Context:
Recently, the Saurauia Punduana plant was recorded for the first time in Manipur’s Tamenglong district.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Saurauia Punduana:
- Saurauia Punduana is a plant species belonging to the Actinidiaceae family, characterized by its distinctive flowers and fruits.
- The flowers undergo a transformation from white to pink as they mature, featuring pink, ovate to obovate petals that curl at the tip.
- The spherical fruits are shiny white and hold significance in veterinary medicine.
Habitat and Characteristics:
- Typically found in subtropical forests at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1800 meters.
- The complete, bisexual flowers possess both functional male (androecium) and female (gynoecium) parts.
Conservation Status:
- Classified as a critically endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Global Distribution:
- Saurauia Punduana is distributed across countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar.
- Within India, it is present in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Threats to Saurauia Punduana:
- Susceptible to various threats, including insect pests, viruses, and fungi, impacting leaves, fruits, and roots.
-Source: The Hindu
