Researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation reported the discovery of a new tree species, Mitrephora rashmiae, from Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh; the description was published in Feddes Repertorium (July 2026).
Taxonomy & Diagnostic Traits
- Family: Annonaceae (custard apple family).
- Genus record: Second Mitrephora species recorded from the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
- Flower morphology: Pale yellow with purple stripes; inner petals form a dome-shaped floral chamber.
- Sexual system: Andromonoecious — individual bears both male and bisexual flowers; first such record in Mitrephora.
- Specimen observed: Single tree, c.7 m tall, growing beside a stream in a degraded forest patch.
Distribution & Conservation
- Location: Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalaya).
- Conservation status: Classified as Data Deficient owing to single known specimen and limited information.
- Field action: Priority for targeted botanical surveys in riparian and undisturbed forest habitats.
Publication & Nomenclature
- Publication: Peer‑reviewed description in Feddes Repertorium (July 2026).
- Epithet: Named Mitrephora rashmiae.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Annonaceae features: Typically trimerous flowers, aromatic tissues, many genera produce fleshy fruits important for frugivores.
- Andromonoecy (botanical term): Presence of staminate and perfect flowers on the same individual; influences mating system studies.
- Data Deficient (IUCN): Applied when available data are inadequate for risk assessment; triggers need for surveys and population data.
- Eastern Himalayan Hotspot: Global biodiversity hotspot encompassing NE India, Bhutan and adjacent areas with high endemism.