Context:
A new plant species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Didymocarpus janakiae.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
About Didymocarpus janakiae
- New Species Discovery:
- Didymocarpus janakiae is a newly identified plant species found in the sub-tropical forests of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level.
- Naming and Honor:
- This species is named in honor of Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal, a pioneering Indian botanist known for her significant contributions to botany, especially in plant breeding, genetics, and cytology.
- In 1931, she became the first Indian woman to be awarded a doctorate in botany in the US (University of Michigan), breaking gender and caste barriers.
- This species is named in honor of Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal, a pioneering Indian botanist known for her significant contributions to botany, especially in plant breeding, genetics, and cytology.
- Taxonomy and Genus:
- Didymocarpus janakiae belongs to the plant genus Didymocarpus, commonly referred to as stone flower, which is part of the African Violet family (Gesneriaceae).
- The genus comprises 111 species, 27 of which are found in India, including the newly described D. janakiae.
- These plants thrive in pristine, undisturbed habitats like moss-covered rocks, reflecting the quality of their ecosystem.
- Didymocarpus janakiae belongs to the plant genus Didymocarpus, commonly referred to as stone flower, which is part of the African Violet family (Gesneriaceae).
- Population and Threats:
- With a known population of fewer than 20 individuals located near Bomdila in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, D. janakiae faces severe threats due to habitat degradation.
-Source: The Hindu
