New Plant Species Anaphalis sahyadrica Discovered in Western Ghats
New high-altitude plant species discovered in Western Ghats
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
A new plant species named Anaphalis sahyadrica has been discovered in the Western Ghats by a team from Palakkad. This subshrub, found at elevations over 2,200 meters, features smooth leaves and produces numerous white flower heads. The findings were published in the journal Novon.
- 01The plant belongs to the sunflower family and was discovered in high-altitude montane grasslands and shola forest margins.
- 02Key identifying features include smooth, hairless leaves with three prominent veins.
- 03Anaphalis sahyadrica can grow up to one metre tall and produces between 90 to 120 white, hemispherical flower heads.
- 04The research was part of S. Remya's doctoral studies at the Department of Botany, Government Victoria College, Palakkad.
- 05The study was guided by notable botanists including Maya C. Nair and K.M. Prabhukumar.
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A team of botanists from Palakkad has made a significant discovery in the southern Western Ghats by identifying a new plant species named Anaphalis sahyadrica. This species, part of the sunflower family, was found in high-altitude montane grasslands and shola forest margins, particularly in areas like Anamudi and Meesapulimala. The discovery was part of the doctoral research conducted by S. Remya from the Department of Botany at Government Victoria College, Palakkad, under the guidance of Maya C. Nair, the Principal of Government Arts and Science College, Tholanur, and K.M. Prabhukumar, a Senior Scientist at the National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow. The findings were published in the botanical journal Novon, Volume 34. Dr. Nair noted that Anaphalis sahyadrica is a subshrub that thrives at elevations above 2,200 meters. It is characterized by its smooth, hairless leaves with three prominent veins and can reach a height of about one metre, producing 90 to 120 white, hemispherical flower heads. This discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, highlighting the ecological significance of the region.
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The discovery of Anaphalis sahyadrica enhances the understanding of the biodiversity in the Western Ghats, potentially influencing conservation efforts.
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