A new species of Dicliptera has been discovered in the Northern Western Ghats of India, known for its unique fire-resilient and dual-blooming traits. The species, named Dicliptera polymorpha, blooms twice a year, with one burst of flowering triggered by the region’s frequent grassland fires. It also features a rare inflorescence structure not seen in other Indian species. The discovery was made by a team of scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, adding to the growing number of species still to be uncovered in the biodiverse Western Ghats.
Discovery Team and Location
The discovery was made by Dr. Mandar Datar, along with botanist Adittya Dharap from Talegaon-Dabhade and Ph.D. student Bhushan Shigwan. The team collected the new species from the grasslands of Talegaon-Dabhade, a region known for its open grasslands and fodder markets. The area also experiences frequent grassland fires, which have played a significant role in the species’ adaptive traits.
Fire-Resilient and Dual-Blooming Habit
Dicliptera polymorpha is distinctive in several ways. One of its most remarkable features is its dual-blooming habit. Like other species in the genus, Dicliptera polymorpha flowers primarily during the post-monsoon period, from early November through March or April. However, it also exhibits a second flowering phase in May and June, triggered by the fires that are often set by locals to manage grasslands. During this second flowering phase, the species produces dwarf flowering shoots from its woody rootstocks, leading to a brief but abundant bloom.
Rare Inflorescence Structure
The species also stands out for its rare inflorescence structure. The inflorescences of Dicliptera polymorpha develop into spicate units (cymules) — a feature not seen in any other known Indian species of Dicliptera. The closest relatives of this species with similar inflorescence structures are found in Africa. This makes Dicliptera polymorpha taxonomically unique within the Indian subcontinent.
Confirmation of the Discovery
The first specimens of Dicliptera polymorpha were collected during the 2020 monsoon season, and Adittya Dharap spent several years monitoring the population to confirm the consistency of the species’ flowering behavior. The discovery was later verified by Dr. I. Darbyshire, a global expert from Kew Botanic Gardens in London. A paper describing the species was recently published in the Kew Bulletin, an esteemed scientific journal.
Adaptation to Harsh Conditions
The species is found in the open grasslands of the Northern Western Ghats, an area subjected to extreme climatic conditions, including summer droughts and frequent human-induced fires. Despite these harsh conditions, Dicliptera polymorpha thrives, demonstrating a unique adaptation to survive and bloom twice a year.
The first flowering phase of Dicliptera polymorpha takes place after the monsoon season, generally from November to March or April, while the second flowering phase is triggered by fires. The species has adapted to these recurring fires by relying on its woody rootstocks, which allow it to regenerate quickly and bloom in response to fire. While the second flowering phase is more abundant, it is shorter in duration compared to the first.
Also read: Social Alpha, NITI Aayog Launch ‘Techtonic’ Programme to Support Agrotech Innovations
Conservation Implications
The discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha raises important questions about the management of grassland ecosystems in the Western Ghats. While the species depends on fire for its life cycle, overuse of fire or poorly managed fire practices could lead to habitat degradation, putting the species at risk. The study highlights the need for careful conservation efforts, including sustainable fire management practices that balance the ecological role of fire with the protection of biodiversity in the region.
Importance of Protecting the Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, one of India’s four global biodiversity hotspots, is known to harbor numerous undiscovered species, many of which have unique adaptations to the region’s diverse and often extreme environments. The discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha underscores the importance of protecting this rich biodiversity by ensuring the careful management of grassland ecosystems, which are home to species that are still being uncovered.
The finding of Dicliptera polymorpha adds to the growing body of knowledge about the Western Ghats’ biodiversity and the role of fire in shaping the region’s ecosystems. The species’ adaptation to fire and its rare inflorescence structure make it an important addition to India’s botanical knowledge. Conservation efforts in the region will need to account for the delicate balance between human activity and the preservation of these unique habitats to ensure the survival of this newly discovered species.