Kerala researchers identify new Begonia species in Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot

Researchers working in Kerala have identified and catalogued a new species within the Begonia genus, adding to the botanical diversity documented in the Western Ghats. The discovery underscores the region's significance as a repository of plant species, many found nowhere else in the world.

The species has been formally christened Begonia rajvikramanii, a designation that honours R. Raj Vikraman, former Head of the Garden Management Division at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI). Vikraman's contributions to botanical research and conservation efforts in Kerala warranted the recognition, researchers said.

The Western Ghats, stretching across India's southwestern coast, is recognised as one of the world's most ecologically important regions, hosting thousands of plant and animal species. The identification of new flora continues to highlight gaps in scientific understanding of the region's biodiversity.

Begonias are a widespread tropical and subtropical genus known for their ornamental value and ecological importance. The addition of Begonia rajvikramanii to documented Indian flora reflects ongoing efforts by research institutions to survey and preserve the country's natural heritage, particularly in biodiversity-rich zones like the Western Ghats.