Itanagar, Oct 25: Two new plant species have been discovered in Vijoynagar in Changlang district, officials said.
The newly identified species, Ophiorrhiza shidiensis and Ophiorrhiza pemae, belong to the Rubiaceae family and were discovered during botanical surveys in the region by researchers Krishna Chowlu, Renthlei Lalnunfeli and Dr Vinay Kumar Sahani, they said.
Congratulating the researchers, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in a post on X, said the discovery would enhance scientific understanding of the region’s distinctive plant diversity and underscore Arunachal Pradesh’s rich natural heritage.
He thanked the research team for naming one of these newly discovered plant species, Ophiorrhiza pemae, after him.
“My sincere gratitude to the entire research team for this special recognition and for their valuable work in documenting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich natural heritage,” he wrote.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also congratulated the research team and described the discovery as a significant contribution to documenting the State’s biodiversity and advancing botanical research.
The discovery of the new plant species adds to the growing scientific understanding of Arunachal’s diverse flora, particularly in its remote and ecologically rich areas.
PTI