New genus of parasitic flowering plant
Part of: Prelims and GS-III Environment
Context: A new genus of a parasitic flowering plant has recently been discovered from the Nicobar group of islands.
About new genus of the plant
- The genus Septemeranthus grows on the plant species Horsfieldia glabra (Blume) Warb.
- The genus belongs to the family Loranthaceae, a hemi-parasite under the sandalwood order Santalales and is of widespread importance.
- The parasitic flowering plants have a modified root structure spread on the stem of the tree and are anchored inside the bark of the host tree.
- It derives nutrients from its hosts has green leaves capable of photosynthesis.
- The new genus is endemic only to the Nicobar group of islands.
News Source: TH
