In News:

After a plant species of the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae) was reported from Kerala earlier this year, researchers have identified another member of the same genus at Kalimpong district in West Bengal.

Key Highlights:

Discovery and Identification:

• Published: The discovery was published in Phytotaxa.
• Location: Found in Kalimpong district, West Bengal, at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 metres in the Sangser forest.
• Named: The species is named Stellaria bengalensis after the state of West Bengal.

Taxonomy and Characteristics:

• Family: Caryophyllaceae.
• Type: Annual herb.
• Size: Grows to a height of 8 to 10.5 cm.
• Flowers: White in color, with shorter petals, often included within the sepal, and absence of bracts.
• Seeds: Sharp and pointed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Occurs from May to September.

Distribution:

• Region: Primarily found in the Himalayan region.
• Similar Species: Stellaria mcclintockiae, identified earlier in Kerala (Nelliyampathy Hills).
• Both species grow in muddy soil slopes and are annuals.

Conservation Status:

• Under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) criteria, the species is assessed as "data deficient", pending further studies.
• Potential Habitat: There is a possibility of finding more populations in the western Himalayas.

Significance:

• Stellaria bengalensis is the second Stellaria species reported in India in 2025.
• India is home to about 22 Stellaria species, predominantly found in the Himalayan region.
• The discovery adds to biodiversity knowledge in India and underscores the importance of studying plant species in the region.