New Garcinia species found in Assam, named after botanist’s mother. What is the name of the newly discovered Garcinia species in Assam?

The Correct Answer is Garcinia kusumae . In News New Garcinia species found in Assam, named after botanist’s mother. Key Points A new plant species , Garcinia kusumae , has been discovered in Baksa district, Assam . The species is named in honour of Kusum Devi , mother of environmentalist Jatindra Sarma , who led the discovery. Locally known as thoikora , it is a dioecious evergreen tree that grows up to 18 metres tall. Garcinia belongs to the Clusiaceae family and has 414 known species globally. These plants are mainly found in Africa, Australasia, and Southeast Asia , especially in lowland tropical rainforests . Garcinia species are valued for pharmacological, culinary, and cultural significance , especially among indigenous communities . India hosts 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia. Assam alone is home to 12 species and 3 varieties , primarily found in northeastern rainforests . Other biodiversity hotspots for Garcinia include the Western Ghats and Andaman & Nicobar Islands .