A new species of wild ginger has been discovered in Odisha's Similipal Biosphere Reserve. Researchers from Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University in Baripada, Odisha, announced the finding.
Dr. Sudam Charan Sahu, Assistant Professor of Botany, and Sifan Priyadarshini, a Ph.D. research scholar, made the discovery. For the past three years, they've been studying the Zingiberaceae family in Odisha. The new species was located in August 2024, within the semi-evergreen forests of Kulipala, situated inside the Similipal Biosphere Reserve in the Mayurbhanj district.
According to the university's statement, Dr. Sahu noted that detailed examination of the plant's unique morphological characteristics confirmed it as a new species. Their research has been published in the international journal 'Phytotaxa'.
The researchers have named the new species Zingiber jagannathii Sahu & Priyadarshini, in honor of Lord Jagannath. The plant was found in a single location, at an elevation of 758 meters, within an area of less than one square kilometer.
The research team is now focusing on gathering more data about the plant's distribution, ecological role, and potential medicinal properties. There's hope that this new species could contribute to the development of new drugs and therapies.
This discovery emphasises Similipal Biosphere Reserve's significant biodiversity and ecological value. It also underscores the importance of preserving these unique habitats. In simple terms, this finding gives us a deeper understanding of the natural world but also reminds us how crucial it is to protect these valuable ecosystems are beneficial for both nature and humanity.
Picture referred is Representative only
