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A New Fire-Resilient, Dual-Blooming Species of Dicliptera
Context:
A new species of fire-resilient, dual-blooming plant has been discovered in the Western Ghats, a region known for its rich biodiversity.
About the Species:
- The species, named Dicliptera polymorpha, was found by a team led by Dr. Mandar Datar from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, and botanists Adittya Dharap and Bhushan Shigwan.
- It is notable for its unique ability to flower twice a year, with the second burst of flowering triggered by grassland fires, a common occurrence in the region.
- Dicliptera polymorpha stands out for its rare spicate inflorescence structure, a feature not found in other Indian species, with its closest relatives found in Africa.
- The plant was first collected during the 2020 monsoon, and its distinct characteristics were confirmed over several years of study and by global expert Dr. I. Darbyshire from Kew Botanic Gardens.
- This species thrives on the slopes of open grasslands in the northern Western Ghats, where it endures extreme conditions, including drought and frequent fires.
- Its unique blooming pattern consists of a post-monsoon flowering phase (November to March) and a fire-triggered flowering phase (May to June), where the species produces dwarf flowering shoots.
Significance of Discovery:
- The discovery highlights the need for careful management of grassland ecosystems in the Western Ghats.
- While fire is a natural part of the species’ life cycle, overuse and unsustainable fire practices could threaten its survival.
- Protecting these ecosystems and ensuring balanced fire management is essential to preserving Dicliptera polymorpha and other yet-to-be-discovered species in this biodiverse hotspot.
