Guwahati: In a rare botanical breakthrough, scientists from Mizoram University and Manipur University have discovered a new and extremely rare orchid species — Chamaegastrodia reiekensis — in the forests of Northeast India. The orchid is named after its type locality, Reiek, a scenic mountain destination in Mizoram known for its rich biodiversity.
Belonging to the elusive genus Chamaegastrodia, this orchid is holomycotrophic — entirely lacking chlorophyll and leaves — and derives its nutrients exclusively from underground fungi. Incapable of photosynthesis, it relies wholly on symbiotic fungal associations for survival.
The discovery was made by a research team comprising Lal Tlanhlui, Sandhyarani D. Khomdram, Sanatombi D. Yumkham, Margaret Lalhlupuii, Laldinliana Khiangte, and S. Sureshkumar Singh from Mizoram and Manipur universities.
With this addition, the global count of Chamaegastrodia species rises to eight. These mysterious orchids are sparsely distributed across parts of the Eastern Himalayas, South-Central China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand. Notably, all Indian representatives of this genus have been recorded exclusively in Northeast India — reaffirming the region’s critical role as a biodiversity hotspot.
Mizoram’s distinctive topography and climate support a high diversity of orchids. Around 273 species across 74 genera have been identified so far in the state. However, this marks the first documented occurrence of Chamaegastrodia in Mizoram.
“In the ongoing exploration of Mizoram’s flora, recent expeditions to Reiek Peak have revealed a previously unknown member of the Chamaegastrodia genus. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the genus but also calls for a broader re-evaluation of biodiversity patterns and ecological interactions in the Reiek region, which forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot,” the authors noted.
Despite morphological similarities to known species, a detailed analysis of key characteristics, herbarium specimens, and literature confirmed that the specimen represents a new species — now formally described as Chamaegastrodia reiekensis. The suggested common name is Reiek nauban par (in Mizo). Flowering occurs from August to September, and fruiting from September to October.
According to the study, C. reiekensis was found in moist, humus-rich soil near bamboo clumps at an elevation of 1,500 metres. Reiek forest — where the orchid was located — features a multi-layered canopy with tall emergent trees and dense understorey vegetation, offering niches for numerous unique plant species. With temperatures ranging between 20–28°C and annual rainfall between 200–250 cm, the forest supports tropical vegetation year-round.
The researchers also noted that the recent discovery of Aeschynanthus reiekensis (family Gesneriaceae) from the same locality further emphasizes the region’s exceptional plant diversity.
“This discovery is significant not only for its scientific value but also as a reminder of the fragility of such ecosystems,” said Dr. Khomdram Sandhyarani Devi from the Department of Botany, Mizoram University. “Its complete dependence on subterranean fungi makes it particularly vulnerable. That it is already considered Critically Endangered underscores the urgent need to protect its habitat.”
Chamaegastrodia reiekensis has been provisionally listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under IUCN criteria. Its small size and camouflaged coloration make it extremely difficult to detect on the forest floor. The plant emerges only briefly during its flowering and fruiting periods — posing a major challenge for researchers.
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