Glycosmis albicarpa: New gin berry species discovered in southern Western Ghats

What is the News?

Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India(BSI) have discovered a new gin berry species named “Glycosmis albicarpa” from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. 

What is Glycosmis albicarpa?

Glycosmis albicarpa is a gin berry species. It belongs to the Orange family, Rutaceae.

Habitat: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats. 

Features: It is an evergreen small tree with a distinct white fruit growing on it.

Uses: The Berries of Glycosmis species have gained popularity as edible fruit. They are also being utilized for their medicinal values and food. Moreover, these species also act as a larval host plants for butterflies.

Threats: Habitat modification causes a major threat to the survival of this species.

Significance of this discovery: This discovery not only re-emphasises the uniqueness and endemism in Western Ghats’ flora, but also adds to the growing inventory of the region’s flora.

Source: This post is based on the article “New gin berry species discovered in southern Western Ghats” published in The Hindu on 5th Mar 2022.