Pyrostria laljii: New Species from Andaman
Part of: GS Prelims and GS III – Biodiversity
In news
- Recently, Pyrostria laljii, a new species which belongs to the genus of the coffee family has recently been discovered from the Andaman Islands.
About Pyrostria laljii
- It is the first record of the genus Pyrostria in India.
- It is a 15-meter-tall tree.
- This genus are usually found in Madagascar
- IUCN status given: Critically Endangered
- It can be distinguished by a long stem with a whitish coating on the trunk
- Its umbellate inflorescence with eight to 12 flowers is also a distinct feature.
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- South Andaman’s Wandoor forest.
- It could also be located in the Tirur forest near the Jarawa Reserve Forest and the Chidiya Tapu (Munda Pahar) forest in A&N Islands
About pokeweed
- Another new species of pokeweed named Rivina andamanensis was also discovered.
- It was found growing under large trees, shaded and rocky areas, along with herbs and shrubby plants.
- Pokeweed is a strong-smelling plant with a poisonous root.
- The berries contain a red dye used to colour wine, candies, cloth, and paper.
About Botanical Survey of India
- It is the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEFCC)
- It carries out taxonomic and floristic studies on wild plant resources of the country.
- It was established in 1890
- It has nine regional circles
- Headquarter: Kolkata, West Bengal.
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