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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.
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. |
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 |
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Major Rivers Originating |
Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, and Periyar. |
Major Passes |
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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 |
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UNESCO Status |
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. |
Wildlife |
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Key National Parks |
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Source:
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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