Rare Mycetia malayana Plant Species Documented for the First Time in India

A rare plant species, Mycetia malayana, previously known only from Malaya, Borneo, and Thailand, has been documented for the first time in India. The discovery was made near the Kachari Waterfall in the Kanchanpur sub-division of North Tripura District by a research team comprising Dixit Bora from Tripura University's Department of Botany, Dipankar Borah of Kaliabor College, and Professor Badal Kumar Datta from Tripura University. This finding adds the ninth species of the Mycetia genus to India's flora.

The research team identified two Mycetia species during their field study on May 26, 2025. One specimen was confirmed as the rare M. malayana after thorough taxonomic analysis. Mycetia malayana is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4 meters in height, characterized by its hairy leaves and cream to whitish flowers. The species thrives in lowland to hill forests and limestone environments. The discovery in Tripura highlights the state's rich biodiversity. Dixit Bora mentioned that reaching the Kachari Waterfall involved overcoming accessibility challenges, with multiple attempts made since 2023. The successful expedition on May 26, 2025, underscores the persistence required in botanical research. The presence of M. malayana in Tripura is significant, especially after its reported extinction in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts and biodiversity surveys.