Feature

Details

Type

New species of orchid

Genus

Chamaegastrodia

Chlorophyll & Leaves

Holomycotrophic; lacks both chlorophyll and leaves

Nutrition Source

Derives nutrients exclusively from underground fungi (symbiotic fungal associations)

Photosynthesis

Incapable of photosynthesis

Global Species Count in Genus

8 species (including C. reiekensis)

Distribution of Genus

Eastern Himalayas, South-Central China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand

Indian Distribution

All Indian species found only in Northeast India

Type Locality

Reiek, Mizoram

Habitat

Moist, humus-rich soil near bamboo clumps; elevation ~1,500 metres

Forest Characteristics

Reiek forest has a multi-layered canopy, emergent trees, dense understorey; supports tropical vegetation year-round

Flowering Period

August to September

Fruiting Period

September to October

Conservation Status (Provisional)

Critically Endangered (CR) as per IUCN criteria

Visibility & Detection

Very difficult to spot due to small size, camouflaged appearance, and brief above-ground presence during flowering and fruiting seasons

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to Chamaegastrodia reiekensis, recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:

1. It is capable of photosynthesis but supplements nutrients from fungi.
2. It has been discovered in the Reiek forest of Mizoram.
3. It is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Chamaegastrodia reiekensis is incapable of photosynthesis and derives all nutrients from underground fungi (holomycotrophic).

Statement 2 is correct: It was discovered in Reiek forest, Mizoram.

Statement 3 is correct: It is provisionally listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria.