Found during a floristic survey in the Agasthyamala biosphere reserve in Thiruvananthapuram district. Initially identified as Impatiens uncinata, a species of the genus Impatiens.
Detailed Study:
- Closer examination prompted a detailed scientific study.
- Identified as a new species of Impatiens (family Balsaminaceae).
- Named Impatiens neo-uncinata.
Researchers Involved:
- S. Arya, assistant professor, PG and Research Department of Botany, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore.
- V.S. Anil Kumar, Principal, Government College, Kasaragod.
Characteristics of Impatiens neo-uncinata
- Appearance:
- Small plant with milky-white flowers and red stripes.
- Snowy white flowers with comparatively large size.
- Habitat:
- Found near streams and wetlands.
- Grows in open areas of evergreen forests, particularly wetlands.
- Size and Growth:
- Up to 20 cm in height.
- Simple or branched stems.
- Flowering and Fruiting:
- Occurs from August to December.
Botanical Importance and Conservation Status
- Significance:
- Reported only from a single locality at an elevation ranging from 1,000 to 1,250 m.
- Distinguished from all other known species of Impatiens.
- Conservation Status:
- Recommended to be categorized as ‘Endangered’ using IUCN criteria.
- Reasons for Endangerment:
- Remote location and low population.
Comparison with Impatiens uncinata
- Differences:
- Size of flowers.
- Basal and distal lobes.
- Dorsal petal and pollen.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where was Impatiens neo-uncinata discovered?
- a) Western Ghats
- b) Himalayas
- c) Amazon Rainforest
- d) Sahara Desert
- Answer: a) Western Ghats
- What is the distinguishing characteristic of Impatiens neo-uncinata?
- a) Blue flowers
- b) Milky-white flowers with red stripes
- c) Large yellow flowers
- d) Pink flowers with purple stripes
- Answer: b) Milky-white flowers with red stripes
- What recommendation did the researchers make regarding the conservation status of Impatiens neo-uncinata?
- a) Least Concern
- b) Vulnerable
- c) Near Threatened
- d) Endangered
- Answer: d) Endangered
- What is the main difference between Impatiens neo-uncinata and Impatiens uncinata?
- a) Leaf shape
- b) Flower color
- c) Size of flowers
- d) Stem color
- Answer: c) Size of flowers
- In which months does flowering and fruiting of Impatiens neo-uncinata occur?
- a) January to May
- b) March to July
- c) August to December
- d) June to October
- Answer: c) August to December