Sonerila roxburghii

Sonerila roxburghii Latest New

Researchers recently identified a new species of flowering plant named Sonerila roxburghii from the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats in Kerala.

About Sonerila roxburghii

• It is a new species of flowering plant.
• It was discovered in the Mankulam and Kallar areas of the Idukki district of Kerala, at elevations ranging between 1,380 and 1,480 metres above sea level. 
• The species has been named in honour of renowned botanist William Roxburgh – hailing from Scotland – often regarded as the Father of Indian Botany and one of the earliest scientists to document the Sonerila genus. 
• It belongs to the Sonerila genus of the Melastomataceae (flowering plant) family. 
• It can be distinguished by several unique morphological characteristics, including:
  • Plant stems growing up to 60 cm in height.
  • Light pink flowers.
  • Smooth, flattened leaf surfaces gradually tapering toward the stem.
  • Adaptation to moist, high-altitude rocky habitats.
• The species belongs to a group of delicate tropical herbs largely confined to the higher reaches of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. 
• has been placed in the Critically Endangered category due to its highly restricted distribution and fragile habitat conditions.

Source: ETVB

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