New Species of Genus Allmania Spotted

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