A new tree species named Garcinia kusumae was discovered in April 2025 in Baksa district, Assam. The plant was identified by Jatindra Sarma, a senior botanist, during a field survey. He named it after his late mother Kusum Devi. This find enriches India’s plant biodiversity and showcases Assam’s rich natural heritage.

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• New tree Garcinia kusumae found in Assam’s Baksa district
• Discovered by botanist Jatindra Sarma during April 2025 plant survey
• Tree named in memory of his mother, Kusum Devi
• First Indian botanist to name 4 plants after family
• Tree grows up to 18 metres, flowers Feb–Apr, fruits May–Jun
• Locals call it thoikora, used in food and medicine
• Fruit has black resin; pulp used in cooling drinks, fish curry
• Believed to help with diabetes, dysentery in folk medicine
• Discovery published in global journal Feddes Repertorium
• Adds to Assam’s 12 species, 3 varieties of Garcinia trees