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