GUWAHATI: A new flowering plant species has been scientifically identified in Assam’s Manas National Park, adding to the region’s rich biodiversity.
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Named Osbeckia assamensis, the species was described by researchers Barnali Das and Namita Nath in a study published in the botanical journal Phytotaxa on October 22.
The discovery followed field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025, during which researchers recorded scattered populations of the plant across the grasslands of Manas National Park.
Belonging to the Melastomataceae family, Osbeckia assamensis is a perennial shrub that grows between two and 2.5 metres tall. It bears pink flowers measuring around 3 to 3.5 centimetres, with each flower cluster containing approximately 30 to 35 flowers.
The plant flowers and bears fruit between September and February, making it a seasonal addition to the park’s natural landscape.
Researchers confirmed the species’ distinct identity through detailed examination of its physical characteristics and comparisons with related species and herbarium specimens.
Although Osbeckia assamensis resembles Osbeckia nayarii, differences in stem structure, flower arrangement, the hairy margins of its calyx and seed size established it as a separate species.
The first reference specimen was collected in Manas on October 8, 2022, while another specimen was documented in October 2025.
The identification adds to the documented plant diversity of Manas National Park, a protected area in Assam known for its rich natural heritage.
