Guwahati: The discovery of a new begonia species in Arunachal Pradesh has raised the northeast’s recorded tally to 54.Researchers named Begonia neelamorum after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, whose members helped them navigate rugged terrain and locate the plant during a difficult expedition.The study by Dipankar Borah, Madhusudhan Khanal, Momang Taram and Neelam Gap was published in the peer-reviewed journal Taiwania on August 5, 2026.The species was found growing on steep, moist rock walls along the Keyi River in Keyi Panyor district at an elevation of about 1,000 metres. Researchers also recorded its Nyishi name, Kobiirhopu Baabrai, linking the scientific discovery to the community closest to its habitat.“The discovery was made during an expedition to a remote river valley, where researchers encountered the unusual begonia with a single leaf and a tuberous growth form. Detailed examination of fresh and dried specimens, along with comparisons with existing literature and herbarium specimens, confirmed that it did not match any previously described species,” Borah said.The plant grows between 10 cm and 20 cm tall and has a single light-green, serrated leaf and white flowers. It belongs to Begonia section Monophyllon and is closely related to Begonia prolifera, but differs in its hairy surface, stem structure, leaf shape and flower arrangement.“The Neelam clan was honoured because its members assisted us in collecting the species during what the paper describes as a particularly treacherous expedition,” he also said.The researchers thanked Neelam Mosi, Toko Lej, Neelam Nikh, Neelam Raja and Pokzum Rime for guiding them through dense forests.The discovery raises the number of species in section Monophyllon to six. Researchers classified the plant as Data Deficient and recommended further surveys, monitoring and conservation efforts to determine its distribution and population.
