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The Hindu

ATREE researcher makes rare plant discoveries in Sikkim

A researcher from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) has recorded the discovery of Eulophia siamensis, a rare plant species, for the first time in India. Pramod Rai, a research associate at ATREE, found the wild orchid species along with Isodon neorensis, another rare plant species, in Sikkim. Eulophia siamensis is previously known only to China, Myanmar and Thailand. Isodon neorensis, which belongs to the mint family, is newly noted for Sikkim, having previously been recorded only in West Bengal's Neora Valley and Bhutan. Mr. Rai chanced upon the rare plants during a field survey in the state. These findings underscore Sikkim's ecological richness and emphasise the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts, said a release from ATREE. A chance discovery Eulophia siamensis, belonging to the genus Eulophia R. Br. ex Lindl, was found in the Sirisay forest of Namchi district. A single plant was found in a rocky and pebbled area, while another was discovered in a shaded forest floor rich in humus. 'This suggests the plant can survive in different types of environments. The orchid's genus, Eulophia, is particularly noted for its remarkable morphological diversity,' said the release. The researchers from ATREE also documented Eulophia siamensis co-existing with native plants such as Cissus discolor, Aristolochia cathcartii, Aeginetia indica, Tephrosia candida, Clerodendrum infortunatum and Begonia picta, highlighting its integral role in the local ecosystem. The findings have been published in the journal 'Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica', co-authored by Santosh Kumar Rai from Sikkim University, Prakash Limboo from Sombarey Senior Secondary School and Sudhizong Lucksom, a retired Director from the Forest and Environment Department and orchid expert. Haven for unique flora The second discovery, Isodon neorensis, was found growing in a disturbed habitat on a highway roadside in the Daragaon area of Tadong. It is characterised by attractive red flowers on elongated inflorescences. The species found in the Daragaon area exhibits unique features, such as heart-shaped leaf bases and an extended flowering period into late October and November – traits previously unrecorded in this species. This discovery was documented in the 'Journal of Threatened Taxa.'