A remarkable botanical rediscovery has taken place in the remote wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh, thanks to the diligent efforts of researchers from Pune’s Agharkar Research Institute. Dr. RK Choudhary and Geetika Sukhramani have unearthed the elusive Smilax turbans, a wild relative of Chopchini, a renowned Ayurvedic therapeutic plant. This botanical treasure was found approximately 500 kilometers away from its last known habitat, marking a significant achievement for the scientific community.
The Rediscovery of Smilax Turbans
Smilax turbans, an endemic species of Arunachal Pradesh, had been elusive since its last collection in 1928 by F Kingdon-Ward. This wild counterpart of Chopchini, also known as Smilux China, is revered in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. The findings were detailed in a report on the Department of Science and Technology’s website.
A Testament to Biodiversity Preservation
Dr. Ritesh Choudhary, the lead botanist of the expedition, expressed immense elation at the discovery. He stated, “Rediscovering Smilax turbans after almost a century is a remarkable achievement for the scientific community. This extraordinary plant which was neglected and underexplored, has long been considered one of the ‘Holy Grails’ of botanical rediscoveries, and our successful efforts are a testament to the significance of preserving biodiversity and conducting thorough explorations in remote regions.”
Last Known Records and Vanishing Act
Smilax turbans made its initial appearance in the early 20th century when scientists F T Wang and Tang described it based on specimens collected between 1911-1928 by botanists I H Burkill and F Kingdon-Ward during their explorations in Arunachal Pradesh. However, after its initial identification, the plant seemed to vanish from scientific records and remained hidden from the world for a staggering 95 years.
Ecological Significance and Further Exploration
Beyond its scientific importance, the rediscovery of Smilax turbans holds immense ecological value. Researchers will now delve into understanding the role of this native species within the local ecosystem, including its interactions with other flora and fauna.
