A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the high-altitude forests of East Kameng district by officials of the Seppa Forest Division. The species is named in honour of the Nyishi tribe, the largest indigenous community in Arunachal Pradesh.

Distinguished by its unique crimson-fringed petioles—unlike any seen in other Asian begonias—the plant was identified during a field expedition conducted by the forest team. The scientific discovery was formally published in the journal Novon on June 23, 2025.

The Forest Department has credited Divisional Forest Officer Abhinav Kumar, his team, and the local Nyishi community for their crucial role in protecting the region’s biodiversity. Officials said the finding reinforces Arunachal Pradesh’s ecological significance and highlights the Eastern Himalayas as a global hotspot for conservation and botanical research.