Begonia nyishiorum: New Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal

Itanagar, Jul 1 (PTI) — In an exciting development for the botanical world, forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh have identified a new flowering plant species, Begonia nyishiorum, within the high-altitude forests of East Kameng district.

This groundbreaking discovery came to light during a rigorous expedition undertaken by the Seppa Forest Division and was subsequently published on June 23 in the internationally renowned journal, Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature.

The plant is named in tribute to the Nyishi tribe, the largest in the northeastern state, and is distinguished by its striking crimson-fringed petioles — a feature not observed in any other Asian Begonia species, as confirmed by officials in the state forest department.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu commended the Seppa Forest Division for their extraordinary achievement, describing it as a moment of pride for Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized that this discovery highlights the state’s rich ecological legacy and its vital role in global biodiversity.

"Heartfelt congratulations to the Forest Division, Seppa, on their discovery of Begonia nyishiorum! This is a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh, accentuated by the documentation of a new blooming species amidst the dense, high-altitude forests of East Kameng. Its publication in the esteemed journal Novon further demonstrates Arunachal’s profound ecological heritage and global relevance in biodiversity," Khandu mentioned in a social media post on Monday.

He acknowledged DFO Shri Abhinav Kumar and his team, along with the Nyishi community, whose age-old commitment as forest guardians significantly contributed to the plant’s discovery.

"With the unusual crimson-fringed petioles, Begonia nyishiorum is not merely a botanical wonder. It signifies the vast untapped potential still hidden in the Eastern Himalayas," the chief minister added.

This species now enriches the growing catalog of rare flora endemic to the Eastern Himalayan area, underscoring the region’s unparalleled biodiversity.

The discovery also signifies the urgent requirement for continuous conservation efforts and scientific inquiry in India’s ecologically abundant landscapes.