Amidst the rich biodiversity of the Andaman Islands, two new plant species have recently been discovered. The first, named Pyrostria laljii, hails from the coffee family genus while the second, known as Rivina andamanensis, is a variant of pokeweed. These latest findings highlight the unique plant diversity of the group of 572 islands and islets that constitute the Andaman and Nicobar region.
The First Record of Genus Pyrostria
The Botanical Survey of India confirmed the existence of this 15-meter-tall tree species in Indian territory. The tree was named Pyrostria laljii in honour of Lal Ji Singh, the Joint Director of the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre for the Botanical Survey of India. This is the first known record of the genus Pyrostria in India, with other variations of the species predominantly found in Madagascar.
This groundbreaking discovery comes with an unfortunate classification as ‘Critically Endangered’ according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List criteria.
Unique Characteristics of Pyrostria laljii
The Pyrostria laljii tree is distinguishable due to its lengthy stem covered by a whitish coating along its trunk. It features oblong-ovate leaves with a cuneate base and a unique umbellate inflorescence with eight to 12 flowers, setting it apart from other species of the same genus.
In India, the tree was initially spotted in the Wandoor forest of South Andaman. Other potential habitats include the Tirur forest near the Jarawa Reserve Forest and the Chidiya Tapu (Munda Pahar) forest.
The Newly Discovered Rivina andamanensis
Alongside the Pyrostria laljii, another previously unrecorded species of pokeweed, known as Rivina andamanensis, was identified. Typically found under larger trees within shaded, rocky areas amidst herbs and shrubby plants, this pokeweed variant adds another family to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ flora – the pokeweed family Petiveriaceae.
Despite its potent smell and toxic root, the berries of the pokeweed are used to create red dye for various commercial goods, including wine, candy, cloth, and paper.
About The Botanical Survey of India
Established in 1890, the Botanical Survey of India serves a crucial role in identifying and studying the wild plant resources across India. It operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEFCC) with the primary goal to explore plant resources and pinpoint species with economic potential.
Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, the Botanical Survey of India maintains nine regional circles at different parts of the country. Its functions include exploration, documentation of phytodiversity, publication of Floras, identifying threatened species and conserving fragile ecosystems, and developing a national database of Indian plants.