Newly Discovered Coffee Plant Species from Western Ghats Shows Medicinal Promise

IN NEWS: Newly Discovered Coffee Plant Species from Western Ghats Shows Medicinal Promise

ANALYSIS

1. Discovery of a New Plant Species
   • A newly identified coffee plant species, Ophiorrhiza echinata, has been discovered in the shola forests of Devikulam, Idukki in the Western Ghats.
   • The species has not been previously reportedfrom the Western Ghats and was identified by botanists from:
     • SH College, Thevara
     • St Teresa's College, Ernakulam
     • St Thomas College, Thrissur
2. Ecological Characteristics
   • The plant grows in the ecotone region between evergreen forests and grasslands at an altitude of 1,630 metres.
   • It is currently known only from its type locality, with:
     • Area of occupancy: less than 4 sq. km
     • Population size: maximum 35 plants
3. Medicinal Relevance
   • The species belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is closely related to Ophiorrhiza mungos, commonly known as Indian Snake Root.
   • O. mungos is traditionally used in:
     • Cancer treatment formulations
     • Anti-venom preparations
   • Due to this phylogenetic similarity, O. echinata may possess medicinal or pharmacological potential, warranting further chemical and biochemical studies.
4. Conservation Importance
   • The shola forests are described as the “womb of speciation”, highlighting their evolutionary significance.
   • The study notes:
     • The endemic nature of the species
     • Its restricted distribution and specialized habitat needs
   • These factors increase its vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures, stressing the need for focused conservation measures.
5. Broader Context: Coffee Diversity in India
   • India produced around 363,500 metric tonnes of coffee in 2024–25.
   • While Arabica and Robustadominate global and Indian commercial production, an official from the Coffee Board notes:
     • Over 100 coffee plant species exist globally
     • More than 10 species occur in the Western Ghats, indicating high regional diversity
6. Scientific Publication
   • Findings were published in the Nordic Journal of Botany, an international scientific journal based in Sweden.

NECESSARY STATIC PART

• Species discovered: Ophiorrhiza echinata
• Belongs to: Rubiaceae family
• Related species: Ophiorrhiza mungos (Indian Snake Root)
• Known properties of related species: Anti-cancer, anti-venom applications
• Habitat: Shola forests, ecotone between evergreen forest and grassland, 1,630m elevation
• Location: Devikulam, Idukki, Western Ghats
• Population: ~35 plants
• Area of occupancy: < 4 sq. km
• Institutions involved:
  • SH College, Thevara
  • St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam
  • St Thomas College, Thrissur
• Journal: Nordic Journal of Botany
• Coffee context:
  • India coffee production: 363,500 MT (2024–25)
  • Common commercial species: Arabica, Robusta
  • Western Ghats: home to >10 coffee species

Updated – 30 Sep 2025; 9:30 PM | News Source: Times of India