Davangere University Botanists Discovered New Plant Species In Karnataka
DAVANGERE UNIVERSITY DISCOVERY:
Have you ever wondered how many plant species are still waiting to be discovered in India’s forests?
Even today many parts of the country’s rich ecosystems have remained unexplored, which is holding countless hidden treasures of nature. In one such remarkable discovery, botanists from Davangere University have identified three new plant species in Karnataka’s western ghats. These Western ghats were the most diverse biodiversity hotspots in the world. This breakthrough adds new names to India’s growing list of unique flora and emphasizes the ecological importance of the region.
BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY IN INDIA’S BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
In the Western Ghats of Karnataka- one of the biologically rich and economically important regions in the world. Botanists from Davangere University discovered three new plant species which is a remarkable scientific breakthrough. This research finding helps to strengthen western ghats global reputation and adds to India’s growing list of endemic plants.
WESTERN GHATS: GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY TREASURE
Western Ghats were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity. Experts estimate that there were around 30 lakh plant species globally, apart from this only 2.5 lakh were formally identified- leaving millions still unknown.
WHAT THE RESEARCHERS DISCOVERED
Botanists from Davangere University identified new species that belong to the Melastomataceae family. The three new plant species are:
- Sonerila bababudangiriensis:
This plant species was found in Baba Budangiri Hills of Chikkamagaluru.
This plant thrives in moist, shaded habitats and is characterized by its single inflorescence per plant. - Sonerila gigantea:
This plant species was found near Mallali Falls in Kodagu.
The plant has the world’s most acualescent (stemless) Sonerila. Acaulescent describes- plants that lack a visible above ground stem, with leaves and flowers emerging directly from base. - Sonerila charmadiensis:
This plant species was discovered in Charmadi Ghat region of Chikkamagaluru.
This plant has white blotches with a unique rhizome structure.
SONERILA KONKANENSIS: A NEW BOTANICAL RECORD FOR KARNATAKA
In addition to the three newly identified species, the botanists also recorded Sonerila konkanensis for the first time in Karnataka. This rare plant species was previously found only in south Goa region, but it has now been identified at Kavaledurga in Shivamogga district.
THE SCIENTIST BEHIND THE DISCOVERY
This pioneering research was led by Dr. Siddappa B. Kakkalameli, Assistant Professor, and Prashant Karasakatti, Research Scholar- from the department of botany at davangere university. Their research findings were published in Asian Journal of Research in Botany, Journal of Threatened Taxa and Phytotaxa, these are internationally recognized journals.
Further these discoveries were validated by global scientific databases, including World Flora Online (WFO) and International Plant Nomenclature Index (IPNI). Finally, all collected specimens were preserved at the Davangere University Herbarium and also shared with GKVK Bengaluru for future research studies and collaborations.
The discovery of these three new Sonerila species is a proud moment for Davangere University and also for India’s scientific community. This research also reminds us that nature still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered. As the Western Ghats continue to inspire researchers, this milestone serves as a testament to the power of exploration, perseverance, and conservation.
