GUWAHATI: Researchers from Gauhati University recently discovered a new flowering plant species in Assam’s Goalpara district, further enriching the state’s floral diversity, which is already home to over 4,500 species of flowering plants and ferns.
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The newly identified species has been named Torenia goalparensis, and was discovered by a research team from the university’s Department of Botany. The team was led by Associate Professor Namita Nath, along with researchers Shilpa Roy, Kshiprativ Basumatary, and Madhushmita Nath.
The newly identified species is closely related to Torenia godefroyi but can be clearly distinguished by several morphological characteristics. It is notably smaller in size with an erect growth habit. The leaves transition from an ovate basal lamina to a linear-lanceolate shape. The species also features an inflorescence with four flowers, equal-winged calyx lobes that are slightly reddish towards the apex, and ciliate hairs at the calyx’s apices.
The corolla of Torenia goalparensis is pale pink, with fully opened lips, and the upper lip has a dark purple tinge on the outer surface. Unlike Torenia godefroyi, it lacks horn-like appendages on the anterior filaments but retains remnant staminal appendages in the form of protuberances.
The findings of this flower have been officially published in the international scientific journal Phytotaxa.