Stellaria Bengalensis

About Stellaria Bengalensis: 

• It is the annual herb plant of the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae).
• It was found growing on muddy soil slopes — at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 metres in the Sangser forest, Kalimpong.
• Characteristics
  • It is an annual herb growing to a height of 8 to 10.5 cm, characterised by white flowers, absence of bract, shorter petals (or included within the sepal), sharp and pointed seeds.
  • Flowering and fruiting occurs during May to September.
• India has around 22 Stellaria species mostly distributed in the Himalayan region.
• The researchers have for the time being assessed the new species as ‘data deficient’ under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.
• Other species Stellaria mcclintockiae, of the same genus, was found on Nelliyampathy Hills of Kerala.

Q1: What is IUCN?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is a global organization composed of governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts dedicated to conserving nature and promoting sustainability.

Source: TH