A new species of ‘golden leaf’ plant has been discovered from Anchuruli hill in Idukki district. They are given the scientific name ‘Sonerila anchurulica‘. Dr. Jose Mathew of SD College Alappuzha and Salim Pichan, technical officer at the Kalpetta Swaminathan Research Foundation, are behind the discovery.
Western Ghats’ Biodiversity Enriched
MSSRF’s Salim Pichan Part of Team That Discovers Rare Plant Species
The Western Ghats have about fifty different species of Sonerila plants known in Malayalam as ‘Sundariila’ and ‘Swarnaila’. Most of these with beautiful leaves and flowers are rare species that only grow locally. Many of these can be cultivated as ornamental plants. A research article on this species appeared in the new issue of the scientific journal ‘ Species’.