DICLIPTERA

Last Updated on 13th November, 2024
4 minutes, 9 seconds

Description

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Context:

A new fire-resilient dual-blooming species experiences a burst of flowering triggered by grassland fires and has an inflorescence structure that is rare in Indian species.

It has been discovered in the Western Ghats, which are known to harbour many yet-to-be-discovered species.

Key Details:

Species Name

Dicliptera polymorpha.

Distinctive Characteristics

Fire-resilient, prophetic habit; dual-blooming pattern.

Flowering Pattern

Post-monsoon flowering (early November to March/April); second flowering phase triggered by fires (May to June).

Inflorescence Structure

Inflorescence units (cymules) develop into spicate inflorescences; only known Indian species with this structure; closest allied found in Africa.

Habitat

Thrives on slopes in open grasslands of the northern Western Ghats; exposed to extreme climatic conditions like summer droughts and human-induced fires.

Adaptation to Fires

Second flowering phase triggered by grassland fires; woody rootstocks produce dwarf flowering shoots for a shorter, abundant blooming period.

Ecological Significance

Highlights need for careful management of grassland ecosystems in the Western Ghats.

Taxonomic Significance

Named "polymorpha" due to its diverse morphological traits.

About Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, one of India's four global biodiversity hotspots, has long been a focus of exploration by the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). Over the past few decades, ARI scientists have been intensively studying the region's rich biodiversity.

Geographical Location

Stretches along the western coast of India, from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, covering six states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu).

Average Elevation

Ranges between 900 to 1,600 meters above sea level.

Highest Peak

Anamudi (located in Kerala) at 2,695 meters.

Peaks

  • Anamudi  (Kerala)
  • Doddabetta (Tamil Nadu)
  • Kalsubai (Maharashtra)
  • Kudremukh (Karnataka)

Major Rivers Originating

Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, and Periyar.

Major Passes

  • Palghat Gap (Kerala-Tamil Nadu)
  • Thal Ghat (Maharashtra)
  • Bhor Ghat (Maharashtra)

Biodiversity Hotspot

One of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world; home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.

Climate

Tropical monsoon climate; receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September), with annual rainfall varying between 2,000-7,000 mm.

Soil Types

Lateritic soil in higher elevations; red, black, and alluvial soils in lower regions.

Vegetation

  • Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
  • Deciduous forests.
  • Shola forests and grasslands at higher altitudes.

UNESCO Status

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

Wildlife

  • Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Indian leopard.
  • Endemic species like the Nilgiri tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel.

Key National Parks

  • Silent Valley (Kerala)
  • Periyar (Kerala)
  • Bandipur (Karnataka)
  • Anshi (Karnataka)
  • Eravikulam (Kerala)

Source:

PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The term ‘Dicliptera’ was recently in the news. It is related to which among the following?

(a) Flower

(b) Fungus

(c) Insect

(d) Fruit

Answer: a

Explanation:

Dicliptera polymorpha is a distinctive species, notable for its fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and its unusual dual-blooming pattern. It is a genus of flowering plants in the bear's breeches family, Acanthaceae. It includes 223 species native to the tropics and subtropics worldwide. Well-known synonyms include Peristrophe and Dactylostegium.

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