New Fire-Resilient Plant Species Discovered in Western Ghats Shows Unique Dual-Blooming Pattern

Bhubaneswar: Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune have discovered a remarkable new plant species in the Western Ghats that displays a rare dual-blooming pattern triggered by grassland fires. Named Dicliptera polymorpha, this fire-resilient species has a unique inflorescence structure previously unobserved in Indian flora.

The discovery was led by Dr. Mandar Datar from ARI, in collaboration with Talegaon-Dabhade-based botanist Adittya Dharap and Ph.D. student Bhushan Shigwan. Known as one of India’s four biodiversity hotspots, the Western Ghats has long been a focus of scientific exploration by ARI researchers. The region, particularly around Talegaon-Dabhade, is known for its rich grasslands, where Dicliptera polymorpha was first collected during the 2020 monsoon season.

Dicliptera polymorpha is a distinctive pyrophytic (fire-adapted) species that exhibits a rare dual-blooming cycle: a typical post-monsoon flowering phase from November to March, and a second, fire-triggered burst from May to June. This second blooming phase, which follows the grassland fires set by local communities, produces dwarf flowering shoots that result in a vibrant, but shorter, blooming period. Remarkably, the plant’s spicate inflorescence structure has no parallel in Indian species and is instead more commonly found among African flora.

The species’ morphological diversity and resilience to fires inspired its name, Dicliptera polymorpha, meaning “many forms.” Its uniqueness was confirmed by Dr. I. Darbyshire, a global expert from Kew Botanic Gardens in London, and details of the discovery were recently published in the Kew Bulletin, a prestigious botanical journal.

This discovery has important conservation implications. Although the species thrives in fire-prone grasslands, excessive human-induced fires could threaten its limited habitat in the northern Western Ghats. Balancing fire management practices with biodiversity conservation is essential to preserving Dicliptera polymorpha and its delicate ecosystem. Protecting grasslands from overuse and ensuring sustainable fire practices will play a vital role in the survival of this newly identified species and many others yet to be discovered in the Western Ghats.