Pedicularis Rajeshiana

Pedicularis Rajeshiana: Scientists have recently identified a new species named Pedicularis rajeshiana in the high-altitude zones of Rohtang Pass, located in the western Himalayas.

• About Pedicularis Rajeshiana: Belongs to the "Lousewort" group of hemiparasitic plants that partially rely on other plants for nutrients while also photosynthesizing.

o Discovered at about 4,390 meters (14,400 feet) altitude on shaded rocky slopes in Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh.

o Found in sparse clusters during a botanical survey by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) and the Botanical Survey of India under the "Flora of India" project.

• Key Features: India has 83 known Pedicularis species, with 36 endemic to the western Himalayas.

o These species have parasitic behavior and specific habitat requirements, limiting their distribution to specialized ecological niches.

o The discovery adds to the biodiversity of the western Himalayas and highlights the ecological significance of its delicate high-altitude ecosystems.