Why in News?
The discovery of these three species in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh highlights the region's immense but fragile biodiversity. These findings were formally published in the international journal Phytotaxa in May 2026.
General Discovery Context
- Location: The Eastern Ghats, specifically within the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- Researchers: A collaborative effort involving the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and local university botanists.
- Conservation Status: All three species have been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered based on IUCN Red List criteria.
- Major Threats: Habitat loss due to forest fires, stone quarrying, and over-collection by local communities for food.
Ceropegia andhrica
- This species belongs to the "Lantern Flower" family and is particularly significant for its traditional uses.
- Morphology: A tuberous herb with a twiners habit (climbing nature).
- Flowers: Features distinctive "lantern-like" tubular flowers designed to temporarily trap pollinators.
- Tuber Usage: The plant produces underground tubers roughly the size of small potatoes, which are edible.
- Local Threat: Local tribal communities often harvest these tubers for consumption, which, combined with its narrow geographic range, puts the species at severe risk of extinction.
- Habitat: Restricted to specific rocky slopes and scrub forests in Andhra Pradesh.
Euphorbia sivarajanii & Euphorbia telanganensis
- The researchers identified two distinct new species belonging to the Euphorbia genus (commonly known as spurges).
- Euphorbia sivarajanii:
- Named in honour of the late renowned botanist Prof. V.V. Sivarajan.
- It is a dwarf, succulent species adapted to arid, rocky terrains.
- Euphorbia telanganensis:
- Named after the region, highlighting its endemic nature to the Deccan plateau and Eastern Ghats fringe.
- Scientific Value: Both species produce a milky sap (latex) which is known in related species to have medicinal properties, though these specific plants require further phytochemical study.
- Ecological Role: These plants play a vital role in preventing soil erosion in rocky, dry habitats where other vegetation fails to thrive.
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