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IISER Pune Discovers New Gentianaceae Plant Species
Researchers from IISER Pune and the Savanna Science Foundation currently discover a new plant species in Indian savannas of Western India. The species is classified as Canscora agni in the family Gentianaceae, with its habitat linked to fire-prone savannas.
Canscora agni (Gentianaceae) Plant Species:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | The scientific name is Canscora agni. |
| Scientific classification | The species belongs to family Gentianaceae and genus Canscora. |
| Native range | It is native to Indian savannas in Western India. |
| Closest relative | The closest relative is Canscora alata. |
| Nomenclature | The plant name “agni” means “fire” in several Indian languages, including Marathi, the local language of the discovery site. |
| Growth | It is a dwarf herb with a maximum height of 10 cm, while C. alata grows up to 60 cm. |
| Leaves | Leaves are fewer and shorter, up to 11 mm long. |
| Stems | Stems have uneven wing-like structures, wider below flowers and narrower towards the stem. |
| Flowers | Flowers have white petals, and the calyx has distinct reticulate (web-like) veins. |
| Unique traits | Unique traits comprise minute glandular hairs on leaves, a shorter ovary, and winged stems. |
| Habitat | It occurs in fire-prone savannas and thrives in open grassy areas maintained by periodic natural fires. |
| Fire adaptation | It thrives specifically in mesic savannas characterized by frequent surface fires occurring every 1 to 5 years. |
| Conservation threat | Fire suppression and large-scale tree planting are harming the open savanna habitat the species needs. |