Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have unveiled a new plant species within the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arunachal Pradesh. This newly discovered species has been officially named Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii.
Taxonomy and Naming
- Species Name: Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Genus: Phlogacanthus
The species is named in honor of Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a prominent scientist at BSI, in recognition of his significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region.
Publication and Research
A detailed research paper on Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii has been published by authors Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity in the Indian Journal of Forestry. The research highlights that the genus Phlogacanthus comprises 13 species in India, predominantly distributed across northeastern and eastern Himalayan states.
Characteristics and Comparison
The newly described species is closely related to Phlogacanthus guttatus (Wall) Nees. However, it differs in several morphological aspects, including the shape and size of the calyx, staminodes, and notably different corona color.
Reactions and Implications
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed enthusiasm about this discovery. He highlighted the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and emphasized the importance of preserving this natural heritage for future generations.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the newly discovered plant species named?
- A) Phlogacanthus guttatus
- B) Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii
- C) Phlogacanthus indica
- D) Phlogacanthus himalayanus
- Which family does the newly discovered plant species belong to?
- A) Solanaceae
- B) Lamiaceae
- C) Acanthaceae
- D) Euphorbiaceae
- In which wildlife sanctuary was Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii discovered?
- A) Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
- B) Gir National Park
- C) Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- D) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Who is the plant species named after?
- A) Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash
- B) Dr. Samrat Goswami
- C) Dr. Rohan Maity
- D) Dr. Pema Khandu
- How many species of the genus Phlogacanthus are there in India?
- A) 10
- B) 13
- C) 15
- D) 20