Rediscovery of <i>Vaccinium piliferum</i> (Ericaceae): An Endangered Species From the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot

ABSTRACT An endangered ericoid species, Vaccinium piliferum (Hook.f. ex C.B.Clarke) Sleumer (Ericaceae) is rediscovered after a gap of 188 years from Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Vaccinium piliferum was first collected by William Griffith in November 1836 from Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh. We also provide photographs of the flowers and its dissected parts helping to understand the morphology and facilitate identification of the species. A comprehensive morphological description is provided based on field data. We also provide a population assessment of the species to aid in future conservation endeavors.