Context:
A new plant species has been discovered in Theni district of Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats by a research student from Wanaparthy.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Andrographis theniensis: Newly Discovered Plant in Theni
Botanical Discovery:
- Origin: Named after its location, Andrographis theniensis is a newly discovered plant found in Theni.
- Resemblance: The plant shares similarities with Andrographis megamalayana, featuring glabrous leaves and stems, a distinctive nine-veined lower lip, sparse hair on the middle lobe of the lower lip, and yellow anther.
Genus Overview:
- Tropical Origin: Andrographis is a genus native to tropical Asia, with distribution in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the West Himalaya.
- Concentration: While the genus is widespread, the majority of Andrographis taxa are concentrated in southern India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the Western and Eastern Ghats.
- Species Count: India hosts nearly 25 Andrographis species, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.
Traditional Uses:
- Medicinal Significance: Andrographis species have been traditionally utilized for their medicinal properties, offering remedies for various ailments such as cold, cough, fever, jaundice, diarrhoea, and cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. These applications are observed in both codified and non-codified medicinal systems.
-Source: The Times of India
