New flowering plant species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

A new species of flowering plant has been discovered in the Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh. Named Begonia neelamorum, the plant is featured in the latest issue of the international scientific journal Taiwania, alongside new species from the Philippines and Sulawesi. Dipankar Borah, a teacher at Kaliabor College in Assam's Nagaon district, led the research study. The other study authors are Madhusadhan Khanal of Sikkim University, Momang Taram of Jawaharlal Nehru College in Arunachal Pradesh, and Neelam Gap from the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union. Researchers found the single-leaf, tuberous plant growing on steep, moist walls along the Keyi River at about 1,000 metres above mean sea level during an expedition in May. After examining the physical characteristics and comparing it with herbarium specimens, they determined it is closest to Begonia prolifera, though it differs in its ovate leaves with double-serrated margins, distinct inflorescence structure, and shorter styles. The team named the new species after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi community, who are the dominant group in the district and helped researchers during the expedition. Local residents call the plant kobiirhopu baabrai. Begonia neelamorum stands about 10 to 12 centimetres tall and features a single, light-green leaf with glandular hairs. It produces white male and female flowers. The plant is currently known from just one location covering an area of about three square kilometres and marks the 54th Begonia species recorded in India's northeastern region. It has been provisionally assessed as data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.