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Phtheirospermum lushaiorum

May 25, 2024
Species in News

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Context (EastMojo): A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant of the genus Phtheirospermum (Orobanchaceae) has been found in Phawngpui National Park of Mizoram.

Credits: EastMojo

It is named after the “Lushai” tribe of Mizoram.
Phtheirospermum lushaiorum attach themselves to the roots of their host and appear like normal plants growing in the soil.
They flower only from July to September, and fruits are produced from August to October.
Physical appearance: The plants appeared similar to Pterygiella species but had a shorter height, distinct bilabiate yellow flowers, and didynamous stamens.

Hemi-parasitic plants

They lack a fully developed root system and form connections with other plants, from which they obtain some or all of their water and minerals.
Such plants have chlorophyll and produce their own food through photosynthesis. In some cases, they are capable of limited growth in the absence of the host plant.
They tap into sap-conducting tissue of the host by means of specialised structures called haustoria.

Lushai tribe

Lushai is a tribe under the Kuki-chin group of tribes, mainly in Tripura. Racially they are known to be under Mongoliod origin. Their culture is akin to the Mizos.
Lushai lives on Jhum Cultivation. Also famous as an orange-producing community.
At one point, the Lushais were known as a Head Hunter community. During the first part of the 19^th century, most of the Lushai converted to Christianity.
Their Cheraw Dance (Bamboo Dance) is very popular.

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