Rare Plant Henckelia monophylla Rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh After 189 Years

BSI Scientists Rediscover Lost Plant Species in Mishmi Hills

Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India have rediscovered a rare plant species, Henckelia monophylla , in Arunachal Pradesh after nearly 189 years . The plant was originally collected in 1836 but had not been observed again for almost two centuries. Its rediscovery highlights the exceptional biodiversity of India’s northeastern forests and emphasises the importance of continued botanical exploration in remote ecosystems.

Discovery History of the Species

The plant Henckelia monophylla belongs to the Gesneriaceae . It was first collected in 1836 by British botanist William Griffith in the Mishmi Hills .

For nearly two centuries, there were no recorded sightings of this species, leading botanists to consider it extremely rare. The recent rediscovery confirms that the species continues to survive in its natural habitat.

Habitat and Ecological Conditions

The species grows as a perennial herb in humid forest ecosystems. It thrives in shaded environments with moist soil and stable climatic conditions.

The forests of Arunachal Pradesh , particularly in mountainous regions such as the Mishmi Hills , provide favourable conditions for a wide range of rare and endemic plant species. These habitats are part of the larger Eastern Himalayan biodiversity zone known for high levels of plant diversity.

Distinctive Botanical Features

Plants belonging to the genus Henckelia usually have upright or slightly trailing stems with simple leaves that are ovate or lance-shaped.

The species produces axillary inflorescences bearing tubular or funnel-shaped flowers with delicate colour patterns. The fruit develops into elongated capsules containing numerous small seeds, enabling efficient reproduction in suitable forest habitats.

Role of the Botanical Survey of India

The rediscovery was made during field surveys conducted by scientists from the Botanical Survey of India , the country’s apex institution for plant taxonomy and floristic research. Established in 1890 under the leadership of Sir George King , the organisation works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change .

The institution focuses on documenting plant diversity, conducting biosystematics research, maintaining national herbarium collections and digitising botanical records. Its headquarters is located in Kolkata .

Exam-Focused Points

• Henckelia monophylla was rediscovered after 189 years .

• The species belongs to the Gesneriaceae .

• It was first collected in 1836 by William Griffith in the Mishmi Hills .

• The discovery was made by scientists from the Botanical Survey of India .

• The BSI headquarters is located in Kolkata .