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BEGONIA NARAHARI

9th March, 2024 Environment

BEGONIA NARAHARI

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Picture Courtesy: https://boroktimes.com/new-plant-species-unveiled-in-arunachal-pradesh/

Context: A new Begonia species, Begonia Narahari, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing the region's diverse biodiversity and highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

About Begonia Narahari

  • Recently the researchers from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) and the CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) jointly identified a new Begonia species in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The new plant species is named Begonia Narahari in honour of Prof Garikapati Narahari Sastry, who played a key role in establishing the Germplasm Conservation Centre for Northeast India's bio-resources.
  • Begonia Narahari shows a unique characteristic - a bright blue iridescence when exposed to direct light - that aids in its identification. This characteristic helped researchers to differentiate Begonia Narahari from other related Begonia species.
  • This Begonia species is only known to exist in Demwe, Lohit district. Due to inadequate data on its population and distribution, it's classified as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN.

Begonias

â—ŹBegonia is the fifth-largest genus of flowering plants, known for their vibrant, full flowers and diverse leaves showcasing various patterns, designs, and colours.

â—ŹBegonias found in tropical regions, grow best in partially shaded areas, are sensitive to bright light, and require protection from intense summer.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Researchers discovered a new species of Begonia in which Indian state?

A) Meghalaya

B) Assam

C) Arunachal Pradesh

D) Sikkim

Answer: C