A dedicated team of botanists, spearheaded by Professor K. Kotresha from Dharwad’s Karnatak Science College, has unveiled a remarkable discovery: four entirely new plant species flourishing in the verdant Western Ghats of Karnataka. This exciting revelation comes after extensive floristic expeditions across the region.
Professor Kotresha, who heads the Taxonomy and Floristic Laboratory at Karnatak University’s Karnatak Science College, announced that these significant findings were the result of in-depth floristic explorations conducted throughout 2024-25. All four new species have already been documented and published in various esteemed international scientific journals.
According to Professor Kotresha, the global estimate for plant species hovers around three million (30,00,000). While approximately 250,000 species are currently identified, a staggering 2.75 million (27,50,000) more await discovery, highlighting the immense importance of such fieldwork.
As part of their ongoing floristic survey, the team initiated explorations across various districts in Karnataka. To date, they have successfully completed their survey in eight districts, with efforts continuing in the remaining regions to uncover more of the state’s botanical treasures.
Intriguingly, three of these newly identified species were found in distinct locations within the Uttara Kannada district, while the fourth unique plant was located in the Shivamogga district, underscoring the diverse ecosystems of the Western Ghats.
The newly discovered species (from left): Zeuxine seetharamii; Oberonia marnkuliensis; Parasopubia gorensis, and Utricularia kumtensis.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
The four botanists who discovered the plant species: (from left) Prof. K. Kotresha, Shreyas Betageri, Vanaja Patagar and Manjushree Kanoj.
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement
Meet the New Species
One of the captivating new species, Oberonia marnkuliensis, was discovered in the Central Western Ghats. Named by Shreyas & Kotresha, it was found on Marnkuli Hill, near Talaguppa in Shivamogga district’s Sagara taluk. Its description was proudly featured in the international journal Richardiana.
From the Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district emerged Zeuxine seetharamii, named by Betageri & Kotresha in honor of the distinguished retired taxonomist, Professor Y.N. Seetharam of Gulbarga University. This finding was published in the Asian Journal of Research in Botany.
Another fascinating discovery from the lateritic plateau of ‘Goregudda’ in Kumta taluk, Uttara Kannada district, is Parasopubia gorensis. Named by Patgar, Betageri & Kotresha after the local Goreshwara temple, its details were unveiled in the international journal Phytotaxa.
Finally, the historic Mirjan Fort, located in Mirjan village, Kumta taluk, yielded Utricularia kumtensis. Named by Kanoj, Patgar, Betageri & Kotresha, this species also saw its discovery announced in the reputable international journal Phytotaxa.