Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species
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
