Itanagar, Feb 22: A new plant species, Strobilanthes gigantra, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The species is notable for its exceptionally large size, sometimes growing into a tree, and distinct floral features, including densely imbricate bracts, uninterrupted inflorescence, a slightly curved corolla tube, and wings on the staminal curtain.
The genus Strobilanthes is the second-largest in the Acanthaceae family, comprising around 450 species worldwide. India is home to 167 species, primarily found in the Himalayas and Western Ghats. Arunachal Pradesh, recognized for its rich biodiversity, houses 41 known species of this genus.
Scientists note that Strobilanthes species are often difficult to identify due to their monocarpic nature and infrequent flowering. The discovery highlights the region’s diverse but underexplored flora, with new species continuing to emerge from the IHR.
The identification of Strobilanthes gigantra further reinforces Arunachal Pradesh’s significance as a key center for plant diversity in the Eastern Himalayas.
