Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Rediscovered rare plant takes centre stage at Kerala Wildlife Week
A tiny plant species presumed extinct for over a century has become the focal point of this year's Wildlife Week celebrations at Parambikulam in Kerala. The plant, rediscovered in the forest 26 years ago, is now the namesake of an exhibition showcasing the region's biodiversity.
LSN India ·
Kerala's Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is highlighting one of nature's remarkable comeback stories this Wildlife Week with an exhibition centred on Haplothismia exannulata, a diminutive plant species that vanished from scientific records for more than 100 years before its unexpected rediscovery.
The orchid, which stands barely visible to the naked eye, was found again in the sanctuary's forest ecosystem in 1998, marking a significant moment for botanical conservation in the region. The rediscovery challenged earlier assumptions that the species had been lost to extinction, reigniting hope for other rare flora thought to have disappeared from India's Western Ghats.
Parambikulam, known for its pristine forests and rich biodiversity, has positioned itself as a centre for conservation awareness. The decision to name this year's Wildlife Week exhibition after Haplothismia exannulata underscores the sanctuary's commitment to documenting and protecting lesser-known species that play crucial roles in forest ecosystems.
The exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of long-term conservation efforts and the potential for species recovery when natural habitats are adequately protected. Officials hope the focus on this rare plant will draw attention to the countless organisms that inhabit Kerala's forests, many still awaiting scientific documentation.