New Hoya Species Discovered in Nagaland’s Community Forest

Context

A team of botanists from Nagaland University has reported the discovery of a new plant species from a locally conserved forest area in the state.

Taxonomic Classification: The species, named Hoya nagaensis, belongs to the genus Hoya, well known for its decorative, wax-coated blossoms.

Discovery Site: The plant was located in Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest of Phek district, part of the Eastern Himalayan ecological landscape.

Natural Setting: It thrives in high-elevation temperate forest ecosystems that have received limited scientific attention.

Diagnostic Traits: The species shows distinctive foliage patterns and flower structures that set it apart from all previously described Hoya members.

Range and Occurrence: So far, the species has been observed only at a single locality, indicating a highly restricted presence.

Threat Status: Based on current evidence, it has been provisionally placed under the Critically Endangered category.

Broader Implications: The finding strengthens evidence of the Eastern Himalaya’s exceptional species richness and hidden biodiversity.

Role of Local Communities: The discovery highlights how community-led conservation initiatives contribute significantly to protecting rare plant diversity.

Academic Contribution: The formal species description has been published in the international journal Kew Bulletin.

Source : The Hindu