‘Lost’ for 170 years, rare plant recorded in Sri Lanka

Researchers located a population of 70 to 100 individuals of Indianthus virgatus, a rare white-flowered plant last verified in Sri Lanka via an 1855 specimen, growing along the Sitawaka Ganga River in Sabaragamuwa Province.

The species, known from roughly 150 sites in India but presumed possibly extinct in Sri Lanka's wild, was found using historical records and predictive habitat modeling in January 2025.

Study authors warn most suitable habitat in Sri Lanka has been destroyed by tea and rubber plantations, and are urging local habitat protection, botanical garden collections, and an IUCN Red List assessment.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.