Rare Wild Cucumber Found in Assam Wildlife Sanctuary

Guwahati: Botanists recently spotted a rare spiny-fruited wild cucumber in Upper Assam. Daimalu Baro from Tinsukia College and Amal Bawri of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research documented the Cucumis hystrix Chakrav. in the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary. The findings appeared online October 6, 2026, in the journal Discover Plants.

Field surveys throughout 2024 and 2025 turned up 12 species from 10 different genera. The team found the specific cucumber specimen in the Bherjan range at an elevation of 130 metres. It flowers and bears fruit between August and January. The study notes that this find proves significant botanical variety often hides in small, protected forests. The researchers stated, "The finding demonstrates that significant botanical diversity can remain undocumented even within relatively small protected forest areas."

The sanctuary spans just 7.21 square kilometres. Despite its size, it remains a hotbed for rare flora. The survey also listed Indofevillea khasiana, Thladiantha cordifolia, and Thladiantha hookeri as rare finds. Experts now warn that nearby tea plantations and oil-field operations threaten these species. The team urged for immediate in-situ conservation to protect these genetic resources. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, recognizes this cucumber as native to Assam and regions across South and Southeast Asia.