Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified a new species of wild kiwi, Actinidia indica (Actinidiaceae), in Arunachal Pradesh, adding to India’s documented floral diversity.

The discovery, led by Dr. S.S. Dash, Dr. Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, and Mr. Rohan Maity of the Central National Herbarium, Howrah, followed extensive field surveys and detailed taxonomic analysis.

Actinidia indica is a perennial climbing shrub reaching 2–4 meters in height. It features densely hairy young branches, large ovate leaves, and white to creamy flowers measuring 4–6 cm. The plant bears globose, olive-green fruits of 2.5–4 cm with a distinctive reticulate lenticel pattern, a key identifying trait.

The species was recorded at an elevation of approximately 1,725 meters in the Lower Subansiri district, growing along forest edges amid diverse sub-tropical flora. The discovery increases the global count of Actinidia species to 56, only a few of which occur in India.

This finding underscores the biodiversity significance of the Eastern Himalaya and highlights the role of scientific research and taxonomy in documenting and conserving India’s natural heritage.