Critically Endangered Flora Discovered: *Afrohybanthus mahalingamii* Identified in India

A significant botanical discovery has emerged from the rich ecosystems surrounding the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in the Pollachi region of Tamil Nadu, India. Scientists have formally documented a previously unknown floral species, designated Afrohybanthus mahalingamii. This finding, which underscores the still-unexplored biodiversity of regional ecosystems, was officially published in the international scientific journal Phytotaxa on October 30, 2025. The identification of this new species represents a notable addition to India's vast plant life inventory.

The research initiative was spearheaded by Dr. A. Sarvalingam, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at NGM College in Pollachi. The team successfully located the species thriving in abandoned and agricultural lands within the Pollachi district, nestled in the foothills of the Anamalai mountains. Collaborating with Dr. Sarvalingam were R. Ramasubbu, A. Bechu Punnen, Ch. Menaka, along with several final year botany students. The plant, Afrohybanthus mahalingamii, was bestowed its name in tribute to the late Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam, a renowned philanthropist and the esteemed founder of NGM College. This landmark identification now raises the total count of Afrohybanthus species recorded across India to seven.

Morphologically, this newly identified species distinguishes itself as a low-growing, highly branched herbaceous plant. It exhibits several key characteristics that differentiate it from closely related species. Notably, A. mahalingamii possesses a densely hirsute (hairy) stem and leaves that are typically obovate or obovate-oval in shape. Furthermore, a crucial distinction lies in the reproductive structure: the plant produces a greater number of seeds within its capsule when compared to its relative, Afrohybanthus enneaspermus (L.) Flicker. The flowering and fruiting cycle for this species occurs consistently between June and December.

Despite its recent scientific recognition, Afrohybanthus mahalingamii faces an immediate and severe threat. Based on the criteria established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species has been swiftly classified as Critically Endangered (CR). This urgent conservation status is necessitated by the extremely restricted geographical range of the species. This classification immediately draws attention to the critical need for safeguarding this unique piece of Tamil Nadu's natural heritage.

The discovery arrives at a time when the state of Tamil Nadu is actively engaged in programs dedicated to preserving rare flora. The inclusion of A. mahalingamii into local conservation strategies is paramount, especially considering the existing efforts focused on other critically endangered species in the region, such as Phyllanthus anamalayanus and Dipterocarpus bourdillonii found within the Anamalai Reserve. Encouragingly, the Government of Tamil Nadu previously established a special Fund for the Conservation of Endangered Species, endowed with a substantial capital of 50 crore rupees. This dedicated funding source can be strategically utilized to develop targeted recovery and protection programs for vulnerable species like the newly discovered Afrohybanthus mahalingamii.