A new plant species, Garcinia kusumae, has been discovered in Assam's Baksa district. Named after Kusum Devi, it is a dioecious evergreen tree of the genus Garcinia, known for its ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance, especially in India’s biodiversity-rich regions.
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
A new plant species named Garcinia kusumae, belonging to the genus Garcinia has been discovered in Baksa district of Assam.
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Named After |
Kusum Devi, late mother of environmentalist Jatindra Sarma |
|
Common Name (Local) |
Thoikora |
|
Tree Type |
Dioecious, evergreen |
|
Height |
Grows up to 18 metres |
|
Genus |
Garcinia |
|
Family |
Clusiaceae |
|
Number of Known Species |
414 species (shrubs and trees) |
|
Geographical Distribution |
Africa, Australasia, Southeast Asia |
|
Habitat |
Lowland tropical rainforests |
|
Significance |
Known for pharmacological, culinary, and cultural importance, especially among indigenous communities |
|
Garcinia in India |
33 species and 7 varieties |
|
Distribution in India |
Mainly in Northeastern rainforests, Western Ghats, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
|
Garcinia in Assam |
12 species and 3 varieties |
|
Ecological Role |
Part of India’s major biodiversity hotspots |
Source: The Hindu
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Garcinia kusumae, recently discovered in Assam, belongs to which of the following plant families? A) Fabaceae B) Lauraceae C) Clusiaceae D) Myrtaceae Answer: C Explanation: Garcinia kusumae: is a newly discovered species within the Garcinia genus, which itself belongs to the Clusiaceae family. |
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved
