A dense shrub with light purple flowers discovered in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district has been confirmed as a distinct species of the genus Uniyala.
- Researchers have named the new species Uniyala keralensis (family Asteraceae) after the State of Kerala.
About Uniyala keralensis
- Endemic to Southwest India: This means the species is found nowhere else in the world, emphasizing the ecological significance of the Western Ghats.
- First Collected 27 Years Ago: This shows how long it can take for scientific verification and classification of new plant species.
- Asteraceae Family: This is the same family that includes daisies and sunflowers, known for their composite flower heads.
- Light Purple Florets & Shrub Growth (1-3m): Adds to the aesthetic and ecological value of the plant, possibly benefiting pollinators.
- The genus Uniyala is named after the renowned plant taxonomist B.P. Uniyal. The genus has 11 species in southern India and Sri Lanka.
- With 11 species in Southern India and Sri Lanka, it underscores the region’s botanical diversity.
(Source: The Hindu)
