Context: Two new species of ginger found from northeast.

• The Mahabharatha epic describes Bhima, the second among the five pandava brothers, going in search of the Kalyanasaugandhika, a flower with a heavenly fragrance, to satisfy Panchali’s desire.
• Scientists have deduced that the mythological plant described by Vyasa is Hedychium coronarium, also known as white ginger lily.

Hedychium mechukanum

• The new species Hedychium mechukanum is discovered from a location at Quing in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The species has large white flowers with a pleasant fragrance.
• It was found to be largely similar to other plants of the Hedychium genus found in northeast India and China, but different in several attributes.
• The plant grows in open areas of evergreen forests.
• Flowering is from mid-June to September and fruiting from September to November.
• The species was named after the small town Mechuka bordering China.
• The species is listed as Data Deficient under the IUCN guidelines.

Amomum arunachalense

• It was collected from Nirjuli in Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• As many as 11 species of the Amomum genus are distributed in the northeastern and southern regions of India and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Distinguishing features

• The new species is distinguished from others in the genus mainly by a white rhizome with a pale brown centre.
• Deforestation and extraction of shoots for medicinal purposes are major threats to the species.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/two-new-species-of-ginger-found-from-northeast/article33443098.ece?utm_source=kerala&utm_medium=sticky_footer

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