(UPSC Syllabus: GS-III – Environment & Biodiversity | GS-I – Geography of India)

Arunachal Pradesh has reported a major scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a new plant species, Hoya dawodiensis, in the remote Vijoynagar valley of Changlang district.

A Landmark Discovery in India’s Biodiversity Hotspot

Arunachal Pradesh—already known as one of India’s richest biodiversity frontiers—has added a new species to its botanical records. The discovery of Hoya dawodiensis, along with the first India record of Hoya yingjiangensis and the first Arunachal record of Hoya nummularia, strengthens the region’s scientific baseline.

About Hoya dawodiensis

Taxonomy

• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Hoya – known for wax-like ornamental flowers
• Species: Hoya dawodiensis

Habitat

• Found in Vijoynagar valley, a rugged, remote region bordering:
• Myanmar, and
• Namdapha National Park (a global biodiversity hotspot).
• Grows along streamside trees in moist tropical forest zones.

Key Characteristics

• Growth Form: A delicate climbing vine.
• Flowers: Glossy white, star-shaped blooms arranged in clusters.
• Flowering Season: September to November.

Conservation Concerns

Status
Critically Endangered – only 3–4 individuals located in the wild.

Threats

• Shifting cultivation (Jhum) in surrounding landscapes.
• Extremely narrow distribution, making it vulnerable to habitat change.

Exam Hook – UPSC Prelims Question

Q. With reference to biodiversity of Northeast India, which of the following characteristics correctly describes Hoya dawodiensis?

(a) A ground-dwelling herb producing purple tubular flowers
(b) A climbing vine with glossy white, star-shaped clustered flowers
(c) A high-altitude shrub with needle-like leaves
(d) A large canopy tree with woody inflorescences

Answer: (b)

Source: Sentinel Assam