Nature enthusiasts now have a new reason to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Scientists have rediscovered Cyananthus hookeri, which is a rare Himalayan flowering plant that had previously disappeared from Indian records for almost 158 years. But do you know where and how you can spot them, too? Read on!
Rare Flower Rediscovered After 158 Years In Arunachal Pradesh
Last recorded in 1867 by famous British botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in Sikkim, the small purple-blue flower has now been discovered again in Tawang district, which is its first verified sighting in India in over a century and a half.
The remarkable discovery was made during a botanical inspection near Chuna Valley, around 1 km from Mago village in Tawang, at an elevation of nearly 3,600 metres. Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) later released their results in the international conservation journal Oryx.
Why Is The Flower So Special?
The rediscovery of Cyananthus hookeri is important because it was believed to have vanished from India despite decades of botanical surveys. Researchers found only a handful of plants, with each cluster consisting of just three to seven mature individuals. They believe that fewer than 50 mature plants now survive in India, prompting researchers to suggest listing the species as Endangered under the IUCN Red List criteria.
The low-growing plant is popular for its striking purple-blue bell-shaped flowers with a hairy throat inside the bloom. It naturally grows on alpine grasslands and rough slopes at elevations between 2,700 and 4,500 metres and usually flowers between August and September.
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How & Where You Can See It?
The flower was discovered again in the high-altitude landscapes of Tawang, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most beautiful destinations. While the exact spot is not open for tourism to preserve the fragile population, travellers visiting Mago village, Chuna Valley, and the neighbouring alpine meadows during the peak of the flowering season can experience the pristine Himalayan ecosystem where the species naturally occurs. Visitors are advised to follow responsible tourism practices and avoid disturbing the habitat.
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Calling the discovery a milestone for India’s botanical cultural heritage, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mei stated that it highlights the state’s extraordinary biodiversity and the importance of conserving its fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is Cyananthus hookeri?
The low-growing plant is popular for its striking purple-blue bell-shaped flowers with a hairy throat inside the bloom.
What is Arunachal Pradesh famous for?
Arunachal Pradesh, known as the "Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains", is famous for being India's easternmost, least densely populated state.
Which is better, Sikkim or Arunachal?
Sikkim is better for organized tourism, families, and short trips due to its superior infrastructure and easier accessibility.