Discovery of Strobilanthes riteshii in Arunachal Pradesh's Biodiversity Hotspot

Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in India's Eastern Himalayas, continues to reveal its botanical treasures with the recent formal recording of a new flowering plant species, Strobilanthes riteshii from the Acanthaceae family. This discovery underscores the region's status as one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots, home to over 5,000 species of flowering plants, including more than 600 orchids and numerous endemics. Researchers stumbled upon this plant during systematic floristic surveys in the remote Chayangtajo area of East Kameng district, highlighting how ongoing field explorations can unearth hidden gems in understudied landscapes.

The plant's identification marks a significant milestone in Indian botany, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between government research bodies and the vital role of taxonomic studies in conservation. Arunachal Pradesh's diverse topography—from lowland rainforests to alpine meadows—fosters such unique flora, making it a prime area for botanical research.

Detailed Morphological Characteristics of the New Species

Strobilanthes riteshii is distinguished by its erect, branched habit, reaching heights of up to 1 meter, with lanceolate leaves measuring 10-15 cm long and covered in short, white hairs. Its inflorescences form dense spikes with tubular, pale blue to violet flowers, each about 2.5 cm long, featuring a prominent lower lip. These features set it apart from close relatives like Strobilanthes gigantea, particularly in leaf venation, corolla shape, and capsule structure. Phylogenetic analysis using DNA sequencing confirmed its genetic uniqueness, placing it within a clade of East Asian Strobilanthes species, yet distinctly Indian.

• Stem: Quadrangular, pubescent.
• Leaves: Opposite, elliptic-lanceolate, serrate margins.
• Flowers: 2.2-2.8 cm, bilabiate calyx, didynamous stamens.
• Fruits: Capsules with 4-6 seeds, dispersed by wind.

Flowering occurs from August to October, aligning with the monsoon retreat, while fruiting extends into December. This phenology aids pollinators like bees and butterflies native to the region.

Habitat Preferences and Distribution Insights

The species thrives at approximately 1,600 meters elevation on open hill slopes amidst evergreen forest patches, often along roadsides near perennial streams and small waterfalls. This microhabitat provides moist, shaded conditions ideal for its growth, but its restriction to Chayangtajo— with fewer than 25 mature individuals documented—raises immediate conservation flags. Currently known solely from the type locality, further surveys are essential to map its extent across East Kameng and adjacent districts.

Arunachal's Eastern Himalayan ecosystems support such narrow endemics due to geological isolation and climatic gradients. However, human activities like shifting cultivation (jhum) fragment these habitats, underscoring the urgency for protected area expansions.

The Research Team Behind the Breakthrough

A collaborative effort between the Botanical Survey of India’s Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre (BSI-APRC) in Itanagar and the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune led this discovery. Lead authors Krishna Chowlu, Akshath Shenoy, and Geetika Sukhramani from BSI-APRC, alongside Ajit Ray and Althaf Ahamed Kabeer from ARI, conducted meticulous field collections, morphological studies, and molecular analyses. The species honors Dr. Ritesh Kumar Choudhary of ARI for his pioneering work in plant taxonomy and molecular systematics.

BSI-APRC scientists, many holding advanced degrees from institutions like Rajiv Gandhi University and Northeast Hill University, exemplify how specialized training fuels national biodiversity research. Such teams often partner with local universities, fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building in botany.

Photo by Sarah Sheedy on Unsplash

Publication in the Prestigious Indian Journal of Forestry

The comprehensive research paper appeared in the Indian Journal of Forestry Volume 48, Issue 1, pages 72-82 (2025), published by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).Read the full paper here It details taxonomy, ecology, and conservation recommendations, setting a benchmark for documenting India's flora.

This publication highlights the rigorous peer-review process and the importance of forestry journals in disseminating findings relevant to sustainable development. For aspiring researchers, submitting to such outlets builds credentials essential for academic careers.

Broader Implications for Arunachal Pradesh's Biodiversity

Arunachal Pradesh boasts nearly 50% of India's flowering plants, with frequent new discoveries like Strobilanthes riteshii reinforcing its global significance. The Eastern Himalaya hotspot harbors high endemism, driven by orographic rainfall and tectonic history. This find adds to over 100 new plant species reported from the state in the last decade, many from Acanthaceae and allied families.

Genus Strobilanthes, with 167 Indian species concentrated in the Himalayas and Western Ghats, exemplifies adaptive radiation. Such documentation aids in updating national floras and informs policy under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Conservation Challenges and Strategies

Provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) by IUCN criteria, Strobilanthes riteshii faces risks from habitat loss. Key threats include:

• Road-widening projects disrupting slopes.
• Jhum cultivation altering soil and vegetation.
• Stream pollution from nearby settlements.
• Climate change impacting moisture regimes.

Ex-situ conservation at BSI-APRC involves living collections. Recommendations include declaring the locality a micro-reserve, community-led monitoring, and genetic banking. Universities can lead citizen science initiatives, training students in field protocols.

🌿 Role of Higher Education in Botanical Research Excellence

Discoveries like this thrive on India's robust higher education ecosystem. Institutions such as Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) in Itanagar and Arunachal University offer Botany MSc/PhD programs emphasizing taxonomy and ethnobotany. BSI collaborations with these universities provide fieldwork opportunities, internships, and joint publications—key for budding scientists.

Faculty positions in botany departments drive such research, with funding from DBT, DST, and ICFRE. For career aspirants, specializing in plant systematics opens doors to faculty roles and postdoc positions. Platforms like Rate My Professor offer insights into mentors in this field.

Photo by Lydia Lögga on Unsplash

Future Research Directions and Opportunities

Upcoming studies could explore pollinator interactions, chemical profiles for medicinal potential (common in Acanthaceae), and population genetics. Genomic tools like barcoding will refine phylogenies, while remote sensing maps distributions amid climate shifts.

Prospective students and professionals in India can leverage higher ed jobs in India and career advice to enter this dynamic field. Chief Minister Pema Khandu's endorsement signals state support for biodiversity research, promising more breakthroughs.

In conclusion, Strobilanthes riteshii exemplifies the synergy between fieldwork, academia, and policy. Explore higher education jobs, university jobs, and career advice to join the quest for India's floral heritage. Check Rate My Professor for expert guidance.