Crinum andhricum : New Species Of Flowering Plant
Botanists recently discovered a new species of flowering plant ‘Crinum andhricum’ in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
- Crinum andhricum is a new species of flowering plant.
- It was recorded from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
- The species was named after Andhra Pradesh in recognition of the State where it was first found.
- It is part of the Amaryllidaceae family.
- It is the latest addition to India’s Crinum species, bringing the total to 16, with several being endemic to India.
- It has distinct features, including wider, oblanceolate perianth lobes (the outer part of the flower) and a greater number of flowers per cluster, producing between 12 and 38 flowers in each.
- The plant’s pedicelled flowers (with a stalk-like structure) make it unique among species in the region.
- The flowers of Crinum andhricum are waxy white, blooming between April and June.
- Standing on a tall stem that reaches up to 100 cm, the plant is well-suited to dry, rocky crevices in the Eastern Ghats.
- The leaves are large, elliptic, and have smooth, entire margins.
- Based on its current limited distribution and environmental threats, the researchers have given Crinum andhricum a preliminary status of ‘Data Deficient’ under the IUCN guidelines.
