Rare flowering plant discovered in Arunachal provisionally classified as critically endangered

Itanagar, Nov 7 (PTI) A newly discovered flowering plant species in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Aeschynanthus basarensis after Basar in Leparada district, recognising the region's rich botanical heritage.

    The species has been named after the birthplace of its co-author and conservationist Egam Basar, who is the director of the state horticulture research and development institute (SHRDI) in Itanagar and founder of EB-Project Nature.

    Belonging to the Gesneriaceae family, the plant was discovered during a botanical survey conducted by scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Itanagar, at a conservation site in Soi village.

    Researchers have provisionally assessed the species as 'Critically Endangered' under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Categories and Criteria, estimating that only around 20-25 mature individuals survive across two localities, Basar said.

    Basar had suggested to BSI scientists about a year ago that they visit the conservation area under the EB-Project Nature initiative to document its plant diversity..

    The site is home to hundreds of indigenous plant species, some of which are yet to be scientifically identified.

    During the survey, scientists collected specimens of an unusual epiphytic plant growing on tree bark.

    Detailed examination and comparison with existing scientific records and herbarium specimens confirmed that it was a species previously unknown to science.

    "I suggested naming this remarkable plant after Basar, my birthplace, as a living tribute to my native land," Basar said in a statement.

    He said the plant could also be seen at a repository maintained by the conservation initiative at Gori village.

    The specimen was first collected around eight years ago from a fallen tree inside a sacred grove in the project area.

    The research paper describing the new species was authored by Dr Krishna Chowlu, Egam Basar, Chandramohan Kolagani and Gopal Krishna.

    Chowlu and other scientists are affiliated with the BSI.

    According to the scientific description, Aeschynanthus basarensis is an epiphytic plant with thick, succulent leaves measuring 3-4 cm in length.

    Its leaves are green on the upper surface and reddish-brown underneath, while its flowers are blood-red and measure around 2-2.2 cm.

    The species resembles Aeschynanthus micranthus and Aeschynanthus buxifolius but differs in leaf size, floral structures and style length, establishing its distinct identity.

    Researchers said the plant is currently known only from two locations in the Soi village area of Leparada district.

    Its habitat faces threats from shifting cultivation, locally known as jhum, and landslides, the statement added.

    Arunachal Pradesh is recognised as an important centre of diversity for the Gesneriaceae family, accounting for nearly 70-80 per cent of the family's recorded diversity in India, the research paper noted.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)