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Rare Plant Rediscovered in Parambikulam Forest
5 Oct
Summary
- A plant thought extinct, Haplothismia exannulata, has reappeared in Parambikulam.
- The rediscovered plant is the sole known species of its genus, Haplothismia.
- The exhibition 'Haplothismia' highlights the importance of small, often overlooked, species.
A tiny plant, Haplothismia exannulata, once considered extinct, has made a remarkable comeback in Parambikulam. This species, first collected in 1851, vanished for over a century, leading to doubts about its existence and eventual declaration of extinction in the 1990s.
The plant was famously rediscovered 26 years ago by botanists within Parambikulam forest, a find documented in 2000. Haplothismia exannulata is notable as the only known member of its genus, a delicate, pale-cream plant thriving in shaded, humus-rich forest soil during the monsoon and flowering around October.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is now hosting a photography exhibition titled 'Haplothismia' for Wildlife Week, running until October 8, 2026. The exhibition, inaugurated on Friday, October 2, 2026, showcases the region's wildlife and natural heritage with a theme emphasizing 'small wonders, wild landscapes, a shared tomorrow.'
This initiative shifts focus from iconic animals like tigers and elephants to the forest's smaller inhabitants. It underscores the significance of every organism within the ecosystem, promoting a broader perspective on conservation and celebrating the intricate diversity of life within Parambikulam.
