Begonia neelamorum
Why in News?
- A new species of flowering plant, Begonia neelamorum, has been scientifically described from Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh, with the research paper published online on 5 August 2026 in the peer-reviewed journal Taiwania.
About Begonia neelamorum
- Scientific classification: Begonia neelamorum belongs to the genus Begonia, family Begoniaceae, and is placed under the section Monophyllon.
- Habitat: It was discovered growing on steep, moist rock walls along the Keyi River in Keyi Panyor district at an elevation of approximately 1,000 metres.
- Physical features: The plant is a small perennial herb with a globose tuber, single light-green leaf, double-serrated margins and white male and female flowers.
- Distinctive taxonomy: Although it resembles Begonia prolifera, it differs in characteristics such as glandular-hispid surface, terete stem, ovate leaf, dichasial cyme and shorter styles.
- Community connection: The species was named after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, whose members assisted researchers during the difficult expedition; its Nyishi name is reported as Kobiirhopu Baabrai.
- Conservation status: Researchers have given it a preliminary assessment of Data Deficient, indicating that further surveys are needed to determine its population size, distribution and conservation requirements.
