Guwahati, Oct 14: In a major botanical breakthrough, scientists have rediscovered a rare and endangered orchid species, Agrostophyllum flavidum, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district, 34 years after it was first discovered in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills.
The orchid, commonly known as the Yellow-Flowered Grass-Leaf Orchid, was first described in 1990 by botanist S. Phukan from Shillong Peak in Meghalaya. Since then, the species had not been recorded anywhere else in the world, raising concerns that it might have vanished from its natural habitat.
A research team led by Dr. Jambey Tsering of the Orchid Research Centre, Tipi, Itanagar, identified the species during field explorations in the Tawang–West Kameng region. Their findings, published in the Indian Journal of Forestry (Vol. 47, No. 3, 2024), mark the first confirmed record of A. flavidum outside Meghalaya.
“Agrostophyllum flavidum was last reported 34 years ago from Meghalaya. Its rediscovery from Tawang not only extends its known range but also underscores Arunachal Pradesh’s immense orchid diversity,” said Dr. Tsering, Scientist-in-Charge of the Orchid Research Centre.
The team found the orchid growing epiphytically on trees in temperate mixed forests at altitudes between 1,900 and 2,050 metres, in locations such as Chaksam and Khyed village. Only about 20 plants were documented, and researchers observed anthropogenic threats such as firewood collection and habitat disturbance near the sites.
The study assesses A. flavidum as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List criteria, estimating its area of occupancy at just 12 sq. km.
According to Dr. Tsering, Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 60% of India’s orchid species, making it one of the world’s richest orchid habitats. “This rediscovery highlights the need for continuous field research and conservation of high-altitude forests that remain scientifically underexplored,” he added.
The discovery reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh’s status as the “Orchid State of India”, and offers new hope for protecting species once thought lost to time.
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