Description

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Context:

A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

**About Begonia nyishiorum:**

Aspect	Details
Family	Begoniaceae
Endemism	Endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, India
Etymology	Named after the Nyishi tribe, the largest indigenous group in Arunachal Pradesh
Natural Habitat	Moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500–3,000 metres elevation
Geographical Location	Two forest patches in East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
Habitat Conditions	High-altitude forests, some receiving early winter snow; undisturbed ecosystems protected by local communities
Unique Features	- Crimson-Fringed Petioles: Light green stalks with dense crimson fringes (unique among Asian begonias) - High-altitude Adaptation: Tolerates sub-zero temperatures and steep slopes - Indumentum: Dense hair-like structures not found in any of the 2,150+ known begonia species globally
Distribution	Very limited; only two known sites
Cultural Significance	Named to honour Nyishi tribe’s forest conservation efforts
Ecological Significance	- Reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh as a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot - Represents plant evolution in high-altitude ecosystems
Conservation Importance	Highlights need to protect unexplored high-elevation forests from human disturbance

Source: New Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Begonia nyishiorum:

It is endemic to Arunachal Pradesh.
It is adapted to grow in sub-zero temperatures at high altitudes.
It is named after a local tribe known for forest conservation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

ALL STATEMENTS ARE CORERCT:

Begonia nyishiorum is found only in two forest patches in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, making it endemic (restricted to a particular area).

The species thrives at 1,500–3,000 metres elevation, in regions that receive early winter snowfall.

It is specially adapted to sub-zero temperatures and steep mountain slopes, which is unusual among flowering plants and especially begonias.

The species is named ‘nyishiorum’ in honour of the Nyishi tribe, the largest indigenous tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.

This naming also acknowledges the tribe’s efforts in preserving undisturbed high-altitude forest ecosystems.