Researchers from Assam University have rediscovered Rungia mastersii, a rare flowering plant believed to have disappeared for nearly 180 years, in the Jatinga Hills of Dima Hasao district, Assam.

Key Highlights

• Rungia mastersii belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is a shrubby herb that grows about 60–110 cm tall.
• It was rediscovered by researchers from the Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University during field surveys in the Jatinga Hills.
• The species was first collected in 1845 by British botanist J.W. Masters from the banks of the Sundar River in Assam and had not been recorded since.
• The plant bears pale green to whitish flowers with delicate purple markings and grows in moist, shaded rock crevices near streams at elevations of 900–1,250 metres.
• Only one natural population of about 40 individual plants has been identified, making the species highly vulnerable.

Conservation Concerns

• The species survives in a highly specialised microhabitat, making it sensitive to habitat disturbance.
• Landslides, deforestation, mining, changes in stream flow and human activities pose serious threats to its survival.
• Although Rungia mastersii is currently listed as “Not Evaluated” by the IUCN, researchers have recommended an urgent conservation assessment and habitat protection.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to Rungia mastersii, consider the following statements:

1. It is a rare flowering plant recently rediscovered in the Jatinga Hills of Assam.
2. The species belongs to the Acanthaceae family.
3. It is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

One-line Wrap

The rediscovery of Rungia mastersii after nearly 180 years highlights the exceptional biodiversity of Northeast India and the urgent need to conserve its fragile ecosystems.