Wed Oct 08 09:51:57 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Headline: Four New Plant Species Discovered in Western Ghats of Karnataka**
**HUBBALLI, October 8, 2025** – A team of researchers from Karnatak Science College, Dharwad, has announced the discovery of four previously unknown plant species in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, India. The findings, resulting from floristic explorations conducted during 2024-2025, have been published in various international scientific journals.
Led by Prof. K. Kotresha, the team’s discoveries highlight the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the potential for further botanical exploration. Prof. Kotresha estimates that a staggering 2,750,000 plant species remain undiscovered globally.
The newly identified species include:
* **Oberonia marnkuliensis:** Discovered near Marnkuli Hill in Shivamogga district.
* **Zeuxine seetharamii:** Found in the Kali Tiger Reserve, Uttara Kannada district, and named in honor of Prof. Y.N. Seetharam.
* **Parasopubia gorensis:** Located at Goregudda, Uttara Kannada district, and named after the local Goreshwara temple.
* **Utricularia kumtensis:** Identified at Mirjan Fort, Uttara Kannada district.
The team, consisting of Prof. K. Kotresha, Shreyas Betageri, Vanaja Patagar, and Manjushree Kanoj, has been conducting floristic surveys across Karnataka, having completed surveys in eight districts so far. Their ongoing work promises to uncover even more botanical treasures in the region.
Prof. Kotresha can be contacted at 8088646309 for further information.
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