Heptapleurum assamicum

A new plant species, named Heptapleurum assamicum, has been discovered in the Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam, India.

About Heptapleurum assamicum:

• Species Type: It is a newly identified plant species, a lush, evergreen shrub.

• Family: It belongs to the Araliaceae family, which is also home to the ornamental umbrella plant (H. arboricola).

Distinctive Traits of Heptapleurum assamicum:

• Leaflets: The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaflets, which are never more than 1.2 cm wide.

• Flowers: Unlike the greenish-yellow flowers of its ornamental cousin, this species has striking purple flowers.

• Inflorescences: The plant produces compact umbels with up to 15 flowers per umbel.

• Fruit: The fruit of Heptapleurum assamicum turns a deep reddish-purple when ripe and is marked with orange-red glands, which is an unusual feature within the Heptapleurum genus.

• Flowering Period: The plant blooms between January and March, with the fruit ripening by May.

Conservation Status:

• Currently, the known population of this species is tiny and highly localized, making it vulnerable to environmental changes and habitat loss.

• As per the IUCN criteria, it is categorized as "Data Deficient", indicating that more data is needed to assess its conservation status accurately.