Old Goa: For a long time now, environmental lovers have called for the preservation of highlands in Goa because their relatively harmless biodiversity.
Now, there is evidence of a wealth of biodiversity in Plateaus, because researchers have found species of new flowering plants in the state.
Eriocaulon Guaense, a new species of the Eriocaulaceae family, has been found in the Platea laterite Goa by Rutuja Kolte (Prabhukhanolkar), Indu Yadav and M K Janarthanam from the Botanic Department of the University of Goa.
Phytotaxa, Scientific Journal peer-reviewed, detail that Eriocaulon Goaense plants are found in the Laterito Goa plateau and different from previous known plants in the family.
This is different in its floral bracts (modified leaves related to flowers), Sepal and female flower petals.
Eriocaulon Guaense so far found in a superficial seasonal pond from the lowland lateite plains in the state.
Until now, researchers have found their distribution on the Cave University campus, in Plateau Socorro, on the IIT campus in Farmagudi and in Loliem.
“Eriocaulon Goaense is a species specific habitat, which can only be found during the rainy season.
However, more research needs to be done to understand its ecological significance, its use, its role in the environment, etc.
At present, the only threat to this species is the destruction of habitat caused by development, “said Kolte.
He said that the Laterit plain from the country is a source of rich endemic biodiversity, but still most of it has not been explored.
“People often have a misunderstanding that the Laterit Platition of barren land, but, in fact, many new species are found in the highlands.
In habitat where many species have been recorded have a narrow distribution range, it is important to preserve it,” he said.
This species, he said, was collected by Indu Yadav, a student at the Botanic Department at GU in 2010.
He has recorded his uniqueness but he cannot do further research.
“I can then find it in 2017-18, and it took us 3-4 years to complete detailed work and publish it,” said Kolte, who is currently a lecturer at the PG Botani Department at Govindram Sexia Science College in Batawayavi.
He began working on his PhD in 2015, under the guidance of Janarthanam at the University of Goa.
Kolte previously found two new species of group flowering groups – Canscora Shrirangiana (Gentianaceae Family) and Cuscuta Janarthanamii (Convolvulaceae family).
These two species are endemic and found in the laterite plateau of Goa.