OPHIORRHIZA ECHINATA

NEWS: A new species of coffee plant discovered in Western Ghats (Kerala, Idukki District, Devikulam region)

ABOUT

• Shows the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot
• Found in shola forests (special montane forest ecosystem of Western Ghats).
• Grows in the ecotone region → transitional zone between evergreen forests and grasslands.
• Altitude: ~1630 m above sea level.
• Restricted to a very small area (only <4 sq. km).

Botanical Significance

• Belongs to family Rubiaceae (coffee family).
• Closely related to Ophiorrhiza mungos, which is used in cancer treatment and antidotes.
• This hints that Ophiorrhiza echinata may also have medicinal potential.

Conservation Concerns

• Extremely narrow distribution (only in type locality).
• Population size: ~35 plants only.
• Very vulnerable → may fall under IUCN “Critically Endangered” if assessed.
• Threats: habitat disturbance, climate change, human activity in Western Ghats