New plant species discovered in Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a major scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a new plant species, Hoya dawodiensis, in the remote and biodiversity-rich Vijoynagar region of Changlang district.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the discovery as a “remarkable chapter” in the state’s growing legacy of botanical research. Researchers said the finding is significant as Vijoynagar—reachable only by air or multi-day treks—remains one of the most unexplored yet biologically rich landscapes in the state.
The team also recorded Hoya yingjiangensis for the first time in India and documented Hoya nummularia for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh, further expanding the country’s floral diversity. Hoya plants belong to a large group of tropical flowering species.
Officials said these discoveries strengthen the state’s botanical baseline, which has grown rapidly in recent years with several new amphibian, orchid and balsam species being reported across high-altitude and tropical zones.
Khandu applauded the joint efforts of national and international institutions, stating that the findings reaffirm the “unmatched biodiversity” of the state.
He said documenting new species is essential for long-term conservation, adding that each discovery enhances understanding of fragile ecosystems and highlights the need to protect them.
Officials said the new records will aid future conservation planning and bring fresh ecological focus to the eastern frontier of Arunachal Pradesh.
The discoveries come amid a highly productive year for biodiversity research in the state, with multiple new plant and animal species identified in recent months.