The purple-flowered Himalayan species has been recorded in India for the first time since 1867, with the latest discovery made in Tawang’s Chuna Valley
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the rediscovery of the rare purple-flowered Himalayan plant Cyananthus hookeri in the state’s Tawang district, describing it as a major milestone for botany and biodiversity conservation.
Sharing the development on social media, Khandu said the species has been recorded in India once again after 158 years, this time from the pristine Chuna Valley in Tawang.
“After 158 years, the rare purple-flowered Himalayan plant Cyananthus hookeri has been recorded in India once again. This time from the pristine Chuna Valley in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh,” the Chief Minister posted.
According to Khandu, the plant was previously documented only from Sikkim in 1867 by renowned British botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. The latest finding marks the first confirmed record of Cyananthus hookeri in Arunachal Pradesh.
Calling the discovery a significant scientific achievement, Khandu said the rediscovery highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s extraordinary biodiversity and reinforces the state’s importance as one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
The rediscovery is expected to contribute to future botanical research and strengthen conservation efforts aimed at protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and its unique plant diversity.
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