Tetrataenium Manilalianum

Tetrataenium manilalianum Latest News

Adding to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, researchers recently discovered a new plant species named Tetrataenium manilalianum.

About Tetrataenium manilalianum

• It is a new plant species belonging to the carrot family (Umbelliferae/Apiaceae). 
• The plant was found in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district.
• The species has been named in honour of renowned botanical researcher and founder president of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy, Prof. K.S. Manilal. 
• It grows only in grasslands bordering shola forests in high-altitude regions.
• This is the 48th species identified within the carrot family, which includes well-known plants such as carrot, coriander, cumin, fennel, and ajwain. 
• It is the first of its kind to be identified anywhere in the world. 
• It has white flowers and underground rhizomes. 
• It sprouts and flowers only during the monsoon season.

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Key Facts about Eravikulam National Park

• It is situated along the summit of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of the Idduki District of Kerala.
• It covers an area of 97 sq.km.
• The highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi (2695 meters), is situated on the southern side of the park.
• This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once every twelve years. 
• Climate: The park receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) monsoons and is one of the wettest areas of the world.
• Vegetation: The major part of the park is covered with rolling grasslands, but several patches of shola forests are also found in the upper part of the valley. 
• Flora:
  • Important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium aronottianum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, etc.
  • The shola grasslands are exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids, including the long thought extinct variety Brachycorythis wightii.
• Fauna:
  • The Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog are the common species.
  • Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives here.
  • The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is seen in this park.

Source: ETVB