Rare Orchid Gastrochilus pechei Documented in India for First Time

A significant botanical discovery has been made in India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, with the documentation of the rare orchid species *Gastrochilus pechei*. This marks the first time this species, previously known only from Myanmar, has been recorded within India's borders.

The finding was made in the Vijoynagar region of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Myanmar border, at an elevation of 1,200 meters. Researchers Vinay Kumar Sahani, Minom Pertin, and Khyanjeet Gogoi were responsible for the discovery. Their findings have been published in the international journal Lankesteriana. This documentation highlights the floristic connections between Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, underscoring the shared plant species across geographical divides and suggesting a vital ecological corridor.

*Gastrochilus pechei*, first cataloged in 1825, is characterized by its yellow sepals and petals, each marked with purplish spots. It also features a distinct sub-triangular epichile with erose margins and a subglobose hypochile. The orchid flourishes in humid evergreen rainforests, typically found near riverbanks, and blooms between September and October.

Arunachal Pradesh is renowned as the "Orchid State of India," boasting approximately 60% of all Indian orchids, with over 600 species recorded. This new record increases the number of *Gastrochilus* species found in Arunachal Pradesh to 16 out of India's 23 known species. The discovery contributes to the understanding of the *Gastrochilus* genus and emphasizes Arunachal Pradesh's crucial role in orchid diversity and conservation.