New species of Indian Muraingrasses spotted by scientists in Goa
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment
In news
A new species of Indian Muraingrasses (Genus Ischaemum) have been spotted by scientists in Goa in the Western Ghats.
It is known for their ecological and economic importance, such as fodder.
Key takeaways
The discovered novel species was named Ischaemumjanarthanamii from plateaus of Western Ghats of Goa.
It was named so in honour of Prof. M. K. Janarthanam, Professor of Botany, Goa University, for his contribution to the Indian grass taxonomy and documentation of the floristic diversity of Goa state.
It grows on low altitude lateritic plateaus in the outskirts of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Goa.
The species has adapted to survive harsh conditions, low nutrient availability, and blossoms every monsoon.
Do you know?
Globally 85 species are known from Ischaemum, of which 61 species are exclusively found in India.
The Western Ghats have 40 species with the highest concentration of the genus.
