Rare Ghost Flower Orchid Gastrodia keyiensis Found in Arunachal Pradesh

A rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, has been recorded from the Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh. The species was formally described in Phytotaxa on 9 September 2026 after a botanical survey in a remote gorge along the Keyi River at about 1,000 metres elevation.

Taxonomy and Discovery Site

Gastrodia keyiensis belongs to the genus Gastrodia, which includes leafless orchids known for their underground or hidden growth habit. The discovery site yielded only five flowering individuals, and the species was found in deep shade on decaying litter.

Morphological Features of the Orchid

The orchid is holomycotrophic, which means it lacks leaves and chlorophyll and obtains nutrients through soil fungi. It can grow up to 35 cm tall and bears one to three flowers that are white to pale bluish in colour. The flower has a distinctive yellow, strongly curved labellum, which is a specialised petal in orchids.

Important Facts for Exams

• Gastrodia keyiensis is locally called “Oram Opuh” in the Nyishi dialect.
• Holomycotrophic plants depend on fungi for nutrition and do not perform photosynthesis.
• Phytotaxa is an international journal that publishes taxonomic research on plants.
• The discovery team included researchers from the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and the Botanical Survey of India.

Conservation Status and Research Context

The species has been classified as Data Deficient under conservation assessment because its distribution is limited and its flowering period is short. The largely underground life cycle of the orchid places it among plant species that require further field study and documentation.