Rare blueberry species rediscovered in Arunachal after 188 years
Researchers have rediscovered 'Vaccinium piliferum', a rare wild relative of the blueberry, in Arunachal Pradesh after 188 years. This significant finding adds to India's biodiversity records and underscores the ecological importance of the Eastern Himalayan region. The species, listed as endangered, was found in a fragile population of only 16 individual plants.
- ▪'Vaccinium piliferum' was first recorded in 1836 and had not been traced for generations.
- ▪The species was rediscovered in the forests of Vijoynagar, an ecologically sensitive area.
- ▪Only 16 individual plants were recorded, indicating its fragile population status.
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Researchers have rediscovered 'Vaccinium piliferum', a rare and endangered wild relative of the blueberry, in the remote forests of Vijoynagar in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district, nearly 188 years after it was first recorded in 1836.The rediscovery in the Eastern Himalayan region is being seen as a major botanical achievement and an important addition to India's biodiversity records. Researchers said 'Vaccinium piliferum' belongs to the Ericaceae family, which includes blueberries and cranberries.The species was rediscovered recently by researchers from the Society for Education and Environmental Development, CSIR-North East Institute of Science (NEIST) and Technology and collaborating institutions, a source in the institute said.The plant was originally recorded in 1836 during the…
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