Q. What is ‘Andrographis theniensis’, recently seen in the news?
Answer:
Plant
Notes: A new plant species, 'Andrographis theniensis,' was discovered in Tamil Nadu's Theni district in the Western Ghats. Named after its location, the plant closely resembles Andrographis megamalayana, featuring glabrous leaves and stems, a nine-veined lower lip, pale yellowish sparse hair on the middle lobe, and yellow anther. Andrographis, a tropical Asian genus, is known for treating various ailments in traditional medicine systems. With nearly 25 species in India, it holds significance for its medicinal uses against cold, cough, fever, and more.