Stellaria mcclintockiae

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Context:

New plant species from Kerala’s Nelliyampathy named after Nobel laureate Barbara McClintock

Stellaria mcclintockiae

It is the first species of the genus Stellaria reported from south India.
Family: Caryophyllaceae.
Species of this genus pose difficulties for researchers as the floral parts are minute and the identification of traits are hard to pinpoint.

Features

This is an annual herb growing up to 15 cm in height.
It is known to be found only in the Nelliyampathy hills and that too at an elevation of 1,250-1,400 metres.
It differs from other species of this genus in regard to the features of its petals, pollen morphology, bracts, sepals, and seed architecture.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-plant-species-from-keralas-nelliyampathy-named-after-nobel-laureate-barbara-mcclintock/article68218141.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the recently discovered plant species, Stellaria mcclintockiae:

Stellaria mcclintockiae is the first species of the genus Stellaria reported from north India.
It belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae.
The floral parts of this genus are large and easily identifiable.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 2 and 3 only

Answer:
b) 2 only

Explanation:

●Statement 1 is incorrect. The newly discovered species Stellaria mcclintockiae is the first of its genus reported from south India, specifically from Kerala's Nelliyampathy region. This region is in the southern part of India, not the northern part. Therefore, the statement inaccurately locates the discovery.

●Statement 2 is correct. Stellaria mcclintockiae is part of the Caryophyllaceae family. The Caryophyllaceae family, commonly known as the pink or carnation family, includes a variety of herbaceous plants, many of which are notable for their small, star-shaped flowers, similar to those in the genus Stellaria.

●Statement 3 is incorrect. Contrary to what the statement suggests, species of the genus Stellaria are known for having minute floral parts, which pose difficulties for researchers in identifying and differentiating the traits of these plants. The flowers are small and intricate, making it challenging to pinpoint specific characteristics necessary for accurate identification.

Key Points to Remember:

●Stellaria mcclintockiae is a newly discovered plant species from Kerala’s Nelliyampathy, and it is the first species of the genus Stellaria reported from south India.

●It belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae.

●The genus Stellaria has minute floral parts, making identification challenging for researchers.

●The species is named in honor of Nobel laureate Barbara McClintock, recognizing her contributions to science.