CEROPEGIA SHIVRAYIANA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A new flowering plant species from the 'ceropegia' genus, named Ceropegia Shivrayiana, has been recently discovered within the Vishalgad premises in Maharashtra. This discovery adds to the region's rich botanical diversity.

Ceropegia Shivrayiana

• About: It is a flowering plant species named in a nod to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Discovery: The plant was discovered in one of his renowned forts, Vishalgad.
• Unique Floral Structure: It consists of unique, tubular flowers, which are specially adapted to attract moths for pollination.
• Habitat: This plant thrives in rocky terrains and is capable of growing in less nutrient-or poor soils.
• Family: It belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, which includes many medicinal plants, with significant ecological importance.
• Conservation Status: Its conservation is essential due to the ongoing threat of habitat loss.

Vishalgad Fort

• Location: It is situated in Vishalgad village, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, also known locally as Khelna or Khilna.
• Historical Significance: It was established in 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh, originally named Khilgil. Over the centuries, it saw control by various dynasties including the Seuna Yadavas, Khiljis, Vijayanagar Empire, and finally the Marathas.
• Under Maratha Rule: Shivaji captured Vishalgad in 1659 from the Adilshahi rulers, renaming it to Vishalgad, meaning grand fort. 

o It became a strategic stronghold during the Maratha Empire, serving as the capital of a substantial region.