March 13, 2026 (IMP/GAU): A newly discovered flowering plant (perennial erect shrub) found in the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, has now been named after celebrated Assamese singer, lyricist, and music composer Zubeen Garg as ‘Osbeckia zubeengargiana’ in recognition of his contribution to culture and advocacy for nature conservation.
The ‘Osbeckia zubeengargiana’, which belongs to the Melastomataceae family, was discovered by researchers Barnali Das, Prashob Pulpra and Namita Nath of Guwahati University during floristic surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025.
‘Osbeckia zubeengargiana’ can grow up to 3.5 metres in height and produces distinctive pink tetramerous flowers. The plant typically flowers and bears fruit between mid-September and January and is commonly found alongside species such as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Maesa indica, Bombax ceiba and Dillenia pentagyna in the region’s grassland habitats.
According to the researchers, the species shows similarities with Osbeckia rostrata but differs in several morphological traits, including leaf structure, flower arrangement, hypanthium shape and seed size. Specimens of the species were collected from grassland areas of Manas National Park in Baksa district, where researchers observed a relatively large population.
