Strobilanthes gigantra
24.02.2025
Strobilanthes gigantra
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For Prelims: About S. gigantra |
Why in the news?
A new species, Strobilanthes gigantra, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
About S. gigantra:
- It is a new species of flowering plant discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
- This species stands out due to its exceptionally large size—sometimes growing into a tree—along with unique floral characteristics such as densely imbricate bracts, uninterrupted inflorescence, a slightly curved corolla tube, and wings on the staminal curtain.
- The genus Strobilanthes is the second largest within the Acanthaceae family (a family of dicotyledonous flowering plants), comprising around 450 species globally, with 167 species found in India, primarily in the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
- The Eastern Himalayas, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, serve as a biodiversity hotspot for this genus, housing 41 known species.
Source: India Today
Which among the following best describes “Strobilanthes gigantra”, recently seen in the news?
A. A new species of butterfly found in the Western Ghats.
B.A giant tree species discovered in the Amazon rainforest.
C.A species of fungi that is crucial to forest ecosystems.
D.None of the above.
Answer D