Itanagar, July 1: In a remarkable find, forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh have identified a new species of flowering plant named Begonia nyishiorum in the high-altitude forests of the East Kameng district.

This discovery was made during a challenging expedition conducted by the Seppa Forest Division and was officially published in the renowned international journal Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature on June 23.

The plant is named after the Nyishi tribe, the largest ethnic group in the northeastern state, and is distinguished by its unique crimson-fringed petioles, a feature not found in any other Begonia species across Asia, according to sources from the state forest department.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised the Seppa Forest Division for this significant discovery, describing it as a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and a testament to the state's rich ecological heritage and its importance in global biodiversity.

"Congratulations to the Forest Division, Seppa, for the discovery of Begonia nyishiorum! This new flowering plant species found in the dense, high-altitude forests of East Kameng is a proud achievement for Arunachal Pradesh. Published in the esteemed journal Novon, this find emphasizes Arunachal's rich ecological legacy and its global significance in biodiversity," Khandu stated in a social media update on Monday.

He also acknowledged DFO Abhinav Kumar and his team, as well as the Nyishi community, whose traditional stewardship of the forests contributed significantly to this discovery.

"With its distinctive crimson-fringed petioles, Begonia nyishiorum is not only a botanical wonder but also a reminder of the untapped biodiversity that still exists in the Eastern Himalayas," the chief minister remarked.

This new addition to the list of rare flora endemic to the Eastern Himalayan region further emphasizes the area's vast biodiversity.

The discovery highlights the urgent need for ongoing conservation efforts and scientific research in one of India's most ecologically diverse regions.