The country recorded a new plant species called Impatiens leptocarpa, native to the Eastern Himalayas. Researchers from the National Biodiversity Centre and the Department of Forests and Park Services announced the discovery in a publication early last month. With this discovery, Bhutan’s documented plant diversity now stands at 32 species.
The newly recorded species was discovered at Tergola in Haa during a field visit in August last year.
Its identity was confirmed following thorough examination and comparison with related plant species.
Impatiens leptocarpa is a flowering annual herb native to India, Nepal, China and Bhutan.
According to the researchers, the plant is found in temperate to lower sub-alpine zones, often along forest margins, among Rhododendron scrubs, and in moist habitats with humus-rich soil at elevations between 2600 and 3600 metres.
The authors stated that further studies are required in the country to understand the diversity of this species.
Tergola, where the new species was discovered, is also recognised as one of the country’s nine High Conservation Value areas. A High Conservation Value area is any area such as a forest, grassland, watershed, or landscape ecosystem that needs to be properly managed in order to maintain or enhance its value.
According to researchers, discovering new plant species usually means a region is biologically rich, underexplored, ecologically unique, and important to protect and conserve.
Kelzang Chhophyel
