Scientists Discover New Plant Species And Its Named After Zubeen Garg

A new plant species which is named as Osbeckia zubeengargiana has been discovered in the grasslands of Manas National Park in Assam. This plant species has been named after famous Assam singer Late Zubeen Garg. This discovery was made by botany experts from Gauhati University during botanical survey. This survey were carried out between 2021 and 2025. This plant is belongs to the Melastomataceae family and produce the clusters of beautiful pink flowers.

Osbeckia zubeengargiana Discovery in Manas National Park

The discovery of Osbeckia zubeengargiana is is Manas National Park took place during long botanical surveys conducted.

This survey was conducted in the grasslands of Assam’s Baksa district.

This research team included the botanists like Barnali Das and Namita Nath from Guwahati University also Prasobh Pulpra from NSS College in Kerala was part of team.

While during field exploration the researchers noticed a tall flowering shrub that looked similar to some plants from the Osbeckia genus.

After detailed scientific study and comparison with existing plant species the scientists have confirmed that the plant had several distinct structural characteristics that made it a completely new species within the genus.

Reason For Plant Species Was Named After Zubeen Garg

The new identified plant species Osbeckia zubeengargiana was named after Lates Assam music icon Zubeen Garg.

this recognition give as a mark of respect for his contribution to the culture and identity of Assam.

The naming a species after a well known personality is a tradition often followed by scientists to honor influential individuals.

Features of Osbeckia zubeengargiana Plant Species

The Osbeckia zubeengargiana plant species is a perennial shrub.

This will grows tall in grassland ecosystems and produces attractive clusters of flowers.

Scientists observed several unique characteristics that clearly distinguish the plant from other plant species.

Important features of the plant includes,

• The shrub grows around 2.5 to 3.5 metres in height in natural conditions.
• It produced cluster of bright pink flowers which are visually distinctive.
• Each flower are measures approximately 2.5 to 3 centimetres in length.
• This flowering season usually occurs between mid September and January.

These botanical traits helped researchers confirm the plant as a new species within the Melastomataceae family.

Conservation Status of Osbeckia zubeengargiana

Scientists observed a large population of Osbeckia zubeengargiana in Manas National Park.

The plant has not yet been studied widely in other regions.

Due to limited information available about its population distribution and ecological range researchers have classified the plant under the “Data Deficient” category of the IUCN Red List.

Manas National Park

Manas National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam and it is the globally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.

The park forms part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, one of the richest ecological regions in the world.

This park contains diverse habitats such as tropical forests, alluvial grasslands and river systems that support a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Question

Q. Osbeckia zubeengargiana was discovered in which national park?

A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Manas National Park
C. Nameri National Park
D. Orang National Park