Guwahati: Species in the Globba genus have long charmed botanists due to their unique floral structures, which resemble ballerinas with bowed heads and outstretched arms, appearing to “dance” in the wind. These delicate plants, often referred to as “dancing girls,” belong to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and are commonly found in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, India, and the Eastern Himalayas.
In a significant discovery, two researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Vinita Gowda and Ritu Yadav, uncovered six new Globba species during their fieldwork in West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Mizoram in the monsoon months of August and September 2022.
The six new species are Globba corniculata (discovered in Darjeeling, West Bengal), Globba paschimbengalensis (from Darjeeling district, West Bengal), Globba polymorpha (from Darjeeling district, West Bengal), Globba tyrnaensis (from Meghalaya), Globba janakiae (from Meghalaya), and Globba yadaviana (from Mizoram).
The newly discovered species have been named based on various features and significance. Globba corniculata derives its name from a horn-shaped structure at the base of the labellum. Globba paschimbengalensis is named after West Bengal, where it was discovered, while Globba polymorpha is named for the variation in bracteole colors within the species population. Globba tyrnaensis is named after Tyrna village in Meghalaya, and Globba janakiae is dedicated to Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal, a pioneering Indian botanist who challenged societal norms of caste, gender, and race. Lastly, Globba yadaviana honors the late Rajesh Yadav, father of first author Ritu Yadav, who supported her scientific journey.
Both Meghalaya species, Globba tyrnaensis and Globba janakiae, were discovered in the Double Decker Living Root Bridge area of Tyrna village in Cherrapunji (Sohra), East Khasi Hills. Globba yadaviana was found in Mamit, Mizoram.
“Our discovery of six new species highlights the importance of documenting and preserving the flora of this biodiverse region,” said the researchers, emphasizing that the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India are biodiversity-rich regions constantly threatened by rapid development projects.
Challenges in Fieldwork
The researchers detailed the challenges they faced in the region, highlighting its ecological fragility and underexplored biodiversity. They noted that Northeast India is one of the least studied regions in the country for its flora, fauna, ecology, and evolutionary patterns. The combination of logistical difficulties, poor road infrastructure, and political sensitivities makes it a challenging region for research.
“Roadways within the Northeastern states are well-connected, but traversing them is difficult due to poor road conditions and unpredictable landslides that can isolate large parts of the region indefinitely,” they said. Fieldwork is further complicated by the scarcity of public transportation, necessitating the use of privately hired vehicles, which significantly increases research costs.
The high humidity in the region, particularly in areas like Cherrapunji, which receives up to 450 inches (11,430 mm) of rain annually, makes drying plant specimens a difficult task. Additionally, the absence of a reliable electrical power supply poses challenges in charging essential field equipment, such as cameras, GPS devices, and mobile phones.
Safety concerns are also paramount in the northeastern states, where natural disasters and political conflicts often create a volatile environment for researchers. The region’s proximity to the borders of five countries makes it politically sensitive, particularly in areas near international boundaries.
A Call for Collective Efforts
To mitigate the threat of biodiversity loss, the researchers have called for a collective effort involving local communities, researchers, taxonomists, forestry personnel, and policymakers. The ongoing ecological destruction in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India requires immediate attention, they said, noting the importance of preserving these underexplored and fragile ecosystems.
Their study, published in Phytokeys, underscores the need for increased research and conservation efforts to protect the region’s unique biodiversity.
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