Dillenia nagalim

Dillenia nagalim Latest News

A team of researchers recently discovered a new plant species in Manipur’s Kamjong district, naming it Dillenia nagalim.

About Dillenia nagalim

• It is a new plant species discovered in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
• The name “nagalim” is derived from “Naga” (referring to the indigenous Naga communities) and “lim,” meaning land, reflecting the plant’s origin in a region predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga tribe near the Indo-Myanmar border.
• The species is currently known only from a single location, making it endemic to the area. 
• It is a small shrub growing up to about 1.2 metres, with bright yellow flowers and distinctive double-serrated leaves. 
• While it resembles related species such as Dillenia pentagyna and Dillenia hookeri, it differs in several features, including its shorter size, larger flowers, and a higher number of stamens and carpels.
• The plant grows in open tropical deciduous forests at altitudes of 250–350 metres and flowers between May and June. 
• The local communities are familiar with the plant. Its tender leaves are eaten as vegetables, while the fruits are edible and described as having a sweet, pungent flavour.
• The species has been provisionally classified as “Critically Endangered” under IUCN criteria.

Source: NEN

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