Botanists rediscover rare shrub Ardisia colorata in Assam after more than two centuries Researchers in Assam have rediscovered the rare plant Ardisia colorata in Bongaigaon district, marking the first verified record of the species in India in approximately 204 years. A flowering shrub that had effectively vanished from Indian botanical records since the early 1800s has been rediscovered in the Bongaigaon district of Assam. This remarkable finding brings to light a species that has eluded scientists and researchers in the country for more than two centuries, marking a major milestone for regional biodiversity documentation. Gauhati University Researchers Lead the Survey The discovery was made by botanists Manash Baruah and Nilakshee Devi from Gauhati University while they were conducting extensive floral surveys across Assam between 2020 and 2025. The researchers located the plants near the Abhaypuri area, setting off a detailed examination of its physical traits and historical background. Historical Roots and British Botanist Description The species was originally documented and described back in 1821 by the British horticulturist George Loddiges. Following that initial record, the plant disappeared entirely from Indian botanical literature, leaving a massive gap in local ecological archives. This current finding represents the first verified collection of the species in India in approximately 204 years, finally resolving a long-standing botanical mystery. Limited Population and Naming Clarification During their field work, the research team documented a total of just 12 plants at the site, underscoring the extreme rarity of the population and the pressing need to protect its natural habitat. By carefully evaluating the flowers, leaves, and early written records against a closely related species, the botanists were able to clear up naming confusion that had persisted for generations. Academic Publication and Ministerial Recognition The complete findings of this study have been published in the academic journal Feddes Repertorium. Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah highlighted the discovery on X, describing it as proof that the forests of Assam still harbor hidden treasures waiting to be properly documented and understood. Habitat Characteristics and Conservation Value The newly found plant is an evergreen shrub that thrives in shaded and humid forest environments, producing distinctive pink, reddish, or purplish flowers. Officials noted that backing botanical research, preserving undisturbed woodland habitats, and properly cataloguing regional plant diversity remain vital for safeguarding vulnerable species that might otherwise remain overlooked. What this means for you The rediscovery of this rare shrub after more than two centuries provides important implications for regional conservation efforts and botanical research in India. • Conservation Focus: In Assam: Local forest authorities may implement stricter protection measures around the Bongaigaon district to safeguard the fragile local ecosystem where the shrubs were found. • Scientific Research: Across India: Researchers and academic institutions gain fresh impetus to revisit historical botanical records and conduct extensive field surveys in unexplored forested regions. • Habitat Protection: In Assam: Conservationists can push for localized rules to prevent human encroachment near the Abhaypuri locality, protecting the tiny population of just 12 plants. • Botanical Records: Across India: The documentation clears up generational taxonomic confusion, helping botanists update national floral databases with accurate classifications. Why this happened The long absence and subsequent rediscovery of this rare plant are tied to specific ecological conditions and targeted research efforts. • Hidden Habitats: Ecological factors: The evergreen shrub relies strictly on shaded and humid forest environments, making it exceptionally difficult to spot during routine or superficial floral surveys. • Targeted Surveys: Research efforts: Dedicated fieldwork conducted by university researchers across remote forested tracts of Assam between 2020 and 2025 directly enabled the rediscovery. • Taxonomic Confusion: Scientific challenges: Ambiguities in early historical descriptions and similarities with closely related plant species had obscured the true identity of the shrub for generations. Questions & Answers 1. Where was the rare plant discovered in Assam? The plant was found near the Abhaypuri area in Assam's Bongaigaon district. 2. Which researchers led the discovery? The finding was made by botanists Manash Baruah and Nilakshee Devi from Gauhati University. 3. Who originally described the plant and when? The species was first described in 1821 by British horticulturist George Loddiges. 4. How many individual plants did the researchers find at the site? The research team documented just 12 plants at the locality. 5. Where were the findings published? The results of the study were published in the botanical journal Feddes Repertorium. https://trendkia.com/en/assam/assam-ke-bongaigaon-jile-men-do-sadiyon-bada-mila-durlabha-paudha-botainistsa-ne-ki-khoja-49726 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.