Rare Blueberry Species Rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Vaccinium piliferum, a rare wild relative of the blueberry, was rediscovered in the forests of Vijoynagar in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, after 188 years. The species was first collected in 1836 from the Mishmi Hills and was recorded again in 1850 from the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.

Taxonomy and Plant Group

Vaccinium piliferum belongs to the genus Vaccinium and the family Ericaceae. It is a climbing shrub and is placed among wild relatives of blueberry plants, which are known for their edible berries and wide distribution in temperate and montane regions.

Rediscovery Record and Collection History

William Griffith collected the plant in November 1836 from the Mishmi Hills. Joseph Dalton Hooker and T. Thomson recorded it again in 1850 from the Khasi Hills, and no confirmed record existed for 188 years before the 2026 rediscovery in Arunachal Pradesh.

Field Survey Details and Habitat

The rediscovery took place during field surveys by researchers from the Society for Education and Environmental Development and the CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, along with partner institutions. The plants were found along tributaries of the Noa-Dihing river at elevations between 1,150 metres and 1,280 metres.

Important Facts for Exams

• The species was documented in only 16 individual plants across a 2 sq km area.
• The plant is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• The rediscovery paper was published in Feddes Repertorium on 18 May 2026.
• Arunachal Pradesh forms part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.

Conservation Relevance

Researchers shared GPS locations of all 16 plants for monitoring and conservation work. The species occurs in a fragile forest habitat in the Eastern Himalaya region, which is a recognised centre of plant diversity in India.