Nagaland University researchers discover new plant species

Dimapur: Nagaland University researchers Vieneite-o Koza and co-researcher Joynath Pegu, led by Dr Gyati Yam, discovered a new plant species during systematic field surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025 in the Kavünhou community reserved forest, Khezhakeno village, in Phek district of Nagaland.

The discovery emerged from botanical exploration in the high-altitude forests of Phek district, leading to the identification of a new species, Hoya nagaensis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae), highlighting Nagaland’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot in Northeast India, a varsity release said on Saturday.

The specific epithet “nagaensis” is derived from “Nagaland,” the state where the species was discovered, and honours both the cultural heritage of the Naga community and the ecological importance of its forest ecosystems.

The discovery highlighted the conservation significance of community-protected forests in Nagaland and the need for continued botanical exploration and habitat-based conservation.

The formal description of Hoya nagaensis strengthens the taxonomy of the genus and underscores Nagaland’s importance as a centre of under-documented plant diversity in Northeast India, the release added.

The research, supported by Nagaland University through the Start-Up Project for Young Faculty (SUPYF), has been published in the renowned international scientific journal Kew Bulletin.