New plant species discovered in Nagaland

A new species of the Aeschynanthus genus, Aeschynanthus clarkei sp. nov., has been discovered in Nagaland. The new species, published in a recent scientific paper, adds to the growing botanical richness of the region.
‘Aeschynanthus clarkei’ is restricted to a small population in the Kiphire district of Nagaland, where it grows in two localities with approximately 35 mature individuals. Due to its limited distribution and small population size, the species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List categories and criteria (B2ab(III); D).
The species is morphologically similar to Aeschynanthus lineatus Craib in terms of its sessile inflorescences.
This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Nagaland and underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the species and its habitat.