Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have found a new plant species in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh. The species, named Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii, belongs to the Acanthaceae family and the Phlogacanthus genus. It was named in honor of Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a scientist at the BSI, for his significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region. The detailed research paper on the new species has been published in the Indian Journal of Forestry by the authors Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity. The Phlogacanthus genus consists of 13 species in India and is mainly found in the northeastern and eastern Himalayan states.
According to BSI officials, the newly described species is closely related to Phlogacanthus Guttatus (Wall) Nees, but differs in various morphological characters, especially in the shape and size of calyx, staminodes, and the color of the corona. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed delight over the discovery, stating that the biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh is vast and varied. He highlighted the importance of preserving the rich natural heritage for future generations.