ITANAGAR, Oct 14: In yet another scientific achievement that further cements Arunachal Pradesh’s status as a biodiversity hotspot, a team of researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has discovered a new species of balsam plant named Impatiens rajibiana from the natural forests of Shergaon in West Kameng district.
The discovery was led by Dr Krishna Chowlu, a senior scientist at the BSI, along with her dedicated research team. The newly identified species adds to the rich floral diversity of the Eastern Himalayas — a region globally recognized for its ecological uniqueness and high endemism.
According to the researchers, Impatiens rajibiana belongs to the family Balsaminaceae, commonly known as balsams or touch-me-nots. The plant was discovered growing in moist, shaded forest areas of Shergaon at an elevation of over 2,000 meters. Detailed morphological studies and molecular analyses confirmed it as a distinct species, marking a valuable addition to India’s botanical records.
Khandu lauds discovery
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, while congratulating Dr Chowlu and her team, described the discovery as a “remarkable scientific milestone” that not only enhances India’s floral wealth but also underscores the ecological importance of Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most biodiverse regions of the country.
“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,” Khandu said in a social media post.
“This scientific milestone not only enriches India’s floral diversity but also highlights the unmatched biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh, a true treasure of the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. Such achievements reaffirm the importance of continued scientific exploration and conservation of our pristine natural heritage,” the Chief Minister added.
He further lauded the BSI team for their sustained research and commitment to documenting the state’s unique flora. “Kudos to the entire team for bringing this new discovery from Arunachal to the world of science!” Khandu remarked.