New Plant Species Discovered in Kerala's Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-18 08:50:27 |

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Researchers have recently confirmed the discovery of a new plant species, Uniyala keralensis, in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, located in Kerala, India. This finding highlights the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the species was initially collected 27 years ago, it was only recently classified after detailed studies.

Uniyala keralensis belongs to the Asteraceae family and was previously misidentified as Vernonia multibracteata. The genus Uniyala was established to differentiate it from Vernonia. The species is a shrub that grows between one and three meters tall, with light purple flowers blooming from August to April. Its larger leaves, long petioles, and fewer lateral veins help distinguish it from similar species.

Endemic to southwest India, Uniyala keralensis thrives at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 meters in open areas on the western slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. With an estimated population of 5,000 individuals, the species is spread across four subpopulations within 250 square kilometers.

Currently classified as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN, further research is needed to understand its ecology and potential conservation needs. This discovery underscores the importance of ongoing botanical research to safeguard the Western Ghats’ unique biodiversity.

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