New plant species Tetrataenium paikadae discovered in Eravikulam National Park, Kerala

Researchers have discovered a new plant species, Tetrataenium paikadae, in the high-altitude grasslands of Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. The species has been identified as endemic to the Western Ghats region.

Tetrataenium paikadae

Dimension	Key Details
Family	Belongs to Apiaceae family also known as carrot and coriander family
Genus	Tetrataenium
Nomenclature	Named in honour of Rev Fr Joseph Paikada former Principal and Manager of Devagiri College
Habitat	Moist marshy high altitude grasslands
Distribution	Endemic to Eravikulam National Park in Idukki district Kerala
Elevation Range	Occurs between 1000 and 2500 metres above sea level
Physical Characteristics	Height 30 to 80 cm; stem covered with thick rough hairs; leaves oval or egg shaped; clusters of small white flowers
Flowering and Fruiting	Flowering July to September; fruiting October to November
Distinctive Feature	Distinguished by number and structural arrangement of oil tubes in fruits
Threats	Habitat degradation climate change impacts on montane ecosystems tourism and invasive species