Pteris madhusoodananii

Why in News?

A new fern species, Pteris madhusoodananii, was formally described in the Nordic Journal of Botany on 30 July 2026. The species is endemic to the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Researchers have preliminarily assessed it as Critically Endangered using the guidelines of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

The discovery highlights the rich but fragile plant diversity of the Eastern Ghats.

About Pteris madhusoodananii

Discovery and Taxonomy

An Indian research team described Pteris madhusoodananii after detailed taxonomic studies. The team included Kalathil Sethumadhavan Abhilash, Alen Alex Philip, Thekkekara Suresh Gayathri, L. Leeja, Sojan Jose, Suresh Veerankutty, and V. K. Sreenivas.

The researchers are affiliated with Government Victoria College, Sri Vyasa NSS College, and Government College Chittur.

The species belongs to the genus Pteris, which is placed in the fern family Pteridaceae. Detailed morphological and microscopic studies helped distinguish the species from closely related members of the genus.

Distinctive Morphological Features

Pteris madhusoodananii possesses stiff, leathery and lustrous deep-green leaves. Researchers identified a distinctive pinna-pinnule architecture in the plant.

Another important feature is a prominent lobe at the base of the lower segments. These characteristics help separate the newly described species from allied Pteris species.

Researchers also examined the fern’s spores using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The spores possess a narrow, wavy-edged belt known as a cingulum. Closely related species reportedly have smoother and wider cingula.

Habitat and Conservation Status

The known population of the fern occurs at only two small locations across approximately 8 square kilometres in the Kolli Hills. The sites lie in an unprotected area, increasing the conservation concerns surrounding the species.

Its extremely restricted distribution makes the species particularly vulnerable to habitat disturbance and other environmental pressures. Based on available population and distribution information, researchers have given it a preliminary Critically Endangered assessment under IUCN criteria.

Related Information

The Eastern Ghats form a discontinuous mountain system along eastern India. Unlike the relatively continuous Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are interrupted by several major rivers and plains.

The Kolli Hills are part of this Eastern Ghats landscape and support diverse plant communities. Discoveries such as Pteris madhusoodananii demonstrate the importance of detailed botanical surveys in biodiversity-rich but comparatively less-protected habitats.

Endemic species have restricted geographical distributions. Such species often face higher extinction risks because habitat loss in a small area can affect a major proportion of their total population.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides highly detailed images of surface structures. In fern taxonomy, it can help researchers examine microscopic features of spores and distinguish closely related species.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Species: Pteris madhusoodananii.
• Type: Newly described fern species.
• Publication: Nordic Journal of Botany.
• Publication Date: 30 July 2026.
• Location: Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu.
• Mountain System: Eastern Ghats.
• Distribution: Endemic to Kolli Hills.
• Preliminary Conservation Assessment: Critically Endangered.
• Genus: Pteris.
• Family: Pteridaceae.
• Distinctive Features: Leathery leaves, distinctive pinna-pinnule structure and basal lobe.
• Spore Feature: Narrow, wavy-edged cingulum.
• Known Sites: Two.
• Known Area: Approximately 8 sq km.
• Habitat: Unprotected area of the Kolli Hills.
• Research Technique: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for spore morphology.
• Endemic: Restricted to a particular geographical region or habitat.