Rare flower blooms in Manipur’s Shirui Peak

Guwahati: Thrilling news for botanists and nature lovers with the discovery of a rare flowering plant called Ophiorrhiza japonica Blume, a flowering herb of the Rubiaceae family. The lovely flower was spotted at the Shirui Peak in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Credit goes to scientists from the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, for this rare finding. This is the first time the flower has bloomed in the country.

The rare discovery took place in March 2024 while the researchers were busy with a plant survey. The research team—Ngasheppam Malemnganbi Chanu, Peimichon Langkan, Thongam Nourenpai Khanganba, and Thongam Biseshwori—found the herb growing quietly at a height of 2,435 meters. First, they realized that it is just another mountain plant. But its small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of white, green, and pale pink stood out.

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Until now, Ophiorrhiza japonica was known only in China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Its discovery in India is a rare happening and adds one more species to the Indian Ophiorrhiza group—now totaling 64, with 35 found only in India.

The plant grows in semi-deciduous, moist temperate forests and is called “Vanaohan” locally. It blooms between December and April. Researchers believe it may have medicinal properties, as past studies from other countries have hinted at its healing potential.

Experts have preserved the rare flower in the IBSD herbarium for further research. This finding has added another gem to Indian botanical wealth. It also unearthed the nation’s rich natural ecosystems and highlights how important research work is.