Rare Blueberry Species Vaccinium piliferum Rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh After 188 Years

Key Facts

• Species: Vaccinium piliferum, a rare wild relative of blueberry plants.
• Rediscovery location and date: Vijoynagar, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh in May 2026.
• Previous records: First collected by William Griffith in 1836 from the Mishmi Hills; recorded again in 1850 by Joseph Dalton Hooker and T. Thomson from Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
• Population found: 16 individual plants documented within approximately 2 square kilometers.
• Habitat: Along tributaries of the Noa-Dihing river at elevations between 1,150 and 1,280 metres.
• Conservation status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Publication: The rediscovery was documented in a paper published in Feddes Repertorium on 18 May 2026.
• Biogeographical significance: Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, recognized for its rich plant diversity and high endemism.

Background & Context

Vaccinium piliferum is a climbing shrub classified within the genus Vaccinium and family Ericaceae. This genus includes plants cultivated worldwide, notably blueberries valued for edible fruit. The species was historically recorded during British colonial botanical explorations in Northeast India—initially in the Mishmi Hills and subsequently from Meghalaya's Khasi Hills. No verifiable sightings had been made for nearly two centuries until the 2026 rediscovery, underlining the species’ elusive nature and the unexplored botanical richness of the Eastern Himalayan region. This rediscovery contributes valuable data to India’s floristic records and biodiversity profile, underscoring the need for scientific attention to conservation in these ecologically sensitive mountain forests.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The rediscovery of Vaccinium piliferum relates to important concepts frequently covered in competitive examinations, including biodiversity conservation, endangered species, and India’s unique biogeographic zones. It highlights:

• The significance of the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot with many endemic and threatened species.
• The role of botanical research and historical plant collections in understanding India’s flora.
• Current conservation challenges faced by rare plant species and efforts at monitoring and protection.
• Recognition of botanical authorities such as William Griffith and Joseph Dalton Hooker who contributed to early Indian botanical knowledge.

Points to Remember

• Vaccinium piliferum is a rare wild relative of the blueberry, rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after 188 years of no confirmed sightings.
• The species was historically collected in 1836 (Mishmi Hills) and 1850 (Khasi Hills) by renowned botanists.
• Rediscovery occurred at elevations of 1,150–1,280 m in fragile forest habitats along Noa-Dihing river tributaries.
• Only 16 individual plants were found within a 2 sq km area, highlighting its rarity and endangered status.
• Publication of findings appeared in the journal Feddes Repertorium on 18 May 2026.
• Arunachal Pradesh forms a part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, harboring rich and endemic flora threatened by anthropogenic activities.
• GPS locations of plants have been shared for conservation monitoring by research institutions.