Ophiorrhiza echinata Latest News
A new coffee plant species named Ophiorrhiza echinata was recently found in the Western Ghats.
About Ophiorrhiza echinata
- It is a new species of coffee plant.
- It was discovered in the highly biodiversity-rich shola forests of the Western Ghats at Devikulam in the Idukki District of Kerala.
- It grows in the ecotone region between evergreen forest and grassland vegetation at an elevation of 1,630 m above sea level and may have medicinal potential.
- It belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is closely related to the genus Ophiorrhiza mungos, which is a key ingredient in cancer treatment and antidote preparations.
- Ophiorrhiza echinata has so far only been collected from the type locality.
- The area of occupancy is estimated to be less than four square kilometres, and the known populations contain a maximum of only 35 plants.
Source: TOI
Last updated on August, 2026
→ UPSC Mains 2026 commenced on 21st August 2026 and will continue through 30th August 2026, as per the official examination schedule.
→ UPSC Mains Question Paper 2026 is out now for Essay & GS Paper 1, 2, 3 & 4.
→ UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2026 is out now.
→ UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2026 is out now.
→ UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2026 is out now.
→ UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2026 is out now.
→ UPSC Mains Indian Language Paper & English Compulsory Paper are out now.
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
→ UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026 is now out.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.
→ Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-I 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-II 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-III 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-IV 2025, UPSC Mains English (Compulsory) Paper 2025, UPSC Mains Hindi (Qualifying) Paper 2025 here.
→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.
→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
Ophiorrhiza echinata FAQs
Q1. What is Ophiorrhiza echinata?+
Q2. Where was the new plant species Ophiorrhiza echinata discovered?+
Q3. In which biodiversity-rich ecosystem was Ophiorrhiza echinata discovered?+
Q4. Why is Ophiorrhiza echinata considered highly vulnerable?+
Tags: ophiorrhiza echinata
