THE WORLD THIS WEEK : Rare plant found in India
NEW DELHI: Indian scientists working in a tropical forest in the country’s remote northeast have found a rare medicinal plant last seen 115 years ago, a scientific journal reported. The botanists were working in the upper Subansiri district of Arunchal Pradesh, when they found a specimen of ‘Begonia Tessaricarpa’, according to this month’s issue of Current Science, an Indian journal. The herbaceous plant was once regarded as having medicinal properties by the region’s ethnic tribes, and reportedly was used to treat stomach aches and dehydration. It’s juices were also reportedly used to ward off leeches.