Fire-Resilient Plant Species Discovered in Western Ghats
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
- ▶
BEFORE: Indian species within the genus Dicliptera were not known to possess a spicate inflorescence structure. NOW: Dicliptera polymorpha is the first documented Indian plant with this rare floral structure, with its closest botanical relatives found in Africa.
- ▶
BEFORE: Plant blooming in this ecosystem was primarily associated with standard seasonal shifts like the post-monsoon period. NOW: This species demonstrates a pyrophytic (fire-adapted) habit, producing dwarf shoots from woody rootstocks to trigger a secondary blooming phase in May and June specifically in response to summer droughts and local grassland fires.
- ▶
BEFORE: Anthropogenic grassland fires in the region were often viewed uniformly as destructive to local biodiversity. NOW: The life cycle of Dicliptera polymorpha proves that periodic, managed fires play an essential ecological role for certain endemic species, requiring nuanced and balanced conservation policies.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the newly discovered plant species 'Dicliptera polymorpha', consider the following statements: 1. It is a fire-resilient species endemic to the Eastern Ghats. 2. It exhibits a dual-blooming pattern, with its second bloom triggered by grassland fires. 3. It is the only known Indian plant in its genus to feature a spicate inflorescence structure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?