A group of scientists has discovered a new plant species in the Idamalakkudy colony in Idukki, which is Home to the Muthuvar tribal Population.
Highlights:
The plant was discovered by a team of scientists from the University of Kerala and the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical and Research Institute (TBGRI).
Cryptocaria Muthuvariana, a new species of the plant named after the Muthuvar tribal group, has been discovered.
The Muthuvar Traibal community is vital to the forest’s preservation.
For the first time in the state’s HISTORY, a plant species has been named after a local tribe.
The Cryptocarya Muthuvariana tree belongs to the Cryptocarya genus. The tree reaches a height of 10 to 15 metres. It has leaves that aren’t very wide.
Muthuvans were Madurai dynasty’s faithful subjects. When the dynasty was overthrown, the remaining royal members fled to Travancore, Kerala.
While travelling, they took idols of Madurai Meenakshi, the royal family’s goddess. In Tamil Nadu, the word’muthuvar’ is used to refer to the same community.
Muthuvans are one of the country’s oldest tribes. This group is self-sufficient and averse to interacting with outsiders.
Ragi, lemon grass, and cardamom are among the Plants they cultivate.