Four New Plant Species Discovered in the Western Ghats

In October 2025, a team of researchers led by Professor K. Kotresha from Karnatak Science College, Dharwad (Karnataka), discovered four new plant species such as Zeuxine seetharamii, Oberonia marnkuliensis, Parasopubia gorensis, and Utricularia kumtensis in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Zeuxine seetharamii: 

Family: It belongs to the Orchidaceae (orchid) family and exhibits a distinct arrangement of flowers along its stem, different from most related Zeuxine species.

Features: Its petals are uniquely shaped and display subtle coloration patterns, giving it a characteristic appearance. It thrives in moist, shaded forest areas, often growing on leaf litter and humus-rich soil.

Journal: The study of the species Zeuxine seetharamii, discovered at Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada (Karnataka), was published in Asian Journal of Research in Botany.

Oberonia marnkuliensis:

Family: It belongs to the Orchidaceae (orchid) family and was discovered in moist, shaded areas of the Western Ghats at Marnkuli Hill in Shivamogga (Karnataka)

Features: It displays an unusual flower morphology, differentiating it from other known species of the Oberonia genus. It possesses a compact growth pattern; an evolutionary adaptation suited to the local microclimatic conditions of its habitat.

Journal: The discovery of the species Oberonia marnkuliensis was published in Richardiana international journal.

Parasopubia gorensis:

Genus: It belongs to the Genus Parasopubia and thrives in shaded, humid environments that provide the ideal conditions for its growth and reproduction.

Features: It exhibits distinct morphological traits, particularly in its leaf structure and flower arrangement, which differentiate it from other species of the Parasopubia genus.

Journal: The discovery made at Goregudda in Uttara Kannada was published in international journal Phylotaxa.

Utricularia kumtensis:

Family: It belongs to the Lentibulariaceae, a carnivorous plant family, and was discovered in the wet, marshy areas of the Western Ghats. It grows in nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils, typical to its genus, which relies on carnivory to supplement nutrient intake.

Features: It possesses a specialized carnivorous trapping mechanism that captures and digests microscopic aquatic organisms, enabling it to thrive in low-nutrient environments. It displays distinct leaf and flower morphology, distinguishing it from other species of the Utricularia genus.

Journal: The discovery made at Mirjan Fort in Uttara Kannada was published in international journal Phylotaxa.

About Karnataka:
Chief Minister (CM) – Siddaramaiah
Governor – Thawar Chand Gehlot
Capital – Bengaluru
Wildlife Sanctuary (WS) – Arabithittu WS, Bhimgad WS