Leafless Orchid Species, Known As ‘Ghost Flower’, Discovered In Arunachal Pradesh
Scientists have recorded the discovery of a rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, popularly described as a “Ghost Flower,” in a remote gorge along the Keyi River in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district, marking a new addition to the state's rich botanical diversity. The plant belongs to the orchid family and is notable for its unusual appearance. Unlike most flowering plants,…
A rare leafless orchid species, dubbed the "Ghost Flower" due to its peculiar characteristics, has been found in a remote gorge along the Keyi River in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district. This discovery marks the addition of a new species to the state's growing botanical diversity. Gastrodia keyiensis, belonging to the orchid family, is unique among flowering plants for its lack of conventional green leaves.
Instead, it derives sustenance from underground structures and a symbiotic relationship with fungi. This strange biology renders the orchid challenging to locate in its natural habitat, further contributing to its scarcity. Scientists documented only five blooming specimens in the region, underscoring the plant's secretive nature and limited known range.
The new species was formally published in the international taxonomic journal Phytotaxa. The discovery highlights Arunachal Pradesh's rich natural heritage, where the Eastern Himalayas' biodiversity continues to be revealed.
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