Itanagar: Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of balsam flower, Impatiens rajibiana, in the natural forests of Shergaon in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Tuesday.
The discovery adds to India’s rich floral diversity and joins other recently identified balsam species from Arunachal Pradesh, including Impatiens godfreyi and Impatiens sashinborthakurii.
India is home to approximately 230 species of balsam, including the widely known Impatiens balsamina (garden balsam or touch-me-not), which is native to the country and commonly cultivated.
Khandu congratulated Dr. Krishna Chowlu and her research team at BSI for the remarkable find, calling it a significant milestone in botanical science.
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“The discovery of Impatiens rajibiana not only enriches India’s floral wealth but also underscores Arunachal Pradesh’s unmatched biodiversity within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot,” he said.
The chief minister highlighted that such discoveries reaffirm the importance of ongoing scientific research and the conservation of India’s pristine natural heritage, praising the team for bringing global attention to Arunachal’s unique flora.
