Researchers have discovered a new fire resilient dual blooming species of genus Dicliptera in the Western Ghats.
The Western Ghats is one of India’s four global biodiversity hotspots.
Researchers have named this species Dicliptera polymorpha. The species was collected from Talegaon- Dabhade, which is known region for its grasslands and fodder markets.
Dicliptera polymorpha is a distinctive species, notable for its fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and its unusual dual-blooming pattern.
In addition to its typical post-monsoon flowering, the species exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires commonly set by locals in the region.
This species is taxonomically unique, with inflorescence units (cymules) that develop into spicate inflorescences.
It is the only known Indian species with this spicate inflorescence structure, with its closest allied being found in Africa. The species was named Dicliptera polymorpha to reflect its diverse morphological traits.
