Second Species of the Genus Allmania

• 25 Oct 2022

Why in News?

Recently, a new species of the genus Allmania named Allmania multiflora has been identified.

What are the Key Highlights about the New Species?

• About:
  • Allmania multiflora grows to a height of about 60 cm and is only the second species of this genus discovered to date.
    • The first species, Allmania nodiflora, was originally published under the genus Celosia as Celosia nodiflora in 1753. Specimens found in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) were first described as Allmania nodiflora in 1834.
    • Shorter tepals and wider gynoecium (parts of the flower), shorter bracts and in the diameter of the seeds are among the characteristics that distinguishes it from Allmania nodiflora. Flowering and fruiting occurs from May to September.
  • The species is quite special from both the botanical and conservation points of view.
  • Allmania multiflora has been so named for having a higher number of florets within an inflorescence.
  • Allmania multiflora is an annual herb, erect, with branches arising from the base.
  • The stem is red to violet at the base and green above.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered.
• Threats:
  • It could be accidentally exploited by local people as a vegetable along with amaranths.
  • Its habitat, granite hillocks, too faced various forms of threats today.

Source: TH