Orchid Discovery in Assam

An orchid, Crepidium assamicum sp. nov., from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park of Assam elucidating new distribution record for genus and a new species was discovered in Assam By discovering this fact, worldwide orchid biodiversity increases. The finding was made by Dr Jintu Sharma and Khyanjeet Gogoi, researchers with 10 years of experience studying orchids in the region. Due to their endeavours, the species was mentioned in botanica Fedes Reporter.

Crepidium assamicum was found in Assam.

• Gogoi and Sharma started their discovery in Assam in 2008-2009.
• Found new species in the Crepidium assamicum orchid family.
• Features include limited scent, liking for open grasslands, flowering from July to August, and a greater blossom cover.
• Located on the open grassland next to the Dibru-Saikhowa river in the Dibrugarh district of Assam.
• There are 414 kinds of orchids known to exist between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, adding to the vast diversity of orchids found in Assam.
• Based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (2024), this item is tentatively classified as Threatened.
• The Paribha Mitra award from the Assam government and Khyanjeet Gogoi's orchid garden are examples of contributions to conservation.
• Public interest and knowledge of the value of biodiversity have increased as a result of the discovery.