Why in News?
Botanists from Devagiri St Joseph’s College reported in early 2026 the discovery of a new plant species named Tetrataenium paikadae in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The species was described in the Nordic Journal of Botany and named in honour of botanist Rev. Fr. Joseph Paikada.
Background
Tetrataenium paikadae belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrot and coriander. It was found in moist grasslands inside Eravikulam National Park in Idukki district.
- Habitat: The plant grows in marshy high‑altitude grasslands between 1,000 and 2,500 m elevation. These montane meadows receive heavy monsoon rainfall and remain wet for much of the year.
- Morphology: Tetrataenium paikadae stands 30–80 cm tall, with densely hairy stems and ovate leaves. It bears umbels of small white flowers and produces fruits with oil tubes arranged differently from closely related species. Flowering occurs from July to September and fruiting from October to November.
- Significance: The discovery increases knowledge of plant diversity in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot. The species underscores the importance of conserving high‑altitude grasslands, which support many endemic plants and wildlife.
- Research: The identification was funded by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. The same team had earlier described Tetrataenium manilalianum in October 2025.