In a remarkable botanical breakthrough, researchers from the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) have discovered six new species of flowering plants in the Lakshadweep Islands. This discovery was part of a comprehensive study initiated under the central government's "Holistic Development of Islands" project, which aims to explore and preserve the natural wealth of India's remote island ecosystems.
The newly recorded species—Hernandia nymphaeifolia, Guettarda speciosa, Suriana maritima, Pemphis acidula, Lepturus repens, and Ochrosia oppositifolia—have been documented in India for the first time. According to the research team led by senior scientist Dr. P. Sujanapal, these species highlight the unexplored and underappreciated floral diversity of the Lakshadweep archipelago.
The four-and-a-half-year study, conducted with support from the Department of Environment and Forest, Lakshadweep, documented 454 species of vascular plants, which include both ferns and flowering varieties. Among these, 288 are native to the islands, while 75 have been introduced over time. The remaining species are typically found in home gardens. This extensive botanical survey not only underscores the richness of the island's natural flora but also brings attention to its ecological uniqueness.
Medicinal plants play a crucial role in this biodiversity. The researchers found that out of the total vascular plants identified, 211 possess medicinal properties. Notably, 37 of these have significant economic value, with 77 species commonly used in indigenous healing practices and 16 classified as wild edibles. Traditional knowledge passed down through generations plays a vital role in the islanders' healthcare systems, particularly given the geographic isolation and limited access to modern medical facilities.
The capital island, Kavaratti, leads in medicinal plant diversity with 148 species, followed by Andrott, which hosts 128 species. Interestingly, the study also revealed that uninhabited islands have a particularly high density of medicinal plants, further emphasising the importance of conserving these untouched habitats.
The study shed light on the resourcefulness of Lakshadweep's indigenous communities in their approach to traditional medicine. According to Dr. Sujanapal, the local people have developed their remedies through generations of trial and error, using plant-based treatments for a variety of ailments. One such treatment is Mutta Thailam, a traditional remedy for strokes made from egg oil. Moreover, islanders are also known for their expertise in treating severe bone fractures using herbal formulations.
Among the notable discoveries is Pemphis acidula, a rare mangrove species. Once found along the Malabar coast, this plant is now considered locally extinct in mainland India due to habitat loss. The Lakshadweep population of this species was found thriving in small patches on a few islands. With its strong root system and durable wood, Pemphis acidula plays a vital ecological role, particularly in protecting the fragile coastal ecosystem.
This study not only broadens our understanding of India's island biodiversity but also highlights the urgent need for its conservation. The researchers emphasise that Lakshadweep's isolated and delicate environment necessitates sustainable management to safeguard both its plant resources and the traditional knowledge that sustains local communities.
Published on: Monday, March 21, 2022