October 8, 2025

The jewel-like forests of Karnataka’s Western Ghats have revealed a fresh botanical treasure! Led by the expert botanist Prof. K. Kotresha from Karnatak Science College in Dharwad, a dedicated team discovered four dazzling new species of plants during their explorations in 2024-25. These exciting findings have been published in top international journals and add new chapters to the world of plant science. Prof. Kotresha, who heads the Taxonomy and Floristic Laboratory at Karnatak University, shared some mind-blowing facts: "There are an estimated 30,00,000 plant species on Earth, but only 2,50,000 are known so far. That leaves a staggering 27,50,000 species still waiting to be discovered!" The research team methodically surveyed plant species across various Karnataka districts and has completed work in eight districts. Of the four sensational new species, three hail from Uttara Kannada district and one from Shivamogga. Now, let’s meet these botanical stars! The Central Western Ghat brought forth Oberonia marnkuliensis Shreyas & Kotresha, named after its home at Marnkuli Hill, near Talaguppa in Shivamogga. This discovery is proudly published in the Richardiana international journal. From the mighty Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district emerged Zeuxine seetharamii (Betageri & Kotresha), a tribute to retired Prof. Y.N. Seetharam, a guru of taxonomy from Gulbarga University. This gem was published in the Asian Journal of Research in Botany. Goregudda, a Lateritic plateau near Hindgaon in Kumta taluk, gifted Parasopubia gorensis (Patgar, Betageri & Kotresha), named after the local Goddess Goreshwara temple. This beauty found its place in the international journal Phytotaxa. Last but not least, the historic Mirjan Fort area in Kumta taluk revealed Utricularia kumtensis (Kanoj, Patgar, Betageri & Kotresha), another Phytotaxa star. In a world bursting with unknown plant life, these discoveries light the path forward and celebrate Karnataka’s rich biodiversity. To learn more about these fantastic species, Prof. Kotresha welcomes curious minds at 8088646309. So, nature lovers, the Western Ghats have spoken again! With every leaf and flower, they tell tales of wonder that are waiting to be discovered.

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Tags: New plant species, Western ghats, Karnataka, Botany, Flora discovery, Prof. k. kotresha,