Khanapara(Meghalaya), Oct 24: In a groundbreaking botanical discovery, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Professor at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has identified a new species of flowering plant, Begonia neisti Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali, in the remote Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
This remarkable find is the result of collaborative research between Dr. Bhat, Bipankar Hajong (Ph.D. Scholar at CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science and Technology), and Dr. Pankaj Bharali (Senior Scientist at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat).
According to Dr. Bhat, “Begonia neisti boasts unique characteristics, including variegated leaves with white-silver circular spots and dark brownish-red patches near vein junctions. Its large leaves and striking white stripe on stems and petioles distinguish it from other known Begonia species.”
This breakthrough highlights the rich biodiversity of India’s northeastern region and underscores the importance of continued exploration and research.
Dr. Bhat’s discovery contributes significantly to the field of botany, shedding light on the region’s unexplored flora.
