A new flowering plant species has been identified in Assam’s Manas National Park, adding to the region’s rich biodiversity and highlighting the ecological significance of its natural habitats.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the discovery on Monday, identifying the plant as Osbeckia assamensis. Sharing a photograph of the flower on social media, he said the recent discovery of new plant and animal species in Assam reflected the government’s commitment to nature conservation.
“Our government, as an extension of our society, has always prioritised nature conservation, and these findings are a testament to the consistent work we are doing in this field,” Sarma said. The newly identified species was described by researchers Barnali Das and Namita Nath in a study published in the botanical journal Phytotaxa on October 22.
The identification followed field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025, when researchers recorded scattered populations of the plant in the grasslands of Manas. A perennial shrub belonging to the Melastomataceae family, Osbeckia assamensis grows to a height of around two to 2.5 metres. It bears pink flowers measuring approximately 3 to 3.5 centimetres, with each cluster containing about 30 to 35 flowers. The plant’s flowering and fruiting period extends from September to February.
Researchers established the plant’s distinct identity by studying its physical features and comparing them with those of related species and herbarium specimens. Although it bears similarities to Osbeckia nayarii, differences in its stem structure, flower arrangement, hairy calyx margins and seed size confirmed that it is a separate species.
The first reference specimen of the plant was collected in Manas on October 8, 2022, while another specimen was documented in October 2025.
The discovery underscores the ecological importance of Manas National Park and the scope for further botanical research in Assam’s forests and grasslands, which may harbour other plant species yet to be documented.
The addition of Osbeckia assamensis to the park’s recorded flora further highlights the need to protect natural habitats that support Assam’s diverse plant and animal life.(Northeast News)
