Scientists have rediscovered Cyananthus hookeri, a rare purple Himalayan flowering plant, in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, marking its first confirmed record in India after 158 years. The discovery highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and the importance of continued botanical exploration.

• The rediscovery of Cyananthus hookeri is a major milestone in Indian botany. It demonstrates that many rare Himalayan species may still survive in remote habitats despite remaining undocumented for decades, reinforcing the need for scientific surveys and habitat conservation.

Key Highlights

• Cyananthus hookeri belongs to the Campanulaceae (Bellflower) family and is recognised for its purple-blue bell-shaped flowers.
• The species was rediscovered by scientists of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) during a field survey near Chuna Valley, close to Mago village in Tawang district, at an altitude of about 3,600 metres.
• It was last collected in India in 1867 by renowned botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker during his expedition to Sikkim.
• The rediscovery has been documented in the international conservation journal Oryx.
• Only a small population of mature plants has been observed, indicating the need for immediate monitoring and conservation.

Exam Hook –Prelims

Q. With reference to Cyananthus hookeri, consider the following statements:

1. It is a rare Himalayan flowering plant belonging to the Campanulaceae (Bellflower) family.
2. It was rediscovered in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh after remaining undocumented in India for 158 years.
3. The rediscovery was made by the Botanical Survey of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The rediscovery of Cyananthus hookeri after 158 years highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and underscores the need to protect India’s fragile mountain ecosystems through sustained scientific exploration and conservation.