New Species of Impatiens Discovered in the Western Ghats

A group of scientists at Madura College, Madurai have discovered a new plant species in the Kudremukh range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. The plant was named Impatiens selvasinghii in honor of the efforts by Professor P. Selva Singh Richard in the reproductive biology of endangered and endemic plants in the area. This not only shows the spectacular richness of the Western Ghats but also indicates some serious conservation concerns raised by the increasing levels of tourism.

Discovery and Naming

This plant was harvested at the Kudremukh peak which is 1,630 metres above the sea level. Researchers carried out a proper scrutiny; concluding that it was never documented before. As a tribute to the 20 years of rigorous botanical research and tutelage of Professor Selva Singh Richard, the species was formally named Impatiens selvasinghii. The finding has been reported in the Taiwanese international journal Taiwania.

Brown Sugar Rose: A Flower with a Name.

The plant has been identified as unique in that the balsam produces the smallest flowers in the Western Ghats. It has deep lobed wing petals and this distinguishes it among other related species. Funny enough, the small flowers act as an essential source of small insects which indicates specialised ecological relationship in its habitat.

Ecological Value and Threats.

There are over 280 species of Impatiens in India and most of them are found in the Eastern Himalayas and western Ghats. Among them 210 are also native to India; and of the 130 within the Western Ghats. Worryingly, approximately 80 percent of them are endangered. The location of the Impatiens selvasinghii is on a trekking trail that is very popular and therefore it is feared that due to high tourist pedestrian traffic, its natural ecosystem might be compromised.

Future Research Directions

The lead researcher, P. Bharath Simha Yadav has also proposed to examine the ecological position of this species in more detail. This involves examining its interaction with other plants and insects and this will be critical in coming up with effective conservation plans.

The Bigger Picture

The Western Ghats is currently a biodiversity hotspot that is recognised all over the world, and has an extraordinary amount of endemism. When Impatiens selvasinghii was discovered, it confirmed the ecological significance of the region and brought to fore the necessity of the sustainable use of the area and conservation of the ecosystem to ensure the protection of the unique flora.