Context: Scientists have identified three new plant species named Euphorbia ananthapuramensis, Euphorbia chalamensis, and Ceropegia andhrica, in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
Euphorbia Ananthapuramensis:
- It is a new shrubby plant species.
- It was discovered in Nigidi Forest in the Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
- It grows among granite rocks in scrub forests at elevations of 450 to 550 metres.
- About 80 individual plants were recorded within an area of around 2.5 sq km.
- It has medicinal properties and is used by local tribal communities to treat wounds, skin diseases, and digestive disorders.
- The species faces threats from granite mining and forest fires.
- IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered.
Euphorbia Chalamensis:
- It is a small annual herb.
- It was discovered in Chalama Forest in Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh.
- It was found in dry deciduous forests at elevations of 300 to 500 metres.
- Its population is limited to just over 100 individuals across about 2 sq km.
- It has medicinal properties and is used by local tribal communities to treat wounds, skin diseases, and digestive disorders.
- Forest fires and human activity have been listed among the major threats.
- IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered.
Ceropegia Andhrica:
- It is a dwarf tuberous herb.
- It was discovered in Paderu forest division in Alluri Sitharamaraju district, Andhra Pradesh.
- It was found in open forest edges at elevations above 1,000 metres.
- About 200 individuals were recorded in less than one sq km.
- The plant is leafless during flowering, which occurs after the first rains between May and June, and produces leaves later.
- It produces edible tubers roughly the size of small potatoes.
- Grazing, forest fires, and habitat loss threaten the species.
- IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered.