Guwahati: A researcher from Assam has named a new plant species after his mother.

Dipankar Borah, a student of botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, and Alfred Joe, department of botany, St Joseph's College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Kerala, discovered the plant species, Lysionotus bijantiae, at Potin in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh in October last year.

Their finding was published in the scientific journal Taiwania, which said the species was named after Borah's mother Bijanti as a nod to her constant support in his career.

"A homemaker by profession, who struggled through her life because of poverty, but never wavered in ensuring a bright future for her children. She was a constant guide and source of inspiration for us. She is a keen lover of nature and showed me the path for a future career through her gardening habit. This is the best gift I could have given her," Borah told The Telegraph.

He said her mother was very happy to hear a species named after her by his son.

Borah's family hails from Biswanath Chariali.

There were earlier three species of Lysionotus genus in the country which are also found in Arunachal Pradesh. "The plant is a sub-shrub with opposite leaves, with creamy white flowers having yellow patches. It is distinguished from the other species within the genus by its hairy feel," he said.

"I always visit that spot as it is a location frequented by visitors to eat and rest. I occasionally go there to feel refreshed. I noticed the plant during one such visit," Borah said. It was found growing under the humid tropical forests in Lower Subansiri at 100 metres above sea level.

"The plant grows in wet, shaded areas. According to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria (IUCN, 2012), L. bijantiae should be assessed as 'critically endangered' as it has a restricted geographic range of less than 2 square km with only a single location and an estimated number of mature individuals of about 100," he added.

Flowering starts in August and fruiting ends in December.

Borah said September is the best time to see the plant in full bloom. "A visit to Potin, a 50km road trip from Itanagar, provides a great view of natural beauty. The place is blessed with high roads, sharp turns, waterfalls and wet forests along with a scenic view of the Panyor river and its dam," he said, adding that many more species are waiting to be discovered.