Two new critically endangered plant species spotted in Eravikulam National Park
Two new critically endangered balsams (impatiens) plant species were spotted on the peripheries of the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. It is a major breakthrough in eco-conservation.
Impatiens plants are also called jewel weeds. They are seen in pristine forests where moisture content and relative humidity are high.
Key Facts
- The new species of balsams (impatiens) Impatiens Mankulamensis and Impatiens panduranganii were discovered from the shola forests on the periphery of the park and Mankulam forests.
- Impatiens panduranganii was first noticed in 2015 during a research on impatiens in the Pettimudi area. It is similar to Impatiens travancorica.
- These plants normally bear flowers in the rainy (Monsoon) season of July to October. Their flowers are white in colour with a pink border.
- They have been ncluded in the critically endangered category of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
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Month: Current Affairs - February, 2017