Why in News?
Scientists have discovered a rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, in a remote gorge along the Keyi River in Keyi Panyor district, Arunachal Pradesh. Only five flowering individuals were recorded during the botanical survey. The species has been formally described in the international taxonomic journal Phytotaxa.
About Gastrodia keyiensis
Gastrodia keyiensis belongs to the genus Gastrodia, a group of orchids known for their unusual non-photosynthetic lifestyle. The species lacks leaves and chlorophyll and therefore cannot produce food through photosynthesis.
Instead, it obtains nutrients through associations with soil fungi, a nutritional strategy known as holomycotrophy. This adaptation allows the orchid to survive in the dark and humid conditions of the forest floor.
The orchid was discovered at an altitude of around 1,000 metres. Its flowers are white to pale bluish, with a distinctive yellow and strongly curved labellum. Its short flowering period and prolonged underground phase make it difficult to detect during routine botanical surveys.
The species has been named after the Keyi River, where it was discovered. In the Nyishi dialect, it is locally called “Oram Opuh”, meaning “Ghost Flower”, reflecting its concealed lifestyle and unusual appearance.
CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)
CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES
CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)
![](https://www.gstimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WEEKLY-TEST-RECT.jpg")
