Leucas droupadiae

UPSC Reference Category: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity | New Species

Key Facts

  • Newly described plant species.
  • Family → Lamiaceae.
  • Discovered on the Coromandel Coast.
  • Location → Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Habitat → coastal sand dunes/sandy habitats.
  • Small erect herb, around 15 cm tall.
  • Specific epithet honours Droupadi Murmu, President of India.

Why Important?

Coastal dune ecosystems are important for:

  • Coastal stabilisation
  • Biodiversity
  • Protection against erosion
  • Habitat for specialised flora.

Key Pointer

Leucas droupadiae → Lamiaceae → Cuddalore → Coromandel Coast → Tamil Nadu