New Record of Flowering Plants Documented for the Flora of Bhutan
The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is pleased to share a significant scientific publication titled: “New Record of Flowering Plants for the Flora of Bhutan,” published in the Korean journal of Plant Taxonomy (vol. 55, Issue 2, 2025)
doi: https://doi.org/10.11110/kjpt.2025.55.2.88
Authored by researchers from NBC, Bumbling Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, this study reports 19 new flowing plant species for Bhutan’s flora, comprising 16 native and 3 exotic species.
These new records were the result of extensive botanical surveys across various districts, primarily in the central and southern subtropical and warm broadleaved forest zones of Bhutan. The research highlights include species like:
- Ceropegia khasiana and Peliosanthes maheswariana – previously thought endemic to India
- Gymnocladus assamicus – a rare species newly confirmed in Bhutan
- Lippia alba, Ipomoea triloba, and Achimenes longiflora – introduced exotic species
The study also provides detailed descriptions, photographs, type information, and distribution maps to support accurate identification and future research.
This work contributes to updating the Flora of Bhutan and reinforces the need for ongoing exploration to better document and conserve Bhutan’s unique plant biodiversity.