Sheathia Rosemalayensis

Sheathia rosemalayensis Latest News

In a recent discovery, researchers recently identified a new species of freshwater algae named ‘Sheathia rosemalayensis’, in Rosemala, located in Kollam district, Kerala.

About Sheathia rosemalayensis

• It is a new species of freshwater algae.
• It was discovered in Rosemala, located in THE western ghats of Kerala, and has been named after the place where it was found.
• This discovery is crucial because Sheathia species are extremely rare in India. Before this, only one other species was reported from the Himalayas.
• Sheathia rosemalayensis has so far been documented only in the southern Western Ghats, a geographically distinct region. 
• In contrast, other species within the Sheathia genus, such as S. assamica, S. indonepalensis, and S. dispersa, have broader distributions spanning Assam, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, and even the Hawaiian Archipelago.

What are Algae?

• Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. 
• They can be unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular, ranging from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweeds like kelp.
• They have no true Roots, Stems, or Leaves. Unlike plants, algae lack vascular tissues.
• Certain algae are familiar to most people; for instance, seaweeds (such as kelp or phytoplankton), pond scum, or the algal blooms in lakes. 
• However, there exists a vast and varied world of algae that are not only helpful to us, but are critical to our existence.

Sheathia rosemalayensis FAQs

Q1. Where was Sheathia rosemalayensis discovered?

Ans. Rosemala, Western Ghats of Kerala

Q2. In which type of ecosystem is Sheathia rosemalayensis found?

Ans. Freshwater

Q3. Why is the discovery of Sheathia rosemalayensis significant?

Ans. Sheathia species are extremely rare in India.

Source: NIE