Question

Which among the following is the name of the wild sun rose species recently discovered by scientists in the Eastern Ghats? (Dec)
1. California Poppy
2. Sweet pea
3. Poinsettia
4. Portulaca lajii
5. Platycodon grandiflorus

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Portulaca lajii

The correct answer is Portulaca lajii.

• Portulaca lajii is the name of the wild sun rose species recently discovered by scientists in the Eastern Ghats.
• The Portulaca lajii was discovered in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.
• The features of this species are-
  • Tuberous Roots
  • No hair in its leaf axis
  • Reddish Pink flowers
  • Prolate-shaped fruits
  • Copper brown seeds without lustre (gentle light)
• This species is named after Lal Ji Singh who was an eminent botanist of the Botanical Survey of India.
• The species has been placed under the “Data Deficient” category of the IUCN List of threatened species.
• The flowers of Portulaca lajii are reddish-pink in color and are very minute of about 0.5 millimeters.
• The Portulaca lajii survives on rocky surfaces with the help of its tuberous roots and its succulent nature.
• Please note that the Sun Rose plants are also called Rock Rose.