Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovery three new plant species in the southern end of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These three species are: Eugenia sphaerocarpa, Goniothalamus sericeus and Memecylon nervosum. These species were discovered by a team of scientists led by BSI scientist K.A. Sujana.
Eugenia sphaerocarpa: It belongs to the Myrtaceae or Rose apple family. It is growing in the Kakkayam area of the Malabar wildlife sanctuary in Kerala above 800m. The fruits of Eugenia species are known for their palatability.
Goniothalamus sericeus: It belongs the Annonaceae family of custard apple. Plants belong to this species have been found in the Kanyakumari wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 1400m.
Memecylon nervosum: It is from the Melastomataceae (Kayamboo or Kaasavu in local parlance) family. A small population of nervosum was also found at Kanyakumari wildlife sanctuary at an altitude between 700-900m. Nervosum refers to the presence of prominently raised lateral and intramarginal veins on the lower surface of the lamina.
Source: The Hindu
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