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.
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.
"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.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Man Stabs 3, Including Wife, Daughter With Sword In Arunachal Hospital Arunachal Musician Kills Chicken, Drinks Its Blood On Stage, Case Filed Bhagyashree Tastes Lai Ki Sabzi In Arunachal Pradesh, Shares Sneak Peek On Instagram Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think 2 More Exit Polls Predict Landslide For NDA In Maharashtra Waving Black Flags At Chief Minister's Convoy Not Illegal: Court Gaza Has Become 'Graveyard' For Children, Says UN Palestinian Agency Chief Russian Missile Used On Ukraine Not An ICBM, Says US Official: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.