Anaphalis Sahyadrica Discovered in Western Ghats : UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Where exactly was Anaphalis sahyadrica discovered?

It was found in the grassy slopes and shola forest margins of Anamudi and Meesapulimala in the southern Western Ghats, Kerala.

Q: What are the unique physical features of this plant?

The plant grows above 2,200 meters, stands about one meter tall, has smooth leaves with three clear veins, and produces 90 to 120 small white flower heads.

Description

Why In News?

Botanists discovered a new plant species named Anaphalis sahyadrica in Western Ghats.

About Anaphalis sahyadrica

Anaphalis sahyadrica is a newly discovered plant species, from the Southern Western Ghats in Keralam, belonging to the Asteraceae (sunflower) family.

It falls under the Gnaphalieae tribe and the Anaphalis genus, commonly referred to as Pearly Everlasting.

Characteristics

Growth Habit: It grows as a subshrub reaching approximately one meter in height.
Leaf Structure: The leaves are smooth, hairless, and feature three distinct veins.
Inflorescence: The plant produces 90 to 120 white flower heads (capitula) per inflorescence.
Altitude: The species grow exclusively at high elevations above 2,200 meters.
Comparative Affinities: While it shares traits with Anaphalis marcescens (such as habit and leaf shape), it differs in its habitat preference, leaf base shape, phyllary indument, and cypsela (fruit) indument.

Habitat and Ecology

Niche Ecosystems: The plant inhabits montane grasslands and the margins of shola forests.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Its presence reinforces the status of the Western Ghats as a center for endemism.
Ecological Role: High-altitude grasslands play a vital role in maintaining water cycles and supporting endemic flora and fauna.

Source: THEHINDU

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Anaphalis sahyadrica, recently seen in the news:

It is a newly discovered plant species belonging to the sunflower family.
It is endemic to the high-altitude montane grasslands of the Eastern Himalayas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Anaphalis sahyadrica is a newly discovered plant species belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Statement 2 is incorrect: It is endemic to the high-altitude montane grasslands and shola forest margins of the Western Ghats in Kerala (such as Anamudi and Meesapulimala), not the Eastern Himalayas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is a newly discovered plant species belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae), categorized as a subshrub that grows in high-altitude regions.

It was found in the grassy slopes and shola forest margins of Anamudi and Meesapulimala in the southern Western Ghats, Kerala.

The plant grows above 2,200 meters, stands about one meter tall, has smooth leaves with three clear veins, and produces 90 to 120 small white flower heads.