Unveiling a Hidden Treasure: Scientists Discover New Wild Yam Species in Kerala's Pristine Western Ghats

In an exciting breakthrough for botanical science and biodiversity, researchers have announced the discovery of a captivating new species of wild yam, christened Dioscorea wayanadensis. This remarkable find was made deep within the lush, biodiverse landscapes of Cheyambam, located in Kerala's enchanting Wayanad district, a jewel of the Western Ghats.

The significant discovery, a testament to the region's unparalleled ecological richness, was spearheaded by a dedicated team of scientists: S.

Santhosh Nandan and P.M. Salim from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, along with E.S. Santhosh Kumar, also from JNTBGRI, and A.K. Pradeep of the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Peechi. Their findings have been meticulously documented and published in the esteemed international journal Phytotaxa, adding another valuable chapter to our understanding of plant life.

Dioscorea wayanadensis joins the ranks of the extensive Dioscorea genus, celebrated globally for its numerous edible and medicinal yam species.

This new addition not only enriches the genus but also spotlights the unexplored botanical wonders that still thrive within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its endemic species and ecological significance.

The newly identified species stands out with several distinctive features.

It boasts large, deeply lobed leaves that immediately catch the eye. Its male flowers are particularly unique, characterized by long stamens, significantly reduced pistillodes, and a notable absence of nectaries – characteristics that set it apart from its known relatives. Further distinguishing it from species like Dioscorea septemloba and Dioscorea nummularia are its specific leaf shape, the precise number of stamens, and the unique configuration of its stigma, providing clear markers for its classification.

Biologically, Dioscorea wayanadensis manifests as a climber, gracefully twining in a clockwise direction as it ascends its forest habitat.

Its flowering and fruiting season typically occurs during August and September, painting the forest fringes with its subtle beauty. This rare plant prefers the sheltered environments of evergreen forests, thriving along the edges at elevations ranging from 700 to 800 metres, indicating its preference for specific climatic and topographical conditions found in Wayanad.

Locally, the tuber is already known as 'Wayanadan kizhangu,' hinting at its long-standing, albeit unrecognized, presence in the local ecosystem and potentially in indigenous knowledge.

While this discovery is a cause for celebration, it also raises important conservation concerns. Researchers have observed only a limited number of individuals in the wild, underscoring an urgent need for comprehensive surveys to ascertain its population status and to implement robust conservation strategies to protect this newly found treasure from potential threats.

This discovery forms a crucial part of an ongoing broader study focused on the rich and diverse tuber flora of Kerala, promising more revelations about the state's incredible botanical heritage.