New Plant Species Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Tags: Environment State News

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified a new plant species named Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

• The species is named in honor of Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a BSI Scientist, to acknowledge his significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region.

• The research findings were detailed by authors Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity in the Indian Journal of Forestry.

Characteristics of Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii

• Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii belongs to the family Acanthaceae and the genus Phlogacanthus.

• It is closely related to Phlogacanthus Guttatus (Wall) Nees, but can be distinguished by differences in the calyx form and size, staminodes, and corona color.

• In India, the Phlogacanthus genus comprises 13 species, predominantly found in the northeastern and eastern Himalayan states.

About Arunachal Pradesh

• It is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its borders with the countries of Bhutan, China and Myanmar.

• Establishment:- 20 February 1987

• Capital:- Itanagar (Executive Branch)

• Chief Minister:- Pema Khandu

• Official flower:- Rhynchostylis retusa

• Official Animal:- Gayal