New Tree Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh Challenges Botanical Knowledge

Itanagar, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Guwahati: A flowering tree discovered in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh has not only added a new species to India’s growing list of botanical discoveries but has also rewritten what scientists knew about an entire group of plants found across South and Southeast Asia and Australia.

The new species, Mitrephora rashmiae, has been described by researchers Navendu V. Page, Shivam Kishwan, and Tejas U. Thackeray in the international peer-reviewed journal Feddes Repertorium. This discovery is significant not only for its botanical implications but also for the broader context of biodiversity conservation in one of the world’s most ecologically rich regions.

Its scientific significance lies in an unprecedented reproductive feature. The researchers found that M. rashmiae is the first known member of the Mitrephora genus to bear both male and bisexual flowers on the same plant—a rare reproductive strategy known as andromonoecy. Until now, no species in the genus had been reported to possess this characteristic. This unique trait may provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations of flowering plants in response to environmental pressures and pollinator availability.

The discovery is equally important from a biogeographical perspective. It is only the second Mitrephora species ever recorded from the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, expanding the known range of a genus that is largely distributed across tropical Asia and Australia. This finding not only emphasizes the importance of the Himalayan region as a center of plant diversity but also highlights the need for continued exploration and research in these areas.

The tree was discovered during botanical surveys between Daporijo and Taliha in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, growing along the edge of a forest stream at an elevation of about 410 metres. The specific habitat conditions—such as altitude, moisture, and soil type—play a crucial role in the growth and reproductive strategies of the species, making it an important subject for further ecological study.

Researchers have so far found only a single individual, prompting them to assign the species a provisional Data Deficient conservation status and to call for more extensive field surveys. This status indicates that there is insufficient information available to assess the species' risk of extinction, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive biodiversity assessments in the region.

“The find underscores the urgent need for documenting biodiversity in hotspots such as Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India. This would give us an option to prioritise species and habitats for conservation and make better decisions before planning our development activities,” said lead author Navendu V. Page. The call for documentation is particularly pressing given the rapid changes in land use and the potential impacts of climate change on these ecosystems.

The evergreen tree grows up to seven metres tall and produces striking cream-yellow flowers with purple-striped inner petals that form a distinctive dome-like structure. Besides its unusual floral architecture, the tree differs from its closest relatives in having larger leaves, more flowers per inflorescence, and unique fruit characteristics. These morphological traits not only set M. rashmiae apart from its relatives but may also influence its ecological interactions, such as pollination and seed dispersal.

The researchers said the discovery highlights how much of the region’s biodiversity remains undocumented despite decades of scientific exploration. The Northeast India region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, is known for its rich biodiversity, yet it remains underexplored compared to other parts of the country. The area is home to numerous endemic species and unique ecosystems, making it a critical focus for conservation efforts.

“This discovery not only shows the vast underexplored diversity of the Northeast, but also serves as a critical call to protect these delicate habitats before their hidden treasures are lost forever,” said co-author Shivam Kishwan. The urgency of this call is amplified by ongoing threats such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development, which put immense pressure on local ecosystems.

The species has been named Mitrephora rashmiae in honour of Rashmi Thackeray, recognising her role in fostering an early interest in nature and taxonomy and her support for the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation. This naming not only pays tribute to an individual but also highlights the importance of community engagement and support in conservation efforts.

The authors said the discovery also raises broader questions about biodiversity conservation in one of the world’s richest ecological regions. “This discovery raises quite a few questions pertinent to this geographical region. How many more species of plants and animals are yet to be discovered from these parts? How many have we lost already to habitat loss and developmental projects? Can government and civil society organisations work with local communities to protect the biodiversity of the state?” asked co-author Tejas U. Thackeray. These questions reflect the complexities of conservation in regions where development pressures often clash with ecological preservation.

With just one known tree recorded so far, the researchers have called for urgent botanical surveys to determine whether more populations survive in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, warning that habitat degradation could erase species before they are even documented. The potential loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction is a pressing concern globally, and the situation in Arunachal Pradesh serves as a microcosm of this broader issue.

In conclusion, the discovery of Mitrephora rashmiae not only enriches our understanding of plant diversity in India but also serves as a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots. As scientists continue to uncover new species and ecological relationships, it becomes increasingly clear that protecting these environments is essential for the health of our planet and the future of its diverse life forms.