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Context

• A new species of flowering plant from the Ceropegia genus has been discovered within the premises of Vishalgad Fort.
• This species has been named Ceropegia shivrayiana, in tribute to the great Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of the Vishalgad region.

Ceropegia

• Ceropegia is a genus in the Apocynaceae family, native to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.
• Named by Carl Linnaeus in 1737, described in Genera plantarum.
• Ceropegia candelabrum was the species named by Linnaeus in 1753.
• Common names include lantern flower, parasol flower, parachute flower, bushman's pipe, string of hearts, snake creeper, wine-glass vine, rosary vine, and necklace vine.
• Ceropegia species are ornamental plants, traded, kept, and propagated.
• In Africa, roots and leaves are eaten raw; in India, tubers are eaten raw or in curries.

Appearance

• Most species have vining or trailing stems; some from the Canary Islands are erect.
• Ceropegia woodii features swollen nodes and tuberous roots.
• Leaves can be simple, opposite, and in succulent species, thick and fleshy.
• Flowers have a tubular corolla with five fused petals, forming structures like canopies or cages.
• Pollination is by flies, with some species like Ceropegia dolichophylla attracting flies through pheromone mimicry.

Classification

• Ceropegia belongs to the subfamily Asclepiadoideae (milkweeds) within Apocynaceae.
• Similar to carrion flowers or stapelias.
• There are at least 420 known species, with new ones being discovered regularly.
• Distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Arabian Peninsula, southeast Asia, Canary Islands, tropical Pacific, and Australia.
• Forms a complex with Brachystelma and Riocreuxia.

Ceropegia Shivrayiana

• Ceropegia Shivrayiana is a flowering species celebrated in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• First found at Vishalgad Fort, this plant is notable for its striking tubular flowers, which attract moths to assist with pollination.
• This species flourishes in rocky landscapes and is capable of growing in soil with limited nutrients.
• It belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, known for its medicinal benefits and ecological significance.
• The plant is vulnerable to habitat loss, making its preservation crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

Importance of this Recent Discovery

• The naming of Ceropegia shivrayiana serves as a tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also known as Chhatrapati Shivray, further highlighting the historical and environmental significance of Vishalgad Fort.

READ ALL ABOUT VISHALGAD FORT: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/vishalgad-fort 

 SOURCE: TOI

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