Doronicum sanctum:
Researchers from the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) have announced the discovery of a new plant species and named it as Doronicum sanctum.
- Doronicum sanctum was discovered in the high-altitude wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is the new plant species belonging to the sunflower family.
- It is the first time a member of the Doronicum genus, commonly known as Leopard’s bane, has been documented in Northeast India.
- The researchers chose sanctum name because the plant’s type locality is situated near the Chumi Gyatse Holy Waterfalls, a site held in high spiritual regard by the local population.
- It was found at an elevation of approximately 4,086 metres above sea level in the Tawang district.
- It possesses pubescent ray cypselae, which are tiny, hairy seeds at the edge of the flower head, and a caducous pappus, a feathery structure that falls off easily.
- It has dilated flower stalks (peduncle apex) and flat, lance-shaped green bracts that cup the flower.
- It has vibrant yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves, the species appears to be extremely rare.
