Brachystelma attenuatum Wight & Arn.
Himalayan Brachystelma
Tuberous geophyte native to the western Himalayas of India, considered extinct for 188 years until its recent rediscovery in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It is the only species in the genus with confirmed distribution in the Himalayas, making it a remarkable case of disjunct biogeography between southern Africa and India.
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© Amber Srivastava, CC BY 4.0
CC BY 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Brachystelma |
| Growth Habit | Seasonal herbaceous geophyte; slender annual stems 15–30 cm; globose tuber 3–6 cm |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient / under evaluation after rediscovery (DD / possibly CR) |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Mountain loamy-sandy, well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Mountain loamy-sandy, well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
K
Every 3–4 years or according to tuber growth
No data; as a precaution, do not fertilize in the first year of cultivation
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No specific documented data for this species
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Plant Health
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"Its rediscovery in the western Himalayas by Amber Srivastava and colleagues (published ca. 2020–2022) was a landmark event in Indian conservation botany. The species had not been recorded since its original 19th-century description. It represents a unique case of Afro-Himalayan disjunct distribution in the genus."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.