Why in news?
Botanists recently discovered a new species of flowering plant named Begonia nyishiorum in high‑altitude forests of Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district. The species was named after the Nyishi tribe, honouring their role in forest conservation.
Key characteristics
- Belongs to the family Begoniaceae.
- Endemism: Endemic to Arunachal Pradesh; known only from two forest patches in East Kameng district.
- Habitat: Grows on moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres. Some sites receive early winter snow and remain undisturbed due to the protection of local communities.
- Distinctive features:
- Crimson‑fringed petioles: The leaf stalks have a bright red fringe, unlike other Asian begonias.
- High‑altitude adaptation: The plant tolerates sub‑zero temperatures and steep slopes.
- Indumentum: Leaves and stems are covered with dense hair‑like structures not seen in over 2,150 known Begonia species.
- Cultural significance: Naming the plant after the Nyishi tribe acknowledges their efforts in conserving sacred groves.
- Ecological significance: Highlights the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot and suggests that many high‑altitude species remain undiscovered.
Conservation concerns
- Very limited distribution makes the species vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
- Road construction, tourism and climate change could threaten its habitat. Conservationists call for protecting high‑altitude forests and promoting community‑based conservation.