Shergaon, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh –
In a remarkable boost to the region’s floral heritage, a team of researchers from the Botanical Survey of India has identified a novel species of balsam flower, named Impatiens rajibiana, thriving in the lush natural forests of Shergaon. The discovery, hailed as a testament to Arunachal Pradesh’s unparalleled biodiversity, was spotlighted by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who extended his congratulations to the scientific ensemble.
Led by Dr. Krishna Chowlu, the dedicated BSI team unearthed the plant during their ongoing explorations into the balsam genus, which is particularly abundant and endemic to India’s Northeast. Nestled within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot, West Kameng district continues to reveal hidden gems, with this find adding to a legacy of over 16 new balsam species documented in Arunachal Pradesh between 2013 and 2017.
Impatiens rajibiana joins a distinguished lineup of Northeast exclusives, including previous BSI discoveries like Impatiens godfreyi and Impatiens sashinborthakurii. Known for their delicate blooms and touch-sensitive seed pods—earning them the moniker “touch-me-not”—balsams represent a vital thread in India’s tapestry of around 230 documented species, with many confined to limited habitats in this ecologically sensitive zone.
The Chief Minister praised the breakthrough, stating, “Heartiest congratulations to Dr Krishna Chowlu and her dedicated research team from the Botanical Survey of India for their remarkable discovery of Impatiens rajibiana—a new species of balsam found in the natural forests of Shergaon, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh.” He further emphasized its broader implications, adding, “Such achievements reaffirm the importance of continued scientific exploration and conservation of our pristine natural heritage. Kudos to the entire team for bringing this new discovery from Arunachal to the world of science!”
Experts underscore the urgency of safeguarding these endemic plants amid growing environmental pressures, calling for sustained research and protective measures to preserve Arunachal’s verdant legacy for future generations.
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