New Insights Unearthed from 17th-Century Botanical Work Hortus Malabaricus

Quick Summary

• A new palm species named Phoenix roxburghii has been identified by researchers from the jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
• this discovery arose from studies on “Katou-Indel,” a palm described in the 17th-century botanical treatise hortus Malabaricus.
• The newly identified species, Phoenix roxburghii, differs from its close relative, Phoenix sylvestris, by physical traits like a taller trunk, larger leaves, musty-scented staminate flowers, and larger orange-yellow fruits.
• The research paper was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.
• In addition to identifying the new species:

– Three previously classified species (P. pusilla, P. farinifera, and P. zeylanica) have now been confirmed as belonging to Phoenix sylvestris.
– Both palms are native to various regions across India and South Asia.

• The researchers’ work references earlier observations about fruit differences made by botanist William griffith in the 19th century.

indian Opinion Analysis

The identification of a new palm species highlights both the richness of India’s biodiversity and how historical texts like Hendrik van Rheede’s Hortus Malabaricus continue to guide modern-day discoveries. By distinguishing between two closely related species (Phoenix sylvestris and Phoenix roxburghii), this research enhances scientific understanding of ecological diversity across regions such as Kerala, Sri Lanka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Such findings are crucial for conservation ecology as accurate classification can influence habitat preservation strategies.Revisiting historical works with modern tools emphasizes that global efforts in botany thrive when older knowledge systems are combined with contemporary science-an approach that proves particularly valuable for biodiversity-rich countries like India.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/news