Tetrataenium paikadae

Why in News?

Recently, researchers discovered a new plant species, Tetrataenium paikadae, in the high-altitude grasslands of Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats.

• The new species belongs to the carrot and coriander family called Apiaceae.
• Genus – Tetrataenium.
• Nomenclature – Named in honour of Rev. Fr. Joseph Paikada, former Principal and Manager of Devagiri College.
• Habitat – Moist, marshy high-altitude grasslands.
• Distribution – Endemic to Eravikulam National Park, Idukki district, Kerala.
  • Elevation range – 1,000–2,500 metres above sea level
• Key Characteristics – Height – 30–80 cm
• Flowering – July–September
• Fruiting – October–November
  • Distinguished by the number and structural arrangement of oil tubes in fruits.
• Feature – The stem is covered with thick, rough hairs.
• The leaves are oval or egg-shaped.
• Clusters of small white flowers
• Threats – Habitat degradation, climate change impacts on montane ecosystems, and human disturbances such as tourism and invasive species.
• Ecological Significance – Highlights the high endemism of montane grasslands and the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Reference

ETV BHARAT | Tetrataenium paikadae