is currently known only from two remote forest locations within East Kameng. Its name, nyishiorum, pays tribute to the Nyishi tribe, the largest indigenous community in Arunachal Pradesh, acknowledging their traditional efforts in preserving forest ecosystems. The discovery has been formally published in the botanical journal Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, a new species of flowering plant named Begonia nyishiorum was discovered in which Indian state?

Correct Answer: Arunachal Pradesh

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