1 week ago
New Tamil Nadu Herb Highlights Coastal Dune Biodiversity
Scientists found a new small herb in the sandy coastal dunes of Tamil Nadu.
They named it Leucas droupadiae after President Droupadi Murmu.
The plant is about 15 centimeters tall and grows with one straight stem.
Its shallow roots and spotted golden-yellow fruits help identify it.
Scientists compared it with 155 other known Leucas plants.
The discovery shows that sand dunes can be homes for special plants, not empty wastelands.
The herb is known from only one small area and may be threatened by grazing and eucalyptus trees.
Researchers say it should be counted, protected, and studied further.
Leucas droupadiae, a new herb species, was discovered on the Coromandel Coast in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu.
The plant is named after President Droupadi Murmu and belongs to the mint family.
It grows about 15 centimeters tall, with a single unbranched stem, shallow web-like roots, and spotted golden-yellow fruits.
Researchers compared it with 155 known Leucas species before confirming it as distinct.
The species is classified as Data Deficient, with grazing and eucalyptus plantations threatening its known habitat.
- Who
- Researchers discovered Leucas droupadiae; environmentalist Jasmit Singh Arora described its significance and threats.
- What
- A new herb species was identified and added to India’s botanical record.
- Where
- The species was found along the Coromandel Coast in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India.
- When
- It was found during a survey of coastal dunes; the article does not give a specific discovery date.
- Why
- The discovery documents previously unrecorded biodiversity and highlights the conservation importance of coastal dunes.
Key facts
- Species
- Leucas droupadiae
- Family
- Mint family
- Location
- Coastal dunes of Cuddalore, along Tamil Nadu’s Coromandel Coast
- Plant height
- About 15 centimeters
- Distinctive features
- A single unbranched stem, shallow web-like roots, and golden-yellow fruits with dark brown spots
- Comparison
- Assessed against 155 known Leucas species
- Conservation status
- Data Deficient
- Known threats
- Animal grazing and the spread of eucalyptus trees
Quotes
Jasmit Singh Arora
Environmentalist who discussed the herb’s characteristics and conservation needs
“Identifying a genuinely new plant is very difficult. Scientists cannot just guess. They must study the plant’s entire life cycle for a full year.”
indianexpress.com
“Dunes are not empty wastelands, but special homes for unique species found nowhere else.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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