World’s longest banana inflorescence found in the forests of Andamans, Pg14

A 4.2-metre-long inflorescence (cluster of flowers) was discovered in a wild banana species (Musa indandamanensis) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• This is the longest banana inflorescence ever recorded worldwide.

• The species is endemic to the Andaman region and was first recorded in 2012 from Krishna Nala reserve forest.

• It has been classified as ‘Critically Endangered’.

• Specimens are on display at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and Andaman-Nicobar Regional Centre.

• Ex-situ conservation efforts include sapling plantations in Howrah, Prayagraj, and Andamans.

• The Campbell Bay specimen showed the largest girth (~110 cm) among all trees observed, though height remained constant at 11 meters.

• Typically, cultivated banana inflorescences are about 1 metre long, whereas the wild species from ANI is significantly longer.

• The study was published in the Botany Letters journal and contributes to botanical records of wild genetic diversity.

• Inflorescence: A cluster or group of flowers arranged on a stem.

• Ex-situ conservation: Conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats.

• Endemic species: Species restricted to a particular geographic location.

• Important for genetic conservation, biodiversity protection, and crop breeding programmes.

• Offers a natural gene source for developing high-yielding and disease-resistant banana cultivars.

• Enhances India’s profile in global biodiversity records.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the importance of documenting endemic and rare plant species in biodiversity hotspots like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with reference to their role in sustainable agriculture and conservation.