In a significant botanical discovery, researchers from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Senior Scientist program have identified a new species of Curcuma in Mokokchung, Nagaland. Named Curcuma ungmensis after the village Ungma where it was first discovered, this new species stands out with its striking characteristics and unique floral morphology.
The discovery, which has been published in the prestigious journal Phytotaxa, the world’s largest journal in botanical taxonomy, in its 20 August 2024 issue, highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and adds to the growing list of species within the Zingiberaceae family.
The newly identified species was discovered by Mamiyil Sabu and VS Hareesh from KSCSTE-Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences, Calicut, Kerala, and P Tiatemsu, Department of Botany, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, Nagaland during a field trip in September 2023 as part of the INSA Senior Scientist program.
The plant was found along a roadside in Ungma Village, approximately three kilometers from Mokokchung Town towards Tuensang on slopes facing eastward. The species has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other members of the Curcuma genus.
According to the researchers, Curcuma ungmensis features prominent, much exserted flowers that are nearly double the size of its floral bracts, with unique white prominent coma bracts. The plant is noted for its potential as an ornamental species due to its attractive flower color.
The genus Curcuma, known for its diverse uses ranging from spices to ornamentals, includes numerous species across South and Southeast Asia. However, the discovery of Curcuma ungmensis marks a notable addition to the genus, distinctively characterized by its tall rhizomatous herb structure, towering 65–90 cm in height.
The researchers observed the distinctive features of Curcuma ungmensis not matching any previously described species. After a thorough examination of original descriptions of all Asian species so far known and consulting others working on the genus in China, Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore, they concluded that this was a new species of the genus.
Curcuma ungmensis is found primarily along roadside areas near Ungma Village in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland, thriving amidst a diverse local flora dominated by Quercus serrata and other native species. Preliminary observations have shown that more than 1000 individuals are present in this locality, according to the researchers.
However, the researchers observed that the newly discovered species faces severe threats from human activities such as road widening, construction, and urbanization, as well as natural calamities.
With its potential as a cut flower due to its attractive inflorescence coloration and ornamental value, Curcuma ungmensis holds promise for horticultural introduction after proper domestication.
Flowering starts in the rainy season of August and lasts up to October, with the plants entering dormancy by January. The flowers bloom in the morning and last only for a single day, with the inflorescence emerging centrally among the leaves.
The discovery not only enriches the scientific understanding of the Curcuma genus but also highlights the botanical diversity of Nagaland, where biodiversity remains largely underexplored, and the need for continued exploration, research and conservation of Nagaland’s unique plant life.