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Discovery of New Species of Stellaria in West Bengal Named Stellaria bengalensis.

Environment | Dated: 03 Jan 2025

In December 2024, researchers identified a new species of the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae) in Kalimpong, West Bengal, named Stellaria bengalensis. This marks the second Stellaria species discovered in 2024. The finding was published in the journal Phytotaxa.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The first discovery in May 2024 was Stellaria mcclintockiae, found in Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad, Kerala.
  • - The discovery was made by Arya S, Post-Graduate & Research Department of Botany, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and Harsh Singh from the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Stellaria bengalensis is an annual herb that grows to a height of 8 to 10.5 centimeters. It is distinguished by its white flowers, the absence of bracts, shorter petals that are enclosed within the sepal, and sharp, pointed seeds. The plant blooms between May and September.
  • (ii) India hosts approximately 22 species of Stellaria, primarily located in the Himalayan region. The population of Stellaria bengalensis has been classified as 'data deficient' according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

What is the name of the newly discovered species of Stellaria in West Bengal?

Correct Answer: Stellaria bengalensis

🚀 Quick Recap: