Scientists rediscover rare Arunachal plant missing for 189 years

Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India have rediscovered a rare plant species endemic to Arunachal Pradesh nearly 189 years after it was last recorded , during a recent field survey in Lohit district, officials said on Saturday.

The species, Henckelia monophylla , had not been documented since the early nineteenth century, making the rediscovery a significant development for botanical research in the Eastern Himalayas. The plant was first collected in 1836 by British botanist William Griffith in the Mishmi Hills , and had not been reported again for nearly two centuries, leading scientists to believe it had become extremely rare in the wild.

Belonging to the Gesneriaceae family , Henckelia monophylla is a perennial herbaceous plant typically found in humid forest habitats . Botanists say species of the Henckelia genus usually have erect or slightly creeping stems and simple leaves that are ovate or lance-shaped.

The plant produces axillary inflorescences bearing one or several tubular or funnel-shaped flowers with delicate colouration. Its fruits develop as elongated capsules containing numerous tiny seeds , enabling the plant to reproduce efficiently in favourable ecological niches.

Experts say the rediscovery highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration in the Eastern Himalayas , a region recognised as one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Large parts of Arunachal Pradesh remain scientifically underexplored, and researchers believe many species may still be undocumented.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the scientists for the discovery and praised the efforts of the Botanical Survey of India. In a post on X, he described the rediscovery as a “remarkable scientific achievement” and commended the researchers for their dedication.

Khandu said the rediscovery from Lohit district highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of the state and emphasised the need to protect its ecological wealth. Such discoveries, he added, not only expand global botanical knowledge but also underscore the importance of conserving Arunachal Pradesh’s unique plant diversity .

The chief minister also extended his best wishes to the research team and encouraged continued efforts to document and conserve the region’s unique flora .