Delicate flower Garcinia Kusumae – a recent addition to the Garcinia genus, rooted in Assam’s rich ecological and cultural landscape. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Guwahati
Assam brought a new kind of trees that belong to the Garcinia, commonly referred to as Thoikora in Assamese. The newly described Garciniakusumae was appointed in honor of Kusum Devi, the late mother of Jatindra Sarma, one of the authors of the study and chairman of the Assam Committee for the evaluation of the state expert appointed by the Ministry of the Union, Forest and Climate Change.
The study, co -author of Hussain A. Barbhuiya of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, appears in the last issue of Feddes Repertorium, a reviewed magazine focused on botanical taxonomy and geobotany.
Garcinia Kusumae refers to the fourth case of Mr. Sarma by the names of a botanical discovery after a family member. Previous names include Amomum Pratisthan (after his daughter), Syzygium Nivae (wife) and Garcinia sibesware (father). This is the first time that the Indian botanist-researcher had four species of plants named after the closest family members. “Epithet Kusumae … is a recognition of her permanent support and victim for his education (Mr. Sarma),” the study said.
The clear flowers of Garcinia Kusumae, the newly identified species of trees from Assam, contribute to the growing botanical inventory of the region. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Garcinia, the largest family in the Clusiaceae family, includes 414 species of shrubs and trees. Pan-tropically distributed, its diversity centers are located in Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia. The genus is known for its floral diversity, frequent presence in lowland tropical rainforests and considerable pharmacological potential.
In India, 33 species and seven Garcinia varieties were documented, with Assam representing 12 species and three varieties.
Mr. Sarma found a sample of Thoikor in Bamunbari, located in the Baksa district, in April, during a survey of Garcinia. The distinct morphological features of the tree caused further research. The samples were collected according to standard Herbarium protocols, including pressing, drying and preservation.
Garcinia Kusumae was observed to flower from February to April, which can grow up to 18 meters high up to 18 meters high up to 18 meters.
Flower Garcinia Kusumae, a kind of new science and endemic Assam, discovered and named in honor of the mother of botany Jatindra Sarma. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
While Thiikora shares superficial similarities to Garcinia Assamica, Garcinia Cowa and Garcinia Sukcifolia, Morphological Analysis revealed distinctive characteristics, including up to 15 staminated flowers on fasculus, less rods on flower (except Garcinia Assamica) and Berries with black -resistant exudations.
The fruit has local cultural and healing value. According to the study, the pulp dried with the sun is used to prepare a sherbet (non -alcoholic beverage) with salt and sugar consumed during hot days to prevent sunburn and alleviate thirst. It is also used in curry with fish and is used as a traditional drug for diabetes and dysentery. The aril seed, slightly acidic and sweet, are consumed raw, often with salt, chili peppers and a little mustard oil.
Published – 3 July 2025 9:47
