Context: Two new species of ginger found from northeast.
The Mahabharatha epic describes Bhima, the second among the five pandava brothers, going in search of the Kalyanasaugandhika, a flower with a heavenly fragrance, to satisfy Panchali’s desire.
Scientists have deduced that the mythological plant described by Vyasa is Hedychium coronarium, also known as white ginger lily.
Hedychium mechukanum
The new species Hedychium mechukanum is discovered from a location at Quing in Arunachal Pradesh.
The species has large white flowers with a pleasant fragrance.
It was found to be largely similar to other plants of the Hedychium genus found in northeast India and China, but different in several attributes.
The plant grows in open areas of evergreen forests.
Flowering is from mid-June to September and fruiting from September to November.
The species was named after the small town Mechuka bordering China.
The species is listed as Data Deficient under the IUCN guidelines.
Amomum arunachalense
It was collected from Nirjuli in Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh.
As many as 11 species of the Amomum genus are distributed in the northeastern and southern regions of India and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Distinguishing features
The new species is distinguished from others in the genus mainly by a white rhizome with a pale brown centre.
Deforestation and extraction of shoots for medicinal purposes are major threats to the species.