India Honors PM Modi and Narmada with a Brand-New Plant Discovery!”
Cyphostemma namonarmadense: A Heartfelt Homage to PM Modi’s Vision and the Soul of Narmada by Dr. Mayur Nandikar
PM Modi, Cyphostemma namonarmadense, and Narmada take center stage in a remarkable botanical discovery, as Indian scientists Dr.Mayur Nandiakr a brand-new plant species named in honor of the Prime Minister and the sacred river. This unique find blends science and cultural reverence, marking a proud moment for India’s biodiversity and heritage.
Discovered in the lush green folds of Gujarat’s Satpuda Hills, within the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, this fascinating species is more than just a new entry to science and it’s a green tribute to India’s leadership and ecological heritage.
🌱 A World-First from Asia
While the genus Cyphostemma is largely an African native, this newly discovered species breaks the mould. It’s Asia’s first known “etendrillate” Cyphostemma, which means it completely lacks the climbing tendrils that typically define the grape family (Vitaceae). This trailing, fleshy herb thrives along forest edges and roadside slopes, far from the vines and climbers it’s related to.
Dr. Mayur Nandikar and his co-researchers from Gujarat have officially described the species in the globally reputed Kew Bulletin, published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK).
Why the Name Cyphostemma namonarmadense?
The name Cyphostemma namonarmadense is a thoughtful blend of science and tribute. “Namo” honors Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging his leadership and environmental commitment, while “narmadense” signifies the plant’s origin in Gujarat’s Narmada district near the sacred Narmada River. Together, the name expresses a respectful bow-namo-to the region and its cultural essence.
🔬 More Than Just a Name
In a world where scientific discoveries often go unnoticed by the public, the naming of Cyphostemma namonarmadense is a brilliant fusion of science, culture, and leadership. It not only honors Prime Minister Modi and the Narmada River but also brings international attention to the rich, and still under-explored, biodiversity of India.
🛡️ Conservation Urgency
Currently, Cyphostemma namonarmadense is known only from a 6 km stretch near the Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar Dam. With landslides and larval infestations posing threats, researchers have urged for immediate conservation attention, proposing a “Critically Endangered” status under IUCN guidelines.
This discovery not only adds a new name to the plant diversity of India but also offers valuable insights into evolutionary adaptations within Vitaceae and highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration and habitat conservation, especially in under-studied regions like the Satpuda Hills. Dr. Nandikar’s work reinforces how even today, new species can be hiding in plain sight and waiting to be documented and protected.
DR. MAYUR NANDIKAR:
Dr. Mayur D. Nandikar is a distinguished Indian taxonomist and botanist known for his exceptional contributions to the field of plant taxonomy and biodiversity exploration. He earned his PhD from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, where he conducted pioneering research on the family Commelinaceae of India under the guidance of Prof. R. V. Gurav. Currently serving in the Pharmacognosy and Botany Division at Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, Dr. Nandikar has described several new species, including the recently recognized Cyphostemma namonarmadense.
His field-based research reflects a deep commitment to documenting lesser-known flora and enhancing our understanding of India’s plant diversity. In recognition of his contributions, he has been elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, the world’s oldest active biological society devoted to the study of natural history since 1788. This honour highlights his scientific excellence and global standing in botanical research.
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