Ceropegia tamilnaduensis: Discovery of a New Plant Species in the Western Ghats, Ecological Significance and Conservation Status (2026)
17 October 2026
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Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
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Ceropegia tamilnaduensis: Discovery of a New Plant Species in the Western Ghats, Ecological Significance and Conservation Status (2026)
Context: In October 2026, botanists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) reported the discovery of Ceropegia tamilnaduensis, a new perennial herbaceous plant species in Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu. The discovery was published in the scientific journal Kew Bulletin.
Salient Points
1. Location and Habitat: The species was discovered at approximately 380 metres elevation, on a stream-side hill slope surrounded by evergreen forests in the Western Ghats.
2. Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the genus Ceropegia, family Apocynaceae, and subfamily Asclepiadoideae. It is named after Tamil Nadu, where it was discovered.
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Ceropegia tamilnaduensis, a new plant species found in Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, is Data Deficient under IUCN. Know its features and conservation.
Keywords
Ceropegia tamilnaduensisWestern Ghatsnew plant speciesNellai Wildlife SanctuaryBotanical Survey of IndiaData DeficientIUCN statusBiological Diversity Actbiodiversity hotspotApocynaceae