A team of researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), led by Krishna Chowlu, has recently identified a new species of orchid in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. The leafless orchid, named Gastrodia lohitensis after the district where it was discovered, is a significant addition to India’s rich biodiversity. Uncommon among orchids, this species survives without sunlight by relying on fungi in the leaf litter for nutrition. It is found exclusively in bamboo canopies near Tezu, the district headquarters, and stands out from other orchids in Southeast Asia due to its unique ridged lower lip and linear calli.
The orchid has been classified as “Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, highlighting the need for its protection. Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to the social media platform X to celebrate the discovery, noting that it underscores the region’s remarkable biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts. He also congratulated Dr. Krishna Chowlu and the BSI team for their significant achievement.
