Uniyala Keralensis

Uniyala Keralensis Latest News

Researchers have named the new species, which is endemic to southwest India, Uniyala keralensis (family Asteraceae) after the State of Kerala.

About Uniyala Keralensis

• Uniyala keralensis is a “small to large shrub,” growing up to one to three metres in height and sporting attractive light purple florets, according to the paper. 
• Uniyala keralensis has, among other things, larger leaves, fairly long petioles - the slender stalk that joins the leaf to the stem - and fewer lateral veins on the leaves. 
• Flowering and fruiting occurs during August to April.
• It is found in open areas of the western mountain slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) at elevations ranging between 700 to 1,400 metres. 
• The present population consists of nearly 5,000 individuals of various ages in four subpopulations occupying an area of 250 km2. 
• Following the IUCN Red List Criteria (IUCN 2024), Uniyala keralensis is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Uniyala Keralensis 

Q1: Where is Uniyala keralensis found?

Ans: Uniyala keralensis is found in the open areas of the western slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) at elevations of 700 to 1,400 metres.

Q2: When does Uniyala keralensis flower and fruit?

Ans: Flowering and fruiting occur between August and April.

Q3: What is the IUCN status of Uniyala keralensis?

Ans: It is classified as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN Red List Criteria (2024) due to limited population and data.

Source: TH