This Week Plant – Rotala malampuzhensis R.V. Nair ex C.D.K. Cook

Rotala malampuzhensis is an amphibious annuals cluster forming herb. Stem profusely branched creeping and rooting below. Leaves simple, opposite – decussate, linear and flowers solitary in leaf axils. The flowers are characterized by bright red coloured campanulate calyx tube and petals. Capsules and seeds are also bright red which make these plants distinct from other species. The species is endemic to Southern Western Ghats. The plant usually grows in small colonies in water filled depressions as well as near the rocky pools in hillocks and shallow waters in the forest margins. Usually, they are found during monsoon season and complete their lifecycle by the end of monsoon.

Considering the rarity of this plant, we have prioritized it for conservation under the present ongoing ABG project. Our surveys could locate Rotala malampuzhensis from Kongampaadam hillock located in the Palghat Gap region. Propagation materials of R. malampuzhaensis were gathered and brought to Ahalia campus and put to cultivation in an artificial pond. It is now in the growing stage. This indeed is a significant achievement in our conservation efforts.

For more details contact : greenahalia@ahhkv.org