20 C
Guwahati
Thursday, November 7, 2024

Endangered orchid ‘Gastrodia Lohitensis’ found in Arunachal Pradesh

Leafless orchid thrives without sunlight, showcasing India’s biodiversity

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

ITANAGAR, Nov 6: A team of scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) here recently discovered a new species of orchid in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district.

Gastrodia Lohitensis, the leafless orchid, was found by Krishna Chowlu and the BSI team here, sources said.

- Advertisement -

The rare orchid flourishes without sunlight, relying on fungi in leaf litter for nutrients, they said.

Found only in bamboo canopies near Tezu, the headquarters of Lohit district, Gastrodia Lohitensis has unique features like linear calli and ridged lower lips, distinguishing it from similar species in Southeast Asia.

Named after its home district, the orchid highlights India’s incredible biodiversity, the sources added.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed delight over the new discovery.

- Advertisement -

“A new mycotrophic species of the genus Gastrodia (Orchidaceae), Gastrodia lohitensis, has been discovered in the pristine landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh! This remarkable species, distinguished by its unique white flowers and parallelly arranged oblong-linear calli along the labellum, has been classified as “Endangered” according to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List criteria,” Khandu posted on X.

Named after Lohit district, where it was found, this discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of our region and highlights the importance of conservation, the chief minister said in the micro-blogging site.

Congratulations to Dr Krishna Chowlu and the entire team at the Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal, for this incredible achievement! Khandu added. (PTI)

- Advertisement -
The Hills Times
The Hills Timeshttps://thehillstimes.in/
Welcome to The Hills Times, your trusted source for daily news and updates in English from the heart of Assam, India. Since our establishment in 2000, we've been dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to our readers in Diphu and Guwahati. As the first English newspaper in the then undemarcated Karbi Anglong district, we've forged a strong connection with diverse communities and age groups, earning a reputation for being a reliable source of news and insights. In addition to our print edition, we keep pace with the digital age through our website, https://thehillstimes.in, where we diligently update our readers with the latest happenings day by day. Whether it's local events, regional developments, or global news, The Hills Times strives to keep you informed with dedication and integrity. Join us in staying ahead of the curve and exploring the world through our lens.
Latest news
- Advertisement -
Related news
- Advertisement -
8 Most Happiest Animals In The World 10 Places You Must Visit In Northeast India This December 10 Best Places To See Snowfall In India This Winter 6 Traditional Sindhi Breakfast Dishes That Are a Must-Try 10 Unmissable Places to Visit in Sikkim This December