News Excerpt:
Recently,Scientists of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of epiphytic plant -
- Lysionotus namchoomii from Pakke-Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
About Lysionotus Namchoomii:
- The native range of the genus Lysionotus is the Himalayas to Japan and Indo-China.
- 50% of the species found are endemic.
- Species of the genus are mostly epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial evergreen erect or climbing subshrubs.
- The new species bears thick leaves and attractive purple flowers.
- The species is named in honour of the late Chau Phunkyoo namchoon, a well-known social reformer from Arunachal Pradesh’s Khapti community.
- IUCN Status- Critically Endangered.
- It is an Epiphytic plant, which are mostly found in tropical and subtropical forests.
- Another plant species, the Strobilanthes sunhangii (Acanthaceae) also recorded from the Pakke Kesang district, was recently added to the list of flora of India from Arunachal Pradesh.
- The plant grows in moist evergreen forest at an elevation of 1,200-1,800 metres.
- It is a terrestrial shrub that grows to a height of about two metres and bears beautiful white flowers.
PYQ
Q. Which of the following is / are unique characteristic / characteristics of equatorial forests?
- Presence of tall closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
- Coexistence of a large number of species
- Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
