A new parasitic flowering plant has recently been discovered from the Nicobar group of islands which is a biodiversity hotspot.
Features of new plant
- The new plant is endemic only to the Nicobar group of islands.
- The The plant belongs to genus Septemeranthus which grows on the plant species Horsfieldia glabra (Blume) Warb.
- The leaves of this new parasitic plant are heart-shaped with a very long tip and the ovary, fruit and seeds are ‘urceolate’ (earthen pot-shaped).
- The genus Septemeranthus belongs to the family Loranthaceae, a hemi-parasite under the sandalwood order Santalales.
- Loranthaceae is currently represented by nine genera and are found all across the country.
- The parasitic flowering plants have a modified root structure spread on the stem of the tree and are anchored inside the bark of the host tree.
- Hemi-parasites plants are partially dependent on their host plants for nutrition. For example, the newly discovered Septemeranthus plant that derives nutrients from its hosts has green leaves capable of photosynthesis.
(Source: TH)
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