In the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, a new species called Strobilanthes gigantra has been found. This species is distinguished by its unusual floral features, including densely imbricate bracts, an uninterrupted inflorescence, a slightly curved corolla tube, and wings on the staminal veil, as well as by its unusually high size, which can occasionally grow into a tree. Strobilanthes is the second biggest genus in the Acanthaceae family, with about 450 species worldwide, including 167 species in India, mostly in the Western Ghats and Himalayas.
With 41 recognized species, the Eastern Himalayas, especially Arunachal Pradesh, are a hotspot for biodiversity in this genus. It can be difficult to recognize new Strobilanthes species because many of them are monocarpic and blossom infrequently. New species are still being discovered in less-traveled areas like the IHR, highlighting the area’s vast but little-known floristic variety. Strobilanthes gigantra’s discovery strengthens Arunachal Pradesh’s position as a key hub for plant diversity in the Eastern Himalayas and adds to the state’s expanding list of botanical discoveries.
