Tetrataenium manilalianum Latest News
Adding to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, researchers recently discovered a new plant species named Tetrataenium manilalianum.
About Tetrataenium manilalianum
- It is a new plant species belonging to the carrot family (Umbelliferae/Apiaceae).
- The plant was found in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district.
- The species has been named in honour of renowned botanical researcher and founder president of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy, Prof. K.S. Manilal.
- It grows only in grasslands bordering shola forests in high-altitude regions.
- This is the 48th species identified within the carrot family, which includes well-known plants such as carrot, coriander, cumin, fennel, and ajwain.
- It is the first of its kind to be identified anywhere in the world.
- It has white flowers and underground rhizomes.
- It sprouts and flowers only during the monsoon season.
Key Facts about Eravikulam National Park
- It is situated along the summit of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of the Idduki District of Kerala.
- It covers an area of 97 sq.km.
- The highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi (2695 meters), is situated on the southern side of the park.
- This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once every twelve years.
- Climate: The park receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) monsoons and is one of the wettest areas of the world.
- Vegetation: The major part of the park is covered with rolling grasslands, but several patches of shola forests are also found in the upper part of the valley.
- Flora:
- Important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium aronottianum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, etc.
- The shola grasslands are exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids, including the long thought extinct variety Brachycorythis wightii.
- Fauna:
- The Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog are the common species.
- Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives here.
- The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is seen in this park.
Source: ETVB
Tetrataenium manilalianum FAQs
Q1: Tetrataenium manilalianum belongs to which plant family?
Ans: It is a new plant species belonging to the carrot family (Umbelliferae/Apiaceae).
Q2: Where was the plant species Tetrataenium manilalianum discovered?
Ans: Eravikulam National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district.
Q3: Tetrataenium manilalianum is known to grow in which type of habitat?
Ans: It grows only in grasslands bordering shola forests in high-altitude regions.
