Sun Oct 05 11:28:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Researchers in India have discovered a new species of plant, *Chlorophytum vanapushpam*, in the Vagamon hills of the Idukki district in Kerala. This perennial herb, a relative of the well-known *safed musli*, was found during a field exploration and is characterized by its white flowers and slender leaves. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and its importance as a center of origin for the *Chlorophytum* genus.
**News Article:**
**New Plant Species Discovered in Western Ghats of India**
_THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Oct 5, 2025_ – A team of Indian botanists has identified a previously unknown plant species in the Vagamon hills of the Idukki district, Kerala. The new species, named *Chlorophytum vanapushpam*, belongs to the *Chlorophytum* genus, making it a close relative of the popular medicinal herb *safed musli*.
The discovery, published in the latest edition of the journal *Phytotaxa*, was made during a research project on wild edible tubers funded by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The *Chlorophytum vanapushpam* is a perennial herb reaching up to 90 cm in height. It features white flowers clustered together and slender leaves. The plant clings to the rocky hills of Vagamon and Neymakkad, parts of the Western Ghats, at elevations ranging from 700 to 2124 meters.
“The Western Ghats region is thought to be a centre of origin of the genus Chlorophytum,” said Jose Mathew, Assistant Professor at Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, and a member of the research team. “A total of 18 species have been identified here so far, with many of them exhibiting medicinal properties.”
Unlike its cousin, *safed musli* (*Chlorophytum borivilianum*), *Chlorophytum vanapushpam* does not have tubers. Its seeds are about 4 to 5 mm across. Flowering and fruiting occur from September to December. The species name, “vanapushpam,” is derived from Malayalam words meaning “forest flower.”
The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a region known for its unique flora and fauna. The research team included botanists from Sanatana Dharma College, Payyannur College, Sir Syed College, and SNM College.
First Piper 