New Garcinia Tree Species Discovered In Assam’s Baksa District

The forests of Assam have produced yet another species of tree belonging to the Garcinia family. Judged by them to be a new species of Garcinia, and called Garcinia kusumae, it was first recognized while surveying the Baksa district. Because Kusum Devi, the mother of botanist Jatindra Sarma, has been a great inspiration and support in the educational journey of Sarma, he opted to name the species after her in recognition. This would be the fourth species of plant named after a family member, the record for an Indian botanist.

Discovery and Naming

The species was discovered in Bamunbari, Baksa district, Assam. The specimen was collected following herbarium protocols for collecting plants by pressing and drying it, however the species was special enough for Sarma to warrant a more detailed study. *Garcinia kusumae* is dioecious and evergreen, and can grow up to 18 metres, it flowers from February to April, and fruits ripen in between May and June. The species has been called *Garcinia kusumae* to honour Kusum Devi and pay respect to her personal and scientific knowledge in dealing with plant taxonomy.

Botanical Features

The tree has distinctive morphological features. There may be up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, and it contains fewer stamens per flower than the related species, except it does share a feature with Garcinia assamica. The berries have blackish resinous exudations. It bears some resemblance to Garcinia assamica, Garcinia cowa, and Garcinia succifolia, yet the features of Garcinai kusumae distinguish it as a unique species. The species is endemic to the tropical rainforests of ecoregions of northeastern India.

Cultural and Medicinal Value

The fruit of *Garcinia kusumae* has regional relevance. Its sun-dried pulp is used to make a sherbet with salt and sugar. When prepared as a drink, it works as a preventative for heat stroke and quenches thirst on hot days. It is also cooked in  curries as an ingredient for fish. Traditionally, it is used for preparing a remedy for diabetes, and dysentery. The arils of the seed can be eaten raw, accompanied by salt, chillies, and mustard oil,  thereby having  a sour and sweet taste.

Genus Garcinia

*Garcinia* is the largest genus in the family Clusiaceae, and consists of 414 species of shrubs and trees. The genus has a pan-tropical range, and centres of diversity appear to be in Africa, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. The diversity of these species appears to be mainly in the lowland tropical rainforest environment and is known for floral diversity. Many of these species appear to have pharmacological significance. India has 33 species and seven varieties, and Assam has 12 species and three varieties, which is significant.

Final Verdict

This new species contributes to Assam’s account of flora, and is indicative of the value of the location’s biodiversity and the need to continue surveying the botanical diversity of the state. Naming the species after a family member is representative of the personal and professional dedication that came into the work of scientific discovery. Furthermore, the discovery of this new species can lead to additional research into the ecosystem functions of the genus’ medicinal properties.