Rare Orchid Chamaegastrodia reiekensis Discovered in Mizoram

• 29 Jul 2025

In July 2025, scientists from Mizoram University and Manipur University discovered a new and rare orchid species — Chamaegastrodia reiekensis — from Reiek forest in Mizoram, Northeast India.

Key Points

• New Species Identified: Chamaegastrodia reiekensis is a holomycotrophic orchid that lacks chlorophyll and leaves, drawing nutrition entirely from underground fungi.
• Type Locality: Named after Reiek, a biodiversity hotspot in Mizoram, where the species was first found.
• First in Mizoram: Marks the first-ever record of the Chamaegastrodia genus in Mizoram, bringing the global count to eight known species.
• Ecological Traits: Grows in moist, humus-rich soil near bamboo at 1,500 m elevation, flowers from August to September, and fruits until October.
• Habitat Characteristics: The Reiek forest features a multi-tiered canopy, dense undergrowth, tropical climate (20–28°C), and 200–250 cm annual rainfall.
• Conservation Concerns: Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by IUCN standards due to its brief above-ground phase and reliance on symbiotic fungi.
• Camouflaged and Elusive: Its small size and cryptic colouration make detection difficult, posing challenges for conservation and scientific study.