Discovery of New Palm Species – Phoenix roxburghii

Context

• Recent botanical studies have reclassified species of the Phoenix genus, originally described in Hortus Malabaricus (17th century treatise by Hendrik van Rheede on Malabar flora).

• Researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata) conducted the study.

Key Findings

1. Katou-Indel (Hortus Malabaricus reference):

   • Identified as Phoenix sylvestris (date palm species).

   • Native to Kerala and Sri Lanka.

   • Reclassification: Three other Phoenix species merged into P. sylvestris.

2. Discovery of a New Species:

   • Palms found in eastern coast of India, Bangladesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Pakistan are distinct.

   • Named Phoenix roxburghii (after William Roxburgh, “Father of Indian Botany”).

Morphological Features of Phoenix roxburghii

• Height: 12–16 metres (taller than P. sylvestris).

• Trunk: Solitary, taller.

• Leaves and leaflets: Larger.

• Flowers: Staminate flowers have a musty scent.

• Fruits: Larger, obovoid, orange-yellow.