World’s longest banana infructescence discovered in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

IN NEWS:

World’s longest banana infructescence discovered in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

ANALYSIS

1. Recent Discovery:
   • Scientists have recorded an infructescence (fruit-bearing structure) measuring about 4.2 metres in a wild banana species found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
   • This discovery sets a world record for the longest infructescence among all banana species.
2. Species Details:
   • The species is Musa indandamanensis, which is endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
   • It was first recorded in 2012 near the Krishna Nala Reserve Forest and formally described in 2014.
3. Scientific Recognition:
   • Details of the discovery were published in the international journal Botany Letters earlier in 2025.
   • Specimens of the infructescence are currently on display at the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
4. Ecological Importance:
   • The finding underlines the rich biodiversity of the Andaman tropical forests, a hotspot for endemic plant species.
   • Documentation of such species aids in genetic conservation and helps understand banana evolution and adaptation in tropical ecosystems.

STATIC PART

1. What is an Infructescence?
   • It refers to a cluster of fruits that develop from the flowers of an inflorescence.
   • Example: The bunch of bananas on a single stalk is an infructescence.
2. About Musa indandamanensis
   • Family: Musaceae
   • Habitat: Moist tropical forests of Andaman Islands
   • Features: Distinctive long fruiting stalk, part of wild banana genetic diversity
   • Conservation Status: Not evaluated by IUCN but considered rare and localized
3. Significance of Andaman Biodiversity:
   • The islands are part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, known for high endemism.
   • Studies from this region contribute to India’s biological heritage and conservation research.

Updated – 14 May 2025 ; 05:03 PM | The Hindu

News Source:The Hindu