Scientists have identified three new plant species in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh following field surveys conducted over the past five years. Each species was found in small, restricted habitats and classified as critically endangered under IUCN Red List criteria.
Details of the Discoveries
The newly identified species are Euphorbia ananthapuramensis, Euphorbia chalamensis, and Ceropegia andhrica. Euphorbia ananthapuramensis was discovered in Nigidi forest in Sri Sathya Sai district, while Euphorbia chalamensis was found in Chalama Forest within Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Nandyal district. Ceropegia andhrica was located in Paderu forest division in Alluri Sitharamaraju district. Two of the species belong to the Euphorbiaceae family, while Ceropegia andhrica belongs to the Apocynaceae family.
Survey Confirms New Species
According to scientist Kothareddy Prasad of Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, the species were confirmed through detailed study of their stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Fresh and preserved samples were examined under microscopes and compared with herbarium records and global plant databases.
Euphorbia ananthapuramensis is a shrubby species named after Sri Sathya Sai district. It grows among granite rocks in scrub forests at elevations of 450 to 550 metres. Approximately 80 individual plants were recorded within an area of around 2.5 square kilometres. The species faces threats from granite mining and forest fires.
Euphorbia chalamensis is a small annual herb named after Chalama. 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 square kilometres. Forest fires and human activity have been listed among the major threats.
Rare Flowering and Small Habitats
Ceropegia andhrica is a dwarf tuberous herb named after Andhra Pradesh. It was found in open forest edges at elevations above 1,000 metres. About 200 individuals were recorded in less than one square kilometre. The plant is leafless during flowering, which occurs after the first rains between May and June, and produces leaves later. Grazing, forest fires, and habitat loss threaten the species.
K Prasad noted that identifying new species in the wild is difficult as they occur in remote habitats and have limited flowering and fruiting periods. Their small flowers and fruits also make accurate identification challenging.
Researchers Call for Conservation
The research was led by K Prasad in collaboration with Prof B Ravi Prasad Rao of SKU, Ananthapuramu, and Prof A Madhusudhana Reddy of YVU, Kadapa. Other researchers involved include A Narayana Swamy, M Sowghandika, M Bheemalingappa, C Nagendra, S Akkulanna, P Chiranjeevi, and Vallepu Nagaraju.
The findings have been published in journals such as Nordic Journal of Botany, Taiwania, and Annales Botanici Fennici, and have been recognized by global databases including World Flora Online and the International Plant Names Index. Specimens have been preserved at the Botanical Survey of India in Kolkata, with duplicates shared with SKU, YVU, and KFRI for future research.
K Prasad emphasized that the discoveries underline the need for continued biodiversity exploration and conservation in Andhra Pradesh. He noted that the first two Euphorbia species have medicinal properties and are used by local tribal communities to treat wounds, skin diseases, and digestive disorders, while Ceropegia andhrica produces edible tubers roughly the size of small potatoes and is at risk of overharvesting.
