New Plant Species Ceropegia Shivrayiana Discovered at Vishalgad

A new flowering plant called Ceropegia Shivrayiana has been discovered in the Vishalgad area of Kolhapur. This discovery was detailed in a research paper published in the journal Phytotaxa, highlighting the biodiversity and ecological importance of Vishalgad Fort.

Research Team and Background

The plant was found by a team including Akshay Jangam, Ratan More, and Dr. Nilesh Pawar from New College, Kolhapur, along with Dr. Sharad Kamble and Prof. Dr. S. R. Yadav from Shivaji University. Jangam and Pawar have spent the past six years studying the plants at Vishalgad Fort.

Significance of the Name

The name Ceropegia shivrayiana honors Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. Researchers believe that naming the plant after Shivaji pays tribute to his appreciation for the ecological importance of forts and their surroundings.

Botanical Context and Similar Species

In August 2024, another species of Ceropegia was found at the same location, showing the area’s rich variety of plants. Dr. Kamble, an expert on Ceropegia, confirmed that this new plant could be a distinct species after further study. The discovery of Ceropegia shivrayiana highlights the biodiversity of Vishalgad Fort and the need to protect such ecologically rich areas.

About Ceropegia Shivrayiana

Ceropegia shivrayiana is a rare plant found only in India. It has unique, tubular flowers that attract moths. The plant grows in rocky places and can survive in soil with few nutrients. It is part of the Asclepiadaceae family, which includes many medicinal plants. Conservation is crucial due to habitat loss, making this plant a key subject for ecological studies. Its unusual shape makes it interesting to plant enthusiasts.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs