New Plant Species

New Plant Species Latest News

Scientists have identified three new plant species named Euphorbia ananthapuramensis, Euphorbia chalamensis, and Ceropegia andhrica, in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.

About Euphorbia Ananthapuramensis

• It is a new shrubby plant species.
• It was discovered in Nigidi Forest in the Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
• It grows among granite rocks in scrub forests at elevations of 450 to 550 metres.
• About 80 individual plants were recorded within an area of around 2.5 sq km.
• It has medicinal properties and is used by local tribal communities to treat wounds, skin diseases, and digestive disorders. 
• The species faces threats from granite mining and forest fires.
• IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered

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About Euphorbia Chalamensis

• It is a small annual herb.
• It was discovered in Chalama Forest in Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh.
• It was found in dry deciduous forests at elevations of 300 to 500 metres. 
• Its population is limited to just over 100 individuals across about 2 sq km. 
• It has medicinal properties and is used by local tribal communities to treat wounds, skin diseases, and digestive disorders. 
• Forest fires and human activity have been listed among the major threats.
• IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered

About Ceropegia Andhrica

• It is a dwarf tuberous herb.
• It was discovered in Paderu forest division in Alluri Sitharamaraju district, Andhra Pradesh.
• It was found in open forest edges at elevations above 1,000 metres. 
• About 200 individuals were recorded in less than one sq km.
• The plant is leafless during flowering, which occurs after the first rains between May and June, and produces leaves later. 
• It produces edible tubers roughly the size of small potatoes.
• Grazing, forest fires, and habitat loss threaten the species.
• IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered

Source: TOI