Last recorded in 1938 near Rupa in the Aka Hills, Arunachal Pradesh, Sapria himalayana has remained one of the most elusive members of the Rafflesiaceae family. Sapria himalayana, the 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. (The species is otherwise quite widespread in S.E. Asia.) In an extraordinary find, researchers have rediscovered the rare and endangered S. 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, S. 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.
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