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In a remarkable botanical discovery, researchers have identified a new species of coffee plant, Ophiorrhizaechinata, in the biodiversity-rich shola forests of Devikulam, located in the Idukki district of Kerala. The finding underscores the ecological richness of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.

About Ophiorrhizaechinata

• Ophiorrhizaechinata is a newly discovered species belonging to the Rubiaceae family, which also includes the well-known coffee plant (Coffea species).
• The discovery was made by botanists from Sacred Heart College, Thevara, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, and St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and has been published in the Nordic Journal of Botany.
• The plant grows in the ecotone region — the transitional zone between evergreen forests and grasslands — at an altitude of about 1,630 metres above sea level.
• So far, the species has been recorded only from its type locality in Devikulam, with an area of occupancy less than 4 sq. km and a population of around 35 plants, indicating its extremely limited distribution.

Biological Characteristics and Significance

• The species is closely related to Ophiorrhizamungos, commonly known as Indian Snake Root, which has long been used in traditional medicine for its anticancer and anti-venom properties.
• Given this close genetic relationship, researchers believe O. echinata may possess valuable medicinal potential, warranting further phytochemical and pharmacological studies.
• Its presence in the shola ecosystem—a habitat known for high endemism and speciation—highlights the ecological uniqueness and evolutionary importance of such forest environments.

Ecological and Conservation Importance

• The discovery reinforces the Western Ghats’ status as a centre of endemism, particularly for the Rubiaceae family, to which over ten coffee-related species are native in India.
• The limited distribution and small population make O. echinatavulnerable to habitat loss and anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, tourism, and climate change.
• Scientists emphasize the need for urgent habitat conservation measures and in-situ protection to ensure the species’ survival, along with further research on its chemical composition and ecological interactions.

Coffee Diversity in India

• India produced approximately 3.63 lakh metric tonnes of coffee in 2024–25, mainly of Arabica and Robusta varieties.
• However, the discovery of Ophiorrhizaechinata adds to the botanical richness of native coffee-related plants found in the Western Ghats. According to the Coffee Board of India, over 100 coffee plant species are known globally, of which more than ten occur naturally in the Western Ghats region.