USTM faculty researcher discovers unique Begonia species in Arunachal Pradesh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 5, 2024

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), in association with researchers from Jorhat-based CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) have identified and described a novel flowering plant named “Begonia naraharii” in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.

This finding has not only added to the biodiversity of the region but also highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in the face of urban expansion and habitat loss.

Dr Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Professor at USTM, and Bipankar Hajong, PhD scholar at CSIR-NEIST have spotted and collected some interesting individuals belonging to the genus Begonia of the family Begoniaceae. 

The researchers were helped and guided by Dr Pankaj Bharali, senior scientist at CSIR-NEIST. The specimens were packed and brought to the laboratory for analysis. After critical evaluation of these specimens and comparing them with all the known species of Begonia in the world, its identity was confirmed as an undescribed and new species within the genus Begonia.

Dr Nazir Ahmad Bhat said: “The species, named naraharii, pays tribute to former CSIR-NEIST director Prof Garikapati Narahari Sastry in recognition of his significant contributions to establishing the Germplasm Conservation Centre for the Bioresources of Northeast and his commitment to the well-being of the northeastern region”.

This discovery has been published in the current issue of Phytotaxa (World’s largest Journal in Botanical Taxonomy), the researchers provided detailed information about Begonia naraharii.

The species’ unique ability to display a striking blue iridescence in direct light. The researchers presented a comprehensive characterization, complete with colored photographs and a comparison with related species (B. lophura, B iridescens, and B rockii) to facilitate easy identification.

As of now, Begonia naraharii is known only from the Demwe locality in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. Due to limited information on its global population, the species is provisionally classified as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN species assessment guidelines (IUCN, 2022). 

 Given its restricted habitat and potential threats such as agricultural and urban expansion, habitat loss from fires, and timber extraction, the species requires conservation measures. Additionally, certain species of Begonia contribute to ecological balance by providing habitat and sustenance for various fauna.