Assam: Botany students from Kaliabor college record first report of Salvia misella in northeast

A team of undergraduate students from the Department of Botany at Kaliabor College (Autonomous) has recorded the presence of Salvia misella in Northeast India, marking a notable academic and scientific achievement for the institution.

The identification was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Dipankar Bora of the Botany Department. The student research team included Guriya Bhawal, Hiya Das, Joniyal Tisso and Prasenjit Mahatu, who documented the occurrence of the species through field-based observation and survey.

The findings have been published in the Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany under the title “First Report of Salvia misella (Lamiaceae) from Northeast India,” formally recording the species’ presence in the region.

According to the team, the plant was first identified within the college campus. Following the initial observation, the students conducted field surveys across multiple locations in Kaliabor to assess the species’ distribution pattern.

During the survey, the team recorded the presence and spread of Salvia misella along the road leading to Sri Sri Kamakhya Devalaya at Silghat in Kaliabor, further confirming its occurrence in Northeast India.

Researchers observed that the species has a tendency to occupy areas otherwise inhabited by native vegetation, raising concerns about its ecological impact. The plant is reportedly not consumed by cattle or goats, a factor that may contribute to its continued spread.

Available information indicates that Salvia misella was originally reported from South America. Its gradual emergence in Northeast India has drawn attention due to the possibility of ecological competition with local plant species.

Although the species is not considered poisonous, researchers advised that it should be removed if found growing in agricultural fields and flower gardens, as its presence may hinder the growth and development of other plants.

The discovery has been recognised as a significant contribution by the student researchers and highlights the importance of academic field studies in documenting emerging ecological patterns in the region.