Guwahati: Researchers from Gauhati University have discovered a new plant species in Assam and named it after legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in recognition of his immense contribution to culture and his advocacy for nature conservation. The newly identified species, named Osbeckia zubeengargiana, belongs to the Melastomataceae family and was discovered in the grasslands of Manas National Park. The discovery was made by researchers Barnali Das, Prashob Pulpra and Namita Nath during extensive floristic explorations conducted between 2021 and 2025 as part of a doctoral research project on the Melastomataceae family in Assam.
According to the researchers, the new species is closely related to Osbeckia rostrata but differs in several morphological features, including its leaf structure, flower arrangement, hypanthium shape and seed size. The plant is described as a perennial erect shrub that can grow up to 3.5 metres tall and produces distinctive pink tetramerous flowers. The species was collected from the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park in Baksa district, where researchers observed a significant population of the plant.
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Scientists noted that the plant flowers and fruits from mid-September to January and grows alongside species such as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Maesa indica, Bombax ceiba and Dillenia pentagyna. Researchers said the naming of Osbeckia zubeengargiana honours Zubeen Garg for his outstanding contribution to Assamese music, cinema and literature, as well as his commitment to environmental awareness. The discovery also adds to the rich botanical diversity of Assam and enhances scientific understanding of the genus Osbeckia, widely distributed across Southeast Asia.
