A new plant species has been discovered in the high-altitude forests of Nagaland, underscoring the state’s importance as a biodiversity hotspot and the critical role of community-protected forests.
The plant, named Hoya nagaensis, was found during field surveys led by Dr. Gyati Yam of Nagaland University, along with researchers Ms. Vieneite-o Koza and Mr. Joynath Pegu. The team explored under-documented areas in Phek district to identify species that had previously escaped scientific attention.
“The discovery of Hoya nagaensis shows how vital community-reserved forests are,” said Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University. “These forests protect rare plants and strengthen both India’s and global botanical records.”
The species is currently known from a single location in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest. It stands out for its distinctive leaf shape and flowers, which clearly differentiate it from other members of the Hoya genus. Because of its limited range and threats such as shifting cultivation and forest disturbance, it has been provisionally classified as Critically Endangered.
Dr Yam said the team plans to continue monitoring the plant, study its pollination biology, and explore nearby forests for more undocumented species. “Our goal is not just to discover new plants but to show how local communities play a central role in conserving fragile ecosystems,” she added.
The discovery also highlights the Eastern Himalaya’s temperate forests as rich sources of botanical novelty. It offers a glimpse into the untapped diversity of Nagaland’s forests and reinforces the importance of preserving traditional stewardship practices that have kept these ecosystems alive for generations.
