In News
- Recently, a plant spotted in Palakkad is the second species of the genus Allmania.
- It is an annual herb that grows to a height of about 60 cm.
About Allmania Multiflora
- Background:
- The first species, Allmania nodiflora, was originally published under the genus Celosia as Celosia nodiflora in 1753.
- Specimens found in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) were first described as Allmania nodiflora in 1834.
- Location:
- The plant is spotted on the granite hillocks of Palakkad.
- Scientific name:
- Allmania multiflora.
- Characteristics:
- It is found at heights ranging between 1,000 to 1,250 metres.
- It is an annual herb, erect, with branches arising from the base.
- The stem is red to violet at the base and green above.
- Flowering and fruiting occurs from May to September.
- It has been so named for having a higher number of florets within an inflorescence.
- IUCN Status:
- Critically Endangered in IUCN Red List criteria.
- Threats:
- Its population is quite small.
- It could be accidentally exploited by local people as a vegetable along with amaranths.
- Significance
- The species is quite special from both the botanical and conservation points of view.
- The discovery has come 188 years after the genus and the first species were described by botanists.
Source: TH
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