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Context

• Scientists have discovered a new plant species known as Lysionotus Namchoomii.

Area

• It was found in the Pakke-Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern Himalayas.

The plant species

• Lysionotus Namchoomii is a small, evergreen shrub.
• The leaves are opposite, elliptic to oblong, and up to 8 cm long.
• The new species has thick leaves and attractive purple flowers.
• The flowers are solitary, and up to 2 cm long.
• The corolla is 5-lobed.
• The stamens are 4, and the ovary is superior.

Plant Features

• The plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants for support.
• Lysionotus species are primarily epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial evergreen erect or climbing subshrubs.

Conservation Status

• It has been assessed as “Critically Endangered” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• This is due to its restricted distribution and small population size.

Threats

• The plant is also threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture.

Significance of the new discovery

• The discovery of Lysionotus Namchoomii is a significant contribution to our understanding of the biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The plant is likely to be of interest to scientists and conservationists.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Recently, Lysionotus Namchoomii was in the news. What is it? A.   An Introduced species B.   An Invasive species C.   An Indigenous species D.   An Epiphytic species Choose the correct code. 1.     A 2.     B 3.     C 4.     D Answer  4. D