New Cyphostemma Species Found in Eastern Ghats

A new plant species named Cyphostemma annamalaii was discovered in the southern Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu on 7 May 2026. The species belongs to the grape family, Vitaceae Juss, and was found on Sanjeevi hill in Villupuram district.

Taxonomy and Naming

Cyphostemma is a genus under the family Vitaceae, which includes climbing and shrubby plants. The species name annamalaii honours Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiyar, the founder of Annamalai University in Chidambaram.

Discovery Site and Habitat

The plant was recorded from Panaimalaipettai in the southern Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 86 metres. It grew in open scrub vegetation within a tropical dry forest ecosystem, which is a forest type found in parts of peninsular India.

Morphological Features and Documentation

Professor L. Mullainathan, Head of the Department of Botany at Annamalai University, identified differences from allied species in leaf progression and fruit shape and colour. The discovery was published in Phytotaxa in March 2026, and herbarium specimens were deposited at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchi, and the Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous mountain range along the eastern coast of India.
• Vitaceae is the botanical family that includes grapes and several related genera.
• Herbarium specimens are preserved plant samples used for identification and taxonomic study.
• Phytotaxa is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes plant taxonomy research.

Botanical Survey Context

Botanical discoveries in India are often documented through herbarium submission and publication in taxonomic journals. The Botanical Survey of India is the national organisation responsible for plant survey and documentation.