DUAL-BLOOMING SPECIES

TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTEXT:  The fire-resistant, double-flowered plant species Dicliptera polymorpha was recently discovered in the northern Western Ghats by the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune.

EXPLANATION:

About Dicliptera Polymorpha: 

• It is a distinctive species, notable for its fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and its unusual dual-blooming pattern.

• Dicliptera polymorpha is notable for its fire-resilient nature. It blooms twice a year, with the first flowering phase occurring from November to April.
• The second phase happens in May and June, triggered by local grassland fires. This plant showcases an unusual inflorescence structure known as spicate inflorescences.
• It is the only Indian species with this structure, with closest relatives found in Africa.

• In addition to its typical post-monsoon flowering, the species exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires commonly set by locals in the region.
• This species is taxonomically unique, with inflorescence units (cymules) that develop into spicate inflorescences.
• It is the only known Indian species with this spicate inflorescence structure, with its closest allied being found in Africa.
• The species was named Dicliptera polymorpha to reflect its diverse morphological traits.
• It thrives on slopes in open grasslands of the northern Western Ghats, an area exposed to extreme climatic conditions such as summer droughts and frequent human-induced fires. Despite these harsh conditions, the species has adapted to survive and bloom twice a year.
• The first flowering phase occurs from post-monsoon (early November) to March or April, while the second flowering phase in May and June is triggered by fires.
• During this second phase, the woody rootstocks produce dwarf flowering shoots, leading to a more abundant but shorter flowering period.
• The species’ unique adaptation to fire and its limited habitat range in the Western Ghats highlight the need for careful management of grassland ecosystems.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072410