Recently, botanists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered and described a new plant species named Ceropegia tamilnaduensis.
About Ceropegia tamilnaduensis
Ceropegia tamilnaduensis is a newly discovered plant species found on the hill slopes of the Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
It is a perennial herb found growing at an elevation of approximately 380 metres on a hill slope adjacent to a stream and surrounded by evergreen forests.
Distinctive Features
The plant has solitary flowers that grow directly from the leaf axils, along with drooping stems.
It possesses a glabrous (hairless) central corona and a pollinial corpusculum with lateral wings.
The species produces unusually large seeds measuring up to 14 mm in length.
Morphological Similarities
Ceropegia tamilnaduensis shows close morphological similarities with two other species.
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Ceropegia annamacharyae: It shows similarity in flower structure.
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Ceropegia swarupa: It shows similarity in narrow leaves and body structure.
About Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary
Location and Establishment
The Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Tamil Nadu. It received the status of a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2015.
Geographical Features
The sanctuary features 29 mountain peaks, including Sivagiri Mala, which is its highest peak at 1,748 metres. Other important peaks include Totti Malai, Kalli Malai and Aruitalai Mottai.
River Systems
The sanctuary is sustained by the drainage network of the Cauvery, Moyar, Bhavani, Vaigai and Tamirabarani River Systems.
Flora
The important plant species found in the sanctuary include Santalum album (Sandalwood), Shorea, Tectona grandis, Shola tree species, Avicennia mangroves and Strobilanthes kunthiana.
Fauna
The sanctuary is home to several important wildlife species, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Gaur and Sloth Bear.