Guwahati: Sapria himalayana, the Indian cousin of the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia, was first discovered in the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh by British botanist William Griffith in 1836. Despite its discovery nearly two centuries ago, the species remains poorly understood.
In an extraordinary find, researchers have rediscovered the rare and endangered Sapria himalayana, a parasitic plant known for its striking crimson flowers, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. This marks the first documented sighting of the species in the region after an astonishing 85 years.
Last recorded in 1938 near Rupa in the Aka Hills, Sapria himalayana has remained one of the most elusive members of the Rafflesiaceae family. Its unusual life cycle, relying entirely on the roots of Tetrastigma vines, combined with its brief and sporadic flowering, makes it notoriously difficult to study.
The plant blooms only in winter, releasing a pungent odor to attract insect pollinators essential for its reproduction.
In December 2023, scientists encountered 21 flowers in varying stages of development on the forest floor near Sessni Camp. Their systematic survey documented the plant’s diameter, habitat conditions, and host association, uncovering vital clues about its ecological preferences.
“Spotting it in the wild was an unforgettable experience, especially when we discovered a fresh flower after observing a few dried ones. It was blooming on the forest floor inside the dense forest of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. This endoparasitic plant has no visible vegetative structures apart from its stunning flower. The flower is unisexual, vibrant red in color, and emits a putrid odor,” said Anisha Mandal of the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and the corresponding author of the study. The study was published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
“Remarkably, we observed a flower with 12 perigone lobes (petal-like structures found in the Rafflesiaceae family), while the usual number is 10. I have been conducting field studies for my PhD in this wildlife sanctuary for the past few years. Working in such a remote region is a bit challenging, but Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary constantly amazes me with its exceptional floral and faunal diversity. Despite the challenges, I feel the forest is more rewarding than anything else,” Anisha added.
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Eastern Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot, boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate forests. However, it faces significant environmental challenges, including climate change and the spread of invasive plants at lower elevations. Sapria himalayana, a poorly understood taxon, is highly sensitive to environmental factors and has a naturally high bud mortality rate. Extensive research on this fascinating species has been challenging due to its infrequent, unpredictable, and secretive flowering patterns.
The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research into the elusive flowering phenology and enigmatic traits of Sapria himalayana to inform practical conservation efforts. Researchers advocate for annual surveys and conservation measures to safeguard this botanical treasure. Apart from West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, Namdapha National Park in the Changlang district is this plant’s most extensively documented habitat. Recent observations also indicate its presence in other parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including the evergreen forests of the East Siang district and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in the Lower Dibang Valley district.
Sapria himalayana’s return to the scientific spotlight serves as a beacon of hope for conservationists, inspiring deeper exploration of Arunachal Pradesh’s untamed wilderness.
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