Itanagar: In a major boost to botanical research, scientists from the Botanical Survey of India’s (BSI) regional centre in Itanagar have discovered two rare plant species of the Hoya genus in Arunachal Pradesh, drawing praise from Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The newly documented species include Hoya chinghungensis, reported for the first time in India, and Hoya acuminata, recorded for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh.
The findings were the result of extensive field explorations in the East Kameng, Pakke Kessang, and Longding districts, officials said.
Sharing the discovery on X, Chief Minister Khandu congratulated the BSI team for their “remarkable scientific contribution,” calling it a proud achievement for the state.
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“The discovery once again highlights the rich and unique biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh. Many more such discoveries await in our forests,” he said.
Experts say the discovery underscores Arunachal Pradesh’s standing as a global biodiversity hotspot, much of which remains biologically unexplored.
The Hoya genus, commonly known as wax plants, is valued for its distinctive star-shaped flowers and plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems.
Scientists believe these findings will not only enrich India’s floristic database but also reinforce the need for sustained exploration and conservation efforts across the Eastern Himalayas.
