Why in News? Researchers have identified two new plant species in Vijoynagar, Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The findings were published in the journal Taiwania on October 23, 2026.
Prelims Pointers
- Species: Ophiorrhiza shidiensis and Ophiorrhiza pemae.
- Location: Vijoynagar, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Plant family: Rubiaceae, also known as the coffee, madder and bedstraw family.
- Geographical significance: Arunachal Pradesh lies in the Eastern Himalaya and forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
- Ophiorrhiza shidiensis: An erect, perennial herb growing up to one metre tall, with pale-green leaf undersides and tubular flowers ranging from white to rose-pink.
- Ophiorrhiza pemae: Named after Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. It has light pink to purplish flowers and is closely related to Ophiorrhiza himadrica.
- Ophiorrhiza shidiensis: Named after “Shidi”, the traditional name for Gandhigram used by the Lisu (Yobin) community.
Prelims MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements about Ophiorrhiza shidiensis and Ophiorrhiza pemae:
- They belong to the Rubiaceae family.
- They were discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Both species belong to the Rubiaceae family and were discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, which forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
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