In a remarkable tribute to the late Assamese music legend and environmental advocate Zubeen Garg, a newly discovered species of ginger lily has been named after legendary Assamese singer and environmental advocate Zubeen Garg, marking a rare honour in the world of botany.
The species, scientifically named Hedychium zubeengargianum, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and was identified by a team of botanists led by Dilip Kumar Roy of Birjhora Mahavidyalaya under Bongaigaon University, along with researchers Rikertre Lytan and Nripemo Odyuo from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Shillong. The fragrant, creamy-white flower was first spotted in 2018 at a botanical garden in Shillong and, after years of detailed taxonomic study, was confirmed as a previously unknown species.
The discovery was formally published on July 21, 2026, in the June issue of the peer-reviewed journal Phytotaxonomy, under the title “Hedychium zubeengargianum (Zingiberaceae), a new ginger lily from Northeastern India.”
Researchers said the naming is a tribute to Zubeen Garg’s immense contributions to Indian music and cinema, as well as his consistent advocacy for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. They described the naming as a “deeply respectful gesture,” aimed at recognising the artist’s enduring cultural influence and his passion for nature.
Notably, this is the second plant species named after Garg in 2026. Earlier, a flowering plant discovered in the grasslands of Manas National Park was named Osbeckia zubeengargiana, with findings published in the international journal Phytotaxa.
Together, these honours underscore Zubeen Garg’s lasting legacy—ensuring that his name continues to resonate not only through his music but also within the rich biodiversity of Northeast India.
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