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Kerala’s Western Ghats: Five new Impatiens species
Researchers report the discovery of 5 new species of Impatiens in the Western Ghats in Kerala. The species are recorded from misty, rain-soaked peaks across locations in Idukki and Ernakulam districts.
Five new Impatiens species in Kerala’s Western Ghats:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Taxonomy (genus and family) | The new species belong to the genus Impatiens, which comprises flowering plants in the Balsaminaceae family. |
| Discovery location (broad) | The species are discovered within the misty, rain-soaked peaks of the Western Ghats in Kerala. |
| New species (list) | The 5 species comprise Impatiens berchmansiensis, Impatiens ninanii, Impatiens filcyii, Impatiens xanthopetala, and Impatiens flavispicata. |
| Impatiens berchmansiensis | It is a delicate balsam with bright yellow flowers, and it is found beside the cold highland streams of Vagamon in Idukki District. |
| Impatiens ninanii | It is a resilient herb with violet petals and deep purple-speckled stems, and it is found in Mankulam Viripara in Idukki District. |
| Impatiens filcyii | It bears a pinkish-purple flower with yellow and purple at its heart, and it is found in the open grasslands of Mamalakkandam in Ernakulam District. |
| Impatiens xanthopetala | The name literally means “yellow-petalled,” and it is found clinging to sheer, rocky cliffs in Pambanar in Idukki District. |
| Impatiens flavispicata | It bears pure white flowers with a hidden yellow spur, and it is found in dense pockets of Mamalakkandam in Ernakulam District. |