Dicliptera polymorpha
Pune: A team of Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, recently discovered a new species which they named Dicliptera polymorphathey and added it to the genus Dicliptera.
Dicliptera polymorpha is a distinctive species, notable for its fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and its unusual dual-blooming pattern. In addition to its typical post-monsoon flowering, the species exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires commonly set by locals in the region. This species is taxonomically unique, with inflorescence units (cymules) that develop into spicate inflorescences. It is the only known Indian species with this spicate inflorescence structure, with its closest ally being found in Africa.
The species was collected by Dr Mandar Datar and his team members, including Talegaon-Dabhade-based botanist Adittya Dharap and PhD student Bhushan Shigwan, from Talegaon-Dabhade, which is known region for its grasslands and fodder markets. It was named Dicliptera polymorpha by the team to reflect its diverse morphological traits. The new fire resilient dual blooming species experiences a burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires and has an inflorescence structure that is rare in Indian species.
The Western Ghats one of India’s four global biodiversity hotspots, is known to harbour many yet-to-be-discovered species. It has long been a focus of exploration by the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
Over the past few decades, ARI scientists have been intensively studying the region’s rich biodiversity. The ARI team collected the first specimens of Dicliptera polymorph during the 2020 monsoon, and the population was monitored by Adittya Dharap for the next few years to confirm the consistency of its characteristics.
Dicliptera polymorpha thrives on slopes in open grasslands of the northern Western Ghats, an area exposed to extreme climatic conditions such as summer droughts and frequent human-induced fires. Despite these harsh conditions, the species has adapted to survive and bloom twice a year. The first flowering phase occurs from post-monsoon (early November) to March or April, while the second flowering phase in May and June is triggered by fires. During this second phase, the woody rootstocks produce dwarf flowering shoots, leading to a more abundant but shorter flowering period.
The species’ novelty was confirmed by leading global expert Dr I. Darbyshire from Kew Botanic Garden, London. A research paper detailing this species was recently published in the prestigious journal Kew Bulletin.
The discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha holds important conservation implications. The species’ unique adaptation to fire and its limited habitat range in the Western Ghats highlight the need for careful management of grassland ecosystems. Frequent human-induced fires, while part of the species’ life cycle, must be balanced to prevent habitat degradation that could threaten its survival. Protecting the grasslands from overuse and ensuring that fire management practices support biodiversity are crucial steps in conserving this newly discovered species.
This discovery underscores the importance of preserving the Western Ghats’ delicate ecosystems, which harbour many yet-to-be-discovered species with unique adaptations.
– global bihari bureau
