The team of scientists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has uncovered a brand-new species of gin berry, known as Glycosmis Albicarpa. This discovery took place at the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
Introduction to Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
Established in 1890, the Botanical Survey of India is the premier research organization dedicated to conducting taxonomic and floristic studies on the wild plant resources of India. Operating under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEFCC), this body aims to explore the nation’s plant resources and identify species with economic benefits.
About Glycosmis Albicarpa
Glycosmis Albicarpa is a uniquely endemic species to the southern Western Ghats. It belongs to the Orange family, Rutaceae. Many plants from these taxonomic groups are appreciated for their medicinal values and edibility. Most frequently, these species are harvested from the wild for local incorporation into food and medicine.
Berries of Glycosmis species are known for their unique ‘gin aroma’ and have become increasingly popular as an edible fruit. This new species also serves as a larval host plant for butterflies, similar to other species of Glycosmis.
Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary: An Overview
Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected haven sprawling over 402.4 km2 in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. Originally virgin forests of the Kanyakumari District were transferred from Kerala to Tamil Nadu on November 1, 1956, following a state reorganisation, thereby establishing the Kanyakumari Forest Division on April 1, 1977.
Along with the adjacent Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala State, the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary forms the southernmost point of the Western Ghats, serving as tiger habitat. This region is birthplace to seven rivers and houses diverse biomes ranging from southern thorn forests, dry deciduous, moist deciduous, semi-evergreen forests to evergreen hill sholas with grassy downs.
Uniqueness of South Indian Sholas
The Shola forests of South India get their name from the Tamil word ‘solai’, meaning ‘tropical rainforest’. They are found at the upper reaches of locations such as the Nilgiris, Anamalais, Palni hills, Kalakadu, Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
These regions are abundant in wildlife, providing a home to a wide range of animals including the Indian bison, elephants, rock pythons, and lion-tailed macaques. Similarly, the avifauna, reptilian and amphibian species found in these areas are equally rich and diverse.
The geographical tip where this sanctuary is situated is unique as it is surrounded by three vast oceans – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.
Protected Areas in Tamil Nadu
In previous years, scientists have discovered new and distinct plant species in the region. For instance, a new kind of banana plant was uncovered that has an exceptional height of about 11 metres and features orange fruit pulp. The said species was found in the Andaman Islands.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024