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Sign in to searchRediscovery of Henckelia monophylla
Context: The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has recently rediscovered a rare plant species, Henckelia monophylla, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district after nearly 189 years. The species was last recorded in 1836 by British botanist William Griffith, making this rediscovery significant for India’s biodiversity documentation.
Salient Features: Henckelia monophylla belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and is a perennial herb found in humid, shaded forest ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas. It has simple ovate to lance-shaped leaves, tubular or funnel-shaped flowers, and capsule-type fruits containing numerous small seeds. The species is endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, indicating a restricted geographical distribution and ecological sensitivity.
Historical Background: The species remained undocumented for nearly two centuries, reflecting gaps in botanical exploration in remote and biodiversity-rich regions like Northeast India. The rediscovery underscores the importance of systematic plant surveys initiated since colonial times and continued by institutions like BSI.
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BSI rediscovers rare Henckelia monophylla plant species in Arunachal Pradesh after 189 years, highlighting endemic flora conservation in Eastern Himalayas.
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