Rare flowering shrub rediscovered in Assam after 204 years: Minister

A rare flowering shrub Ardisia Colorata has been rediscovered in Assams Bongaigaon district after more than two centuries Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on TuesdayThe species was rediscovered in the Abhaypuri area by researchers Manash Baruah and Nilakshee Devi of the Department of Botany Gauhati University during botanical surveys conducted across Assam between 2020 and 2025 he saidThe finding has marked the first confirmed recollection of the species from India in approximately 204 years Baruah said in a post on XThe researchers examined the plants flowers leaves and historical descriptions to distinguish it from a closely related speciesTheir findings published in the botanical journal Feddes Repertorium also clarify scientific naming confusion that had persisted for generations the minister saidFirst described by British horticulturist George Loddiges in 1821 Ardisia Colorata had largely disappeared from Indian botanical literature he addedThe researchers documented just 12 plants at the Abhaypuri locality highlighting both the scientific significance of the rediscovery and the importance of protecting its natural habitat The evergreen shrub grows in shady humid forest environments and produces pink reddish or purplish flowers Baruah saidHe asserted this discovery reminds us that Assams forests still hold valuable natural treasures waiting to be recognised and understoodBy supporting botanical research protecting undisturbed forest habitats and documenting our plant diversity we can strengthen conservation efforts and safeguard species that might otherwise remain overlooked Baruah saidThe states natural heritage is not limited to the wildlife seen every day even a littleknown flowering plant can carry centuries of scientific history and ecological value he addedThe rediscovery of Ardisia colorata is a proud moment for Assams research community and a reminder that every forest holds stories worth preserving for future generations the minister saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever