A scientist’s sharp eyes spotted something extraordinary in the dense forests of Sikkim, where mist clings to ancient trees and hidden streams whisper through the undergrowth. Pramod Rai, a research associate at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), wasn’t expecting to make history that day. But as he trekked through the Sirisay forest in Namchi district, he stumbled upon a delicate wild orchid, Eulophia siamensis, a species never before recorded in India.
Nearby, another surprise awaited: Isodon neorensis, a rare mint-family plant previously believed to grow only in Bhutan and West Bengal’s Neora Valley. These discoveries, published in Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica and the Journal of Threatened Taxa, have reshaped what we know about India’s biodiversity and why Sikkim is one of the world’s most critical ecological hotspots.
The Orchid That Crossed Borders
Eulophia siamensis is no ordinary flower. Scientists have only documented it in China, Myanmar, and Thailand. Finding it in Sikkim was like discovering a missing puzzle piece in India’s botanical records.
What makes this orchid special? It thrives in two completely different environments. One plant grew on rocky, pebbled ground, while another flourished in the damp, humus-rich forest floor. This adaptability suggests the species could be more resilient to climate shifts than other orchids.
ATREE’s team also noted that Eulophia siamensis coexists with native plants like Cissus discolor, Aristolochia cathcartii, and Begonia picta, proving it’s not an invasive outsider but a natural part of Sikkim’s ecosystem.
The Mysterious Mint with Heart-Shaped Leaves
While the orchid made headlines, Isodon neorensis quietly revealed its secrets. Found near a highway in Daragaon, Gangtok, this plant is part of the mint family but stands out for its deep red flowers and heart-shaped leaf bases—a feature never before recorded in this species.
Most surprising? Unlike its relatives, which typically bloom earlier, this Isodon variant flowers as late as November, extending its growing season. Scientists believe this adaptation could help it survive in disturbed habitats, like roadsides, where human activity usually threatens plant life.
Why Sikkim? The Science Behind the Discoveries
Sikkim, India’s smallest state, is a biodiversity powerhouse. Covering just 0.2% of India’s landmass, it houses:
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Over 5,000 flowering plant species (nearly one-third of India’s total).
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600+ orchid species (more than any other Indian state).
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36% of the country’s bird species.
This richness comes from its unique geography, nestled between the Himalayas and fed by monsoon rains, creating microclimates where rare species evolve in isolation.
ATREE’s findings confirm that Sikkim is still hiding undiscovered flora, especially in lesser-explored regions like Namchi and Gangtok’s disturbed landscapes.
Conservation at a Crossroads
Despite the excitement, these discoveries come with warnings. Isodon neorensis was found near a highway, proving that even rare plants can survive in human-altered environments—but for how long?
Key threats to Sikkim’s flora include:
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Deforestation for roads and urban expansion.
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Climate change, altering rainfall and temperature patterns.
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Tourism pressure is increasing with footfall in fragile ecosystems.
ATREE researchers stress that immediate conservation efforts are needed, including:
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Expanding protected areas in overlooked zones.
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Community-led monitoring to track rare species.
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Stricter regulations on land use near biodiversity hotspots.
What’s Next for Sikkim’s Wild Plants?
ATREE’s discoveries open new doors for science:
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Could Eulophia siamensis help breed climate-resistant orchids?
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Does Isodon neorensis hold medicinal properties like other mint plants?
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Are there more “lost” species waiting to be found in Sikkim?
The team plans deeper surveys, working with Sikkim University, local schools, and retired forest experts to document hidden biodiversity before it vanishes.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Protect the Unseen
Sikkim’s forests are full of surprises. A scientist’s casual walk can rewrite textbooks. A roadside weed can turn out to be a scientific marvel. But these wonders won’t last without action.
What can you do?
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Support conservation NGOs like ATREE.
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Visit Sikkim responsibly, stick to trails, and avoid littering.
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Spread awareness about India’s hidden biodiversity.
As Pramod Rai’s discovery proves, the next great find could be just around the corner—if we protect the places where miracles still grow.
