Arunachal Pradesh has added another flowering plant to its biodiversity record with the formal identification of Strobilanthes riteshii, a species from the family Acanthaceae. The discovery was made during floristic surveys in Chayangtajo, East Kameng district, denoting the ecological richness of the eastern Himalayan region and the need for continued botanical exploration.
Discovery and Location
The species was recorded from its type locality at an elevation of about 1,600 metres. It was found growing along roadsides on open hill slopes, often close to small waterfalls and streams within evergreen forest patches. So far, it is known only from this locality, which makes the finding scientifically important.
Scientific Identification
The plant was documented by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India’s Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre in collaboration with the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune. The species has been named Strobilanthes riteshii in honour of plant taxonomist Dr Ritesh Kumar Choudhary of the Agharkar Research Institute. The naming recognises his work in plant taxonomy and molecular systematics.
Phenology and Conservation Status
Researchers have noted that flowering occurs between August and October, while fruiting takes place from September to December. Based on the available information, the species has been provisionally assessed as Data Deficient under IUCN Red List criteria. This means more field studies are needed to determine its population size, distribution, and possible threats.
Significance for Biodiversity Research
The discovery strengthens floristic documentation from Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for high endemism and limited scientific coverage in several remote areas. The full research paper, including morphological details, phylogenetic analysis, and photographs, has been published in the Indian Journal of Forestry.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026