Daily News Analysis

Chamaegastrodia reiekensis

stylish_lining

  • Newly Discovered Species:

  • Chamaegastrodia reiekensis is a new species of orchid discovered by scientists from Mizoram University and Manipur University in the forests of Northeast India.

  • Name Origin:
    The orchid is named after its type locality, Reiek, a scenic mountain destination in Mizoram. Reiek is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a natural habitat for this rare species.

    Genus and Characteristics:
    This orchid belongs to the Chamaegastrodia genus, which is known for its holomycotrophic nature. Unlike most plants, C. reiekensis lacks chlorophyll and leaves and is incapable of photosynthesis. It survives by forming a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi, from which it derives all of its nutrients.

    Global Count:
    With the discovery of C. reiekensis, the global count of species in the Chamaegastrodia genus has increased to eight. These species are typically found in various regions across East Asia and Southeast Asia, including the Eastern Himalayas, South-Central China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand.

    Distribution:
    Interestingly, all of the Indian representatives of this genus have been found exclusively in Northeast India, making this region a hotspot for such unique species.

Habitat and Ecological Context

  • Location and Environment:
    C. reiekensis was discovered in the Reiek forest, a lush region with a multi-layered canopy, featuring tall emergent trees and dense understorey vegetation. The habitat provides ideal conditions for various rare plant species to thrive.

    Elevation and Climate:
    The orchid was found at an elevation of 1,500 meters, in moist, humus-rich soil near bamboo clumps. The region experiences temperatures between 20–28°C and receives annual rainfall of 200–250 cm, which supports tropical vegetation year-round.

Floral Cycle and Conservation Status

  • Flowering and Fruiting:
    C. reiekensis flowers from August to September and fruits from September to October, making it a brief presence in the forest during these periods.

    Conservation Status:
    The species has been provisionally listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN criteria. This designation is due to its rarity, small size, and camouflaged appearance, which makes it very difficult to detect on the forest floor. Furthermore, the orchid's fleeting appearance during flowering and fruiting periods adds to the challenge of studying and preserving it.


 

Critical Minerals

India’s first auction of deep-sea blocks for the extraction of critical minerals has been delayed indefinitely after receiving a poor response from bidders. This auction was expected to be a
Share It

President's Rule

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disr
Share It

Beggars' Homes in India

In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional tr
Share It

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has long been a cornerstone of food security, ensuring access to subsidised cereals for millions of people. However, a recent Crisil study using the &l
Share It

Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)

The recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, with significant implications for Indi
Share It

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement is facing significant challenges in adapting its controls to the rapid growth of cloud technology. This issue highlights the need to update its control lists and enforcem
Share It

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights a 9.2% increase in crimes against children in India, with 177,335 cases registered in total. This reflects a concerning rise in
Share It

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently made an important ruling regarding the doctrine of contributory negligence in criminal law. The court clarified that contributory negligence does not apply t
Share It

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ₹453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the
Share It

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS