The rediscovery of Strobilanthes parryorum C.E.C.Fisch., 1928 (Asterids: Lamiales: Acanthaceae) in Mizoram, India

Authors

  • Lucy Lalawmpuii Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl 796005, India.
  • Renthlei Lalnunfeli Department of Botany, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059, India.
  • Paulraj Selva Singh Richard Department of Botany, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059, India.
  • Pochamoni Bharath Simha Yadav Department of Botany, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625011, India.
  • Subbiah Karuppusamy Department of Botany, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625011, India.
  • Kholhring Lalchhandama Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl, Mizoram 796005, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9634.17.10.27771-27776

Keywords:

Ailawng, description, flora, Indo-Burma hotspot, IUCN Red List, northeastern India, rare species

Abstract

Strobilanthes parryorum C.E.C.Fisch. was originally described in 1928 from Mizoram (erstwhile Lushai Hills), northeastern India, with a brief description of the flowers, leaves, and stem. Except for a few collections made by Parry in 1927 & 1928, there are no additional specimens recorded in India. New specimens were rediscovered after 96 years in Ailawng, a village some 200 km from Darzo, the type locality. With new herbarium specimens, live images, and scanning electron microscopy, a more detailed description is provided for better understanding of the species. Based on the rarity, sparse distribution, and limited collections of this species, and no evaluation for threat status to date, the species can be placed in the ‘Data Deficient’ category of IUCN Red List.

Author Biographies

Lucy Lalawmpuii, Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl 796005, India.

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Renthlei Lalnunfeli, Department of Botany, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059, India.

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Paulraj Selva Singh Richard, Department of Botany, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059, India.

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Pochamoni Bharath Simha Yadav, Department of Botany, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625011, India.

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Subbiah Karuppusamy, Department of Botany, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625011, India.

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Kholhring Lalchhandama, Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl, Mizoram 796005, India.

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Published

26-10-2025

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Short Communications