Phtheirospermum lushaiorum : Hemi-Parasitic Terrestrial Plant
A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant named Phtheirospermum lushaiorum has been found in Phawngpui National Park in Mizoram.
- Phtheirospermum lushaiorum is a new species of hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant.
- These hemi-parasitic plants lack a fully developed root system and form connections with another plant, from which they obtain some or all of their water and minerals.
- Such plants have chlorophyll and produce their own food by photosynthesis, and in some cases, are capable of limited growth in the absence of the host plant.
- They tap into the sap-conducting tissue of the host by means of specialized structures called haustoria.
- The new species has been found in Phawngpui National Park of Mizoram.
- Phtheirospermum lushaiorum attaches themselves to the roots of their host and appear like normal plants growing in the soil.
- They flower only during July to September and fruits are produced during August to October.
- The specific epithet “lushaiorum” is named after the “Lushai” tribe of Mizoram.
