New Plant Species Discovered in Maharashtra's Ambagad Forest

Discovery and Naming of Cleistanthus Deekshabhoomiana

• Three botany teachers discovered a new plant species during a taxonomic field exploration in the Ambagad forest, Bhandara district, Maharashtra.
• The species belongs to the Cleistanthus genus, making it the 135th species worldwide and the 9th in India.
• Named Cleistanthus Deekshabhoomiana after Deekshabhoomi, a significant heritage site in Nagpur.
• The discovery was published in the 'Indian Forester', a peer-reviewed scientific journal established in 1875.
• The research team includes Jagannath Gadpayale, Subhash Somkuwar, and Alka Chaturvedi, all experienced botany professionals from the region.

Botanical Characteristics and Significance

• Cleistanthus Deekshabhoomiana is locally known as 'Garadi'.
• Distinct features include red fruits and branches, unlike the native Garadi species with green, plum-sized fruits.
• Flowering period is from February to July, with fruits developing from March to July.
• Grows in the hilly regions of dry deciduous forests in Ambagad village.
• It's the 6th endemic Cleistanthus species in India, meaning it's unique to this specific region.
• Acts as a natural biopesticide, with fruits that birds and animals do not consume.
• May be present in other areas like Kanhargaon in Chandrapur and Melghat, but further study is needed.

Research Methodology and Conservation Efforts

• Discovery made during a floristic study of Bhandara district.
• Researchers used both field observations and laboratory measurements to identify and classify the new species.
• Morphological characteristics were studied through microscopic examination of living specimens.
• Herbarium specimens are preserved at the botany department of SN Mor College of Arts & Commerce and GD Saraf Science College, Tumsar.
• A seed bank has been developed to aid in the conservation of the species.
• Ongoing efforts to study the distribution of Cleistanthus Deekshabhoomiana in the region.
• Researchers are working on conservation strategies for this newly discovered species.