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New plant species found in Western Ghats

New plant species found in Western Ghats

The Hindu2 days ago
A new plant species belonging to the genus Pinda in the family Apiaceae has been discovered in the Western Ghats.
A release said that it was identified as part of the research work of C. Rekha, a research scholar in the Department of Botany, St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, Kozhikode. The study was carried out under the guidance of K.M. Manudev, with contributions from co-researchers M.K. Prashanth of St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, and Ajay Nath Gangurde of the Institute of Science, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, Mumbai. This attractive plant, with white flowers emerging from a tuberous rootstock at the onset of the monsoon, was discovered at Torna Fort in Pune district, Maharashtra.
The details have been published in the July issue of the international journal Nordic Journal of Botany. The species grows up to about one metre tall and starts flowering from June. It belongs to the carrot-cumin family (Apiaceae). The species has been named Pinda mukherjeeana in honour of Prasanta Kumar Mukherjee, an eminent botanist.
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New plant species found in Western Ghats
New plant species found in Western Ghats

The Hindu

time2 days ago

  • The Hindu

New plant species found in Western Ghats

A new plant species belonging to the genus Pinda in the family Apiaceae has been discovered in the Western Ghats. A release said that it was identified as part of the research work of C. Rekha, a research scholar in the Department of Botany, St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, Kozhikode. The study was carried out under the guidance of K.M. Manudev, with contributions from co-researchers M.K. Prashanth of St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, and Ajay Nath Gangurde of the Institute of Science, Dr. Homi Bhabha State University, Mumbai. This attractive plant, with white flowers emerging from a tuberous rootstock at the onset of the monsoon, was discovered at Torna Fort in Pune district, Maharashtra. The details have been published in the July issue of the international journal Nordic Journal of Botany. The species grows up to about one metre tall and starts flowering from June. It belongs to the carrot-cumin family (Apiaceae). The species has been named Pinda mukherjeeana in honour of Prasanta Kumar Mukherjee, an eminent botanist.

Botany dept at BHU launches glasshouse, garden for learning; digitisation to aid global scholars
Botany dept at BHU launches glasshouse, garden for learning; digitisation to aid global scholars

Time of India

time25-06-2025

  • Time of India

Botany dept at BHU launches glasshouse, garden for learning; digitisation to aid global scholars

VARANASI: In alignment with a vision to promote sustainability, experiential learning, and community engagement, a newly developed Backyard Garden and Glass House Facility was inaugurated recently at the department of Botany by Prof. S. K. Upadhyay, Dean of the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University. According to the BHU spokesperson, this dynamic space serves both as a research hub and a living classroom, enriching botanical education and conservation efforts. A dedicated Cryptogamic Gallery is also being developed within the glasshouse to showcase and facilitate the study of non-flowering plant groups such as algae, fungi, bryophytes, and pteridophytes. These initiatives underscore the department's ongoing commitment to advancing plant science, preserving botanical heritage, and fostering academic excellence for generations to come. You Can Also Check: Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi Among the department's most valued assets is the Herbarium of National Importance (Index Herbariorum Code: BAN), which was recently renovated. It houses thousands of preserved plant specimens, including rare and historical collections accumulated over more than a century. The herbarium is frequently visited and appreciated by school groups, researchers, and national and international scholars, serving as a vital resource for interdisciplinary research. Currently, it is undergoing digitisation to establish a globally accessible digital infrastructure—further enhancing India's role in international botanical research and conservation. The department of Botany of BHU stands as a beacon of academic excellence and scientific innovation, with a legacy spanning over a century. Postgraduate teaching in Botany began in 1919 under the visionary leadership of Prof. Birbal Sahni, FRS, laying the foundation for one of India's most distinguished centres of botanical education and research. Over the decades, the department was led by eminent scholars such as Prof. Y. Bharadwaj, Prof. R. Misra, and Prof. R. N. Singh, who were instrumental in establishing internationally renowned schools of Algology and Ecology. A notable milestone in the department's early history was the conferral of a DSc degree in Botany to Dr. B. N. Singh in 1927—highlighting its longstanding commitment to research excellence.

Dhansiri River: A Silent Cry for Help Amid Pollution and Neglect
Dhansiri River: A Silent Cry for Help Amid Pollution and Neglect

Time of India

time11-06-2025

  • Time of India

Dhansiri River: A Silent Cry for Help Amid Pollution and Neglect

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