PHLOGACANTHUS SUDHANSUSEKHARII

22nd July, 2024 Environment

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.deccanherald.com/environment/new-plant-species-discovered-in-arunachal-pradesh-3110478

Context: Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India discovered a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, in Arunachal Pradesh's Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary and named it after Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash.

Key Highlights

Discovered By: Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
Location: Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh
Taxonomic Classification
- Species Name: Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Genus: Phlogacanthus
The species is named in honour of Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Dash for his significant contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region.
Genus Overview: The genus Phlogacanthus includes 13 species in India, primarily found in the northeastern and eastern Himalayan regions.
New Species Features:
- Morphological Differences: Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii is closely related to Phlogacanthus guttatus but differs in several key morphological traits:
  - Shape and Size of Calyx: Distinct from its relatives.
  - Staminodes: Variations in structure.
  - Corona Color: Notably different from other species in the genus.

Botanical Survey of India (BSI)

●Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is based in Kolkata, was established in 1890.

●It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with the objective of surveying, researching, and conserving the plant wealth of India. This includes the preservation of endangered species and the collection of germplasm for vulnerable plant species.

●The history of BSI traces back to its founder Sir George King, who served as the first ex-officio Director. The Survey was formally founded by the East India Company (EIC) under his leadership.

●BSI conducts various academic and research programs, offering Fellowships in Plant Taxonomy and post-doctorate opportunities for researchers in the field.

●The organization is also known for its publications, including the Flora of India series, state floras, and the Red Data Book of Indian Plants.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area near the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh.
It borders the Pam River, Pachin, Neorochi, and Chingke stream.
In terms of flora, the sanctuary features Tropical Semi-evergreen and wet evergreen forests, with Bamboo species like Bambusa pallida and Bambusa hamiltonii being prevalent. Other tree species such as Duabanga grandiflora, Amoora wallichi, and Magnolia sps are also found in the sanctuary.
Fauna include tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, and hornbills, among others. However, the sanctuary faces threats from human activities like illegal hunting, fishing, and encroachment.