A rare root parasitic plant (Sapria himalayana Griffith.) in Namdapha National Park, Northeastern India

摘要

Parasitic plants exhibit a whole variety of specializations in morphology, anatomy, physiology and reproductive biology. They vary from chlorophyllous, facultative hemiparasites (Olacaceae, Opiliaceae, Kra-meriaceae) to obligate hemiparasites (Vis-caceae, Loranthaceae) to holoparasites (Balanophoraceae, Hydnoraceae, Lenno-aceae, Rafflesiaceae). Nonetheless, such plants are rare and restricted in distribution and are confined to virgin forests, particularly in the humid tropics. Thorough exploration and mapping of the interesting and lesser known endemic taxa will facilitate information regarding the distributional range and habitat distinct-iveness of particular taxa that may help in designing proper conservation measures. Nevertheless, Namdapha National Park (lat 27 deg 23 min30 sec N to 27 deg 39 min 40 sec N and long 96 deg 15 min 2 sec E to 96 deg 58 min 33 sec E; 1985 km~2; 200-4571 rn asl) has been internationally recognized along with four more sites in the Indian subcontinent, viz. Agastya-malai Hills, Nallamalais, Nilgiri Hills and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve for data-sheet treatment. This correspondence reports on the population status and conservation issues of a rare and endangered parasitic plant Sapria himalayana in Namdapha National Park, which has limited distribution around the world and was first reported from the tropical wet-evergreen forests of northeastern India by Griffith.