Pyrostria laljii is the first record of genus pyrostria in India. It is a 15 meter long tree that belongs to coffee family which was recently discovered by a team of researchers from india and Philippines.
Plants that belong to the genus pyrostria are generally found in Madagascar. The discovered plant is new to science. The tree was first reported from wandoor forest in South Andaman. Other places in Andaman and Nicobar where it can be found are Tirur forest near Jarawa reserve forest and Chidia Tapu(Munda pahar) forest.
The name Pyrostria laljii was given after Lal ji Singh, joint Director of Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India. The species Pyrostria laljii is listed under critically endangered based on (IUCN) International Union for conservation for Nature’s Red List criteria.
Features that distinguish the tree species:
- Long stem with the whitish coating on the Trunk
- Oblong-obovate leaves with the cuneate base
- Umbellate inflorescence with about eight to 12 flowers.
Other new Species that was Discovered :
New species of Pokeweed – Rivina andamanensis it was found growing under large trees , shaded and rocky areas along with herbs and shrubs. It is the 1st record of pokeweed petiveriaceae in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. – discovered by Dr.Sing and Mr.Naik
Pyrostria genus is not usually found in India, The genera from the Rubiaceae are common in the country. More studies should be carried out to ascertain whether Pyrostria laljii could have some economic value, said Dr.Singh
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