Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India have identified a new plant species from Jaldapara National Park and Buxa National Parks National Parks in West Bengal.
The species Drypetes kalamii, named after former President Abdul Kalam,
It is a small shrub.
The new plant species is unisexual in nature (separate male and female plants) and is a close relative of a medicinal plant known in Sanskrit as Putrajivah
The new species is found in wet, shaded areas of subtropical moist semi-evergreen forests.
With pale yellow flowers in clusters and bright orange to red fruits, the plant is exclusive to the two national parks- Jaldapara and Buxa National Parks.
By following the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) rules, the scientists have assessed the plant to be “Critically Endangered”.