Rare New Flowering Tree Discovered in Arunachal, Named After Rashmi Thackeray

In a significant contribution to India's growing catalogue of plant diversity, researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation have discovered a new species of flowering tree in the remote forests of Arunachal Pradesh , highlighting the ecological richness of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot . The newly identified species, Mitrephora rashmiae , has been named in honour of Rashmi Thackeray , recognising her role in nurturing Tejas Thackeray's lifelong interest in nature and taxonomy.

The discovery was made during a botanical survey in the Subansiri Valley of Upper Subansiri district , with the findings published in the peer-reviewed journal Feddes Repertorium . The research was carried out by Tejas U. Thackeray , Navendu V. Page , and Shivam Kishwan . According to the foundation, the species was named after Rashmi Thackeray in recognition of her encouragement of Tejas Thackeray's childhood curiosity about the natural world and her continued support for the foundation's conservation initiatives.

Belonging to the Custard Apple family (Annonaceae) , Mitrephora rashmiae is considered a remarkable botanical discovery. It is only the second recorded species of the genus Mitrephora from the Eastern Himalayas, one of the world's 36 recognised biodiversity hotspots , renowned for its exceptional concentration of endemic plants and animals.

Researchers say the species possesses an extraordinary characteristic that sets it apart from all known members of its genus. It is the first known Mitrephora species to produce both male and bisexual flowers on the same tree , offering scientists fresh insights into the evolution and reproductive biology of flowering plants. The tree also features pale-yellow flowers with purple stripes and a distinctive dome-shaped floral structure formed by its inner petals.

The species is believed to be extremely rare , with researchers identifying only a single seven-metre-tall tree growing beside a stream in a degraded forest patch. Despite extensive field surveys, no additional individuals have been found, leading scientists to classify it as "Data Deficient" until further studies determine its population and conservation status.

The Thackeray Wildlife Foundation , headed by wildlife conservationist Tejas Thackeray , works in the fields of zoology, botany and biodiversity conservation. Scientists say discoveries such as Mitrephora rashmiae underscore the importance of continued exploration and protection of India's biodiversity-rich forests, as documenting new species strengthens conservation efforts and enhances scientific understanding of the country's unique natural heritage.