Forwarded from Fireworks Daily Team (Mezlim)
Like Ripples in Time
A team of botanists has rediscovered Silene vagans, a plant species previously believed lost to science, during a recent botanical exploration in Nagaland. The rare and endemic plant had not been observed in the wild for over 138 years.
The rediscovery was made by a team led by Santanu Dey, a researcher at Kohima Science College. Silene vagans, a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, was first described by British botanist C.B. Clarke in 1888, based on a collection made in Kigwema (now Kohima), Nagaland.
Despite its historical significance, the species remained elusive, with no recorded sightings since Clarke's initial discovery. The team involved researchers from the Botanical Survey of India, Kiphire Forest Division, Nagaland University, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
The recent expedition uncovered Silene vagans in two new locations: Kiphire and Penkim, both in Kiphire district, Nagaland. The plant was found growing on steep rocky cliffs, often alongside other local flora such as Maharanga emodi, Impatiens khasiana, and Swertia angustifolia.
These plants share a unique habitat increasingly threatened by habitat destruction and landslides, which pose significant risks to the survival of Silene vagans.
Silene vagans is a climbing herb with hollow stems, pubescent branches, and distinctive lilac to pale white bifid petals. It flowers between August and November, offering a brief yet striking display in the wild.
Historically, herbarium specimens of Silene vagans were often poorly preserved and lacked complete floral parts, making accurate identification difficult. To resolve this ambiguity, a flowering specimen from Nagaland has been designated as the epitype, ensuring clearer classification and study of this rare plant.
The rediscovery also prompted a thorough IUCN Red List assessment. With only three known locations and an estimated population of around 30 mature individuals, Silene vagans meets the criteria for classification as "Endangered."
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#news #northeastindia #silenevagans #plants #research #science
A team of botanists has rediscovered Silene vagans, a plant species previously believed lost to science, during a recent botanical exploration in Nagaland. The rare and endemic plant had not been observed in the wild for over 138 years.
The rediscovery was made by a team led by Santanu Dey, a researcher at Kohima Science College. Silene vagans, a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, was first described by British botanist C.B. Clarke in 1888, based on a collection made in Kigwema (now Kohima), Nagaland.
Despite its historical significance, the species remained elusive, with no recorded sightings since Clarke's initial discovery. The team involved researchers from the Botanical Survey of India, Kiphire Forest Division, Nagaland University, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
The recent expedition uncovered Silene vagans in two new locations: Kiphire and Penkim, both in Kiphire district, Nagaland. The plant was found growing on steep rocky cliffs, often alongside other local flora such as Maharanga emodi, Impatiens khasiana, and Swertia angustifolia.
These plants share a unique habitat increasingly threatened by habitat destruction and landslides, which pose significant risks to the survival of Silene vagans.
Silene vagans is a climbing herb with hollow stems, pubescent branches, and distinctive lilac to pale white bifid petals. It flowers between August and November, offering a brief yet striking display in the wild.
Historically, herbarium specimens of Silene vagans were often poorly preserved and lacked complete floral parts, making accurate identification difficult. To resolve this ambiguity, a flowering specimen from Nagaland has been designated as the epitype, ensuring clearer classification and study of this rare plant.
The rediscovery also prompted a thorough IUCN Red List assessment. With only three known locations and an estimated population of around 30 mature individuals, Silene vagans meets the criteria for classification as "Endangered."
Follow @east.mojo for more content and news from Northeast India and around the 🌍
#news #northeastindia #silenevagans #plants #research #science
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