Indian polar biologists from the Central University of Punjab have discovered a new species of plant in Antarctica.
- The scientists have named the species ‘Bryum Bharatiensis’ as a tribute to goddess Saraswati, who is also known as ‘Bharati’.
- During a 2016-2017 expedition in the continent, the scientists stumbled upon a species of moss near the Indian research centre and collected the samples.
- Now, the scientists were finally able to confirm it to be the new native plant species of Antarctica.
- It is the first and the only plant species discovery resulting from 40 years of Indian Antarctic Mission.
- The discovery was made by Dr Felix Bast, CUPB Polar & Marine Biologist, and HoD, Dept. of Botany, CUPB.
