Guwahati: A new flowering plant species, named Disporum kamakhasiense, has been discovered in Assam and Meghalaya, Assam environment and forests minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said in a social media post.The species has white, star-shaped flowers and glossy dark green leaves, and has been recorded at only three locations.The plant was found in Assam’s Garbhanga Reserve Forest near Guwahati and at Laisong in Dima Hasao district, and in the Barapani area of Meghalaya, Baruah said.The scientific name combines references to Kamrupa, the ancient name for Assam, and the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, he added.The perennial herb grows in semi-evergreen forests at elevations of around 200 to 1,100 metres. It has been observed mainly on cliffs beneath bamboo forests, the minister said.It belongs to the Colchicaceae family and can grow up to 180 cm, making it considerably taller than its closest relative, Disporum calcaratum, he said. Its extensively branched stems, smooth leaves with seven prominent parallel veins, longer flower stalks and distinctive floral structure help set it apart from related species.The plant flowers between June and July and is expected to bear fruit from July to August.“With its distinctive white, star-shaped flowers, glossy dark-green leaves and impressive height, the newly identified plant is another reminder of the remarkable life supported by our natural landscapes,” the minister stated.“However, its known distribution across only three locations raises concerns about its long-term survival. Forest fragmentation, highway expansion and local over-exploitation have been identified as potential threats to its limited habitat,” he added.He said the discovery underlines the need to protect semi-evergreen forests, conserve fragile habitats and support continued scientific research.
