A groundbreaking botanical discovery has been made in a remote region of India, as researchers have identified Mycetia malayana (Rubiaceae) for the first time in the country. This rare plant species, previously thought to be extinct in Singapore and only known from regions like Malaya, Borneo, and Thailand, was found during a field study near Kachari Waterfall in Tripura’s North District.
The discovery was made by a team of botanists including Dixit Bora from the Department of Botany at Tripura University, Dipankar Borah from Kaliabor College in Assam, and Prof. Badal Kumar Datta from Tripura University. During their visit to the area, the team encountered two species of Mycetia, one of which was confirmed to be M. malayana after detailed taxonomic analysis.
“This finding marks the ninth species of Mycetia in India and is the first-ever record from the Department of Botany at Tripura University,” said Bora. He noted that the recent report of M. malayana from Bangladesh, coupled with this discovery, highlights the importance of Tripura in contributing to our knowledge of plant diversity.
The team’s journey to the Kachari Waterfall was the result of years of exploration in Tripura, where they engaged with local communities and studied various plant species. The sighting of the two Mycetia species, particularly the rare M. malayana, was a significant moment for the researchers.
The genus Mycetia is not commonly found in India, making this discovery a significant milestone in the country’s botanical research. It underscores the rich biodiversity of Tripura’s landscapes, particularly those that are less explored.
The team’s efforts to reach the remote waterfall on 26 May 2025 were met with challenges due to connectivity issues, but their perseverance led to the historic discovery. This finding not only expands our understanding of plant species in India but also highlights the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in preserving our natural heritage.
