During a field study in Vijoynagar, in the eastern district of Arunachal Pradesh, a research team from the Society for Education and Environmental Development (SEED) in Changlang district discovered a rare orchid Gastrochilus pechei (Rchb.f.) Kuntze for the first time in India. The finding in Arunachal Pradesh represents a major expansion of its distribution range, as it was previously only known to exist in Myanmar’s Kachin state. Yellow sepals, a sub-triangular epichile with erose borders, a subglobose hypochile with a center cushion, and petals with a white labellum heavily speckled with purple are characteristics that set this orchid apart. At an elevation of around 1,200 meters, the plant grows as an epiphyte in a damp evergreen rainforest close to riverbanks. It blooms from September to October. India today has 23 species of Gastrochilus, 16 of which are found in Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery, according to experts, not only enhances the state’s floral diversity but also highlights the ecological connections between northern Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the significance of more research and conservation initiatives.
State Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein expressed his excitement on X in response to the finding, describing it as yet another intriguing state discovery. For the first time in India, Gastrochilus pechei was recorded by researchers during a recent field study in Vijoynagar, Changlang district. Previously found only in Myanmar, this exquisite orchid is now a part of our State’s extensive floral legacy, Mein stated. Mein emphasized the state’s standing as the “Orchid Paradise of India,” adding that Arunachal Pradesh is now home to 16 of the country’s 23 species of Gastrochilus, further solidifying our moniker. Each such finding serves as a reminder of the significance of preserving our delicate ecosystems and continuing to unearth our nation’s treasures.
