A new tree species named Garcinia kusumae was recently discovered in Assam’s Baksa district by botanist Jatindra Sarma. The tree, dedicated to his late mother, adds to India’s botanical diversity and highlights Assam’s rich plant heritage.
Discovery in Assam’s Forests
- A new tree species named Garcinia kusumae found in Baksa district, Assam.
- Discovered during a plant survey in April 2025 in Bamunbari by botanist Jatindra Sarma.
- Sarma collected a sample of the tree, locally known as thoikora, and confirmed it as a new species after careful study.
Named in Honour of His Mother
- The tree, Garcinia kusumae, is named after botanist Jatindra Sarma’s late mother, Kusum Devi.
- Mr. Sarma has named four different plant species after his close relatives, the first Indian botanist to do so.
Unique Features and Local Use
- Garcinia kusumae is an evergreen tree growing up to 18 meters, flowering from February to April, with fruits ripening from May to June.
- The plant has distinctive flower and fruit characteristics, with its fruit known for its black resin used in local cuisine and traditional medicine.
- Locals use the dried pulp to create a cooling drink and mix it with fish curries, believed to aid in managing diabetes and dysentery.
Published in a Global Journal
- The discovery of Garcinia kusumae was published in Feddes Repertorium, an international journal on plant taxonomy.
- Co-authored by Hussain A. Barbhuiya from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, the study highlights Assam’s significance as a hotspot for new plant species.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- A new tree species, Garcinia kusumae, discovered in Assam’s Baksa district, enriching India’s botanical diversity.
- Botanist Jatindra Sarma named the tree after his late mother, Kusum Devi, in a gesture of honor.
- Assam continues to be a hub for new plant discoveries, with 12 Garcinia species and 3 varieties found in the region.
- The discovery underscores the importance of preserving and studying plant species for ecological and medicinal purposes.
