New leaf‑less orchid species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
It relies on a partnership with soil fungi for nutrients (holomycotrophy).
Five flowering individuals were recorded at 1,000 m altitude.
Named Gastrodia keyiensis, also known locally as Ghost Flower.
Scientists say the forest area needs protection to keep the plant safe.
The plant lives in the dark forest floor and gets its food from tiny fungi in the soil 🍄.
Only five flowering plants were seen at about 1,000 metres high, making it very rare.
It was named Gastrodia keyiensis after the Keyi River where it was found.
The local people call it ‘Oram Opuh’, which means Ghost Flower, because it stays hidden most of the time 👻.
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