ITANAGAR, Sep 4: Arunachal Pradesh has added another significant entry to its botanical heritage with the first recorded presence in India of Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as dwarf lilyturf or mondo grass, from West Kameng district.
The plant was documented at an elevation of 2,185 metres in a moist, shaded temperate forest of West Kameng, further underscoring the rich and largely unexplored floral diversity of Arunachal Pradesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the first record of Ophiopogon japonicus in India from Arunachal Pradesh was a significant addition to the state’s botanical heritage. He congratulated the researchers and field teams for their dedicated efforts in documenting the state’s rich floral wealth.
The plant is characterised by grass-like leaves, white to pale-purple flowers and blue, berry-like fruits. It is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea and Nepal.
According to the information shared by Mein, the plant’s tuberous roots have traditionally been used in Chinese medicine, while extracts from its rhizomes have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and cardioprotective properties.
Mein also called for continued efforts to protect Arunachal Pradesh’s forests, flora and traditional ecological knowledge for future generations.