New Begonia Species Discovered in Western Ghats

Begonia rajvikramanii

• Researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram, have identified a new species of the genus Begonia.
• The new species has been named Begonia rajvikramanii.
• It was discovered in the Rosemala region of Kollam district, Kerala, in the Western Ghats.
• The plant was found growing on wet rocky cliffs and road-cut walls.
• It occurs at an elevation of approximately 200–350 metres.
• The species is currently known only from its type locality at Rosemala.
• Its flowering and fruiting period is from August to April.
• The species was named after R. Raj Vikraman, former Head of the Garden Management Division at JNTBGRI, in recognition of his contribution to garden development and ex-situ plant conservation.
• The discovery was reported in Phytotaxa, a scientific journal dealing with plant taxonomy.

Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Begonia rajvikramanii:

1. It is a newly identified plant species from the Western Ghats.
2. It was discovered in Kollam district of Kerala.
3. It is known to grow primarily in wet rocky habitats.
4. It was identified by researchers of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 1, 2 and 4 only
(C) 2, 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

उत्तर: (D)