Glycosmis Albicarpa, new gin berry species discovered.

Why in news?

• A team of scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of Gin Berry, named Glycosmis albicarpa, from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu(TN). The new species with distinct large white fruit is identified to be endemic to the Southern Western Ghats.
• The new species was found in Tirunelveli semi-evergreen forests at the Panagudi forest section of the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Features of Glycosmis albicarpa:

• The new species Glycosmis albicarpa, an evergreen small tree, belongs to the family Rutaceae (Orange family).
• The new species have short and broadly lanceolate leaves, short (3-5 mm long) peduncles, clawed petals and broadly ovoid white fruits.
• The berries of Glycosmis species have the unique characteristic of ‘gin aroma’ and have gained in popularity as an edible fruit.
• It is also a larval host plant for butterflies like other species of Glycosmis.
• Threat: habitat modification causes a major threat to the survival of this species.