Ophiorrhiza gajureliana

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana is a species of Ophiorrhiza found only in the hill slopes of the Mayodia forest in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.[1][2] It was discovered in December 2024.[3]

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Ophiorrhiza
Species:
O. gajureliana
Binomial name
Ophiorrhiza gajureliana
Bawri & Baro

Etymology

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The species was named after Professor Padma Raj Gajurel for his contributions to the plant and ethnobotanical research in the Indian Eastern Himalayan region.[3]

Distribution

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It is found only in a small area on the hill slopes of the Mayodia forests in the Lower Dibang Valley District. Its population is estimated to be lower than 100. Currently its distribution is also less than 100 km2.[1]

Conservation

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As of 20 December 2024, it has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has been evaluated by the team in the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR), Arunachal Pradesh, and it has been assed to belong to the Critically Endangered (CR B1ab (iii)) category of IUCN.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Arunachal: New plant species discovered in Mayodia forest areas". India Today NE (in Hindi). 2024-12-17. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
  2. ^ Bawri, Amal; Baro, Daimalu; Singh, Y. Disco; Sarma, Kuladip (2024-12-14). "Ophiorrhiza gajureliana (Rubiaceae): a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India". Vegetos. doi:10.1007/s42535-024-01094-w. ISSN 2229-4473.
  3. ^ a b "Arunachal: Researchers Discover New Plant Species In Mayodia". Sentinel Assam. 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-20.