Why in news?
Botanists from Tamil Nadu have described a new species of the grape family, Cyphostemma annamalaii, from the sacred forest of Sanjeevi Hill in Villupuram district (southern Eastern Ghats). The species adds to India’s botanical diversity and highlights the importance of conserving semi‑evergreen hill forests.
Background
The genus Cyphostemma (family Vitaceae) comprises climbing or scandent shrubs found mainly in Africa and parts of Asia. The newly discovered species is named after Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiyar, the founder of Annamalai University, whose botanists collaborated on the study. Researchers found the plant growing on rocky slopes of Sanjeevi Hill at about 86 metres altitude. The plant bears trifoliolate leaves (leaf divided into three leaflets), small greenish‑white flowers and distinctive round yellow berries. Detailed comparisons with related species such as Cyphostemma setosum confirmed that it represents a unique taxon.
Characteristics and significance
- Leaf and flower traits: Each leaf has three leaflets with the terminal leaflet smaller than the lateral ones. The petals are greenish‑white on the lower half and reddish‑brown above, forming star‑shaped flowers.
- Fruit: The plant produces spherical yellow berries. Local people report that the fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals.
- Habitat: It grows among dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forests. Its discovery underscores the rich yet understudied diversity of the Eastern Ghats.
- Conservation value: Documenting new species helps scientists assess ecosystem health and prioritise conservation areas. Researchers plan to investigate the plant’s phytochemicals and possible medicinal properties.