Why in the news?

• Two species of ginger have been found in Arunachal Pradesh by Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Sciences researchers.

Hedychium mechukanum

• It is a close relative of white ginger lily which is mentioned in Mahabharata.
• It was found in Mechuka valley of Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1,400 m.
• This plant grows in open areas of evergreen forests. Flowering is from mid-June to September and fruiting from September to November. 
• The species gives out large white flowers having pleasant fragrance. 
• According to IUCN, it has DATA DEFICIENT status. 
• Road widening in its habitat is the greatest threat to this species.

Amomum arunachalense

• It is distinguished from its relative species mainly by a white rhizome with a pale brown centre.
• It was found in Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Deforestation and extraction of shoots for medicinal purposes are major threats to this species.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/two-new-species-of-ginger-found-from-northeast/article33443098.ece