Researchers from the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) in Pasighat have made a significant discovery. A new plant species, named Ophiorrhiza gajureliana, has been identified in the forest areas of Mayodia, Lower Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh.
The newly discovered species belongs to the Rubiaceae family and the Ophiorrhiza genus. It was named in honor of Prof. Padma Raj Gajurel, a renowned expert in plant and ethnobotanical research in the Indian Eastern Himalayan region.
A research team from NEIAFMR, led by Dr. Amal Bawri, undertook an expedition to document the medicinal plant diversity of Lower Dibang Valley district. During their field explorations, they encountered this unique Ophiorrhiza species growing on a hillside near a waterfall.
The researchers collected and processed herbarium specimens, which were then deposited at the NEIAFMR Herbarium. After careful identification, the species was classified as Critically Endangered due to its limited distribution and potential threats like landslides.
Locally, the plant’s flowers are used in traditional medicine to treat coughs. However, immediate conservation measures are necessary to protect this valuable species from extinction.
