2nd March, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
Scientists have found a new plant species, and its name offers more than just a scientific label – it hints at a poignant tale of conservation and resilience.
● Mujinga-no-shokudai is a small, glass-like white plant that feeds on fungi. ● Scientists found it in the forests of Kobe, Japan – a region where extensive botanical research was common over a century ago. ● This new plant species is extremely rare and has not been seen for nearly 100 years.
● "Mujina-no-shokudai" has several layers of meaning: ● "Mujina" is an old Japanese word for badger, but sometimes is used to indicate raccoon dog (both once common in the area) ● "Shokudai" means candlestick, referencing the plant's resemblance to that object. ● The name reflects the plant's close connection to creatures that nearly vanished but are slowly returning.
● This plant and the animals hinted at in its name depend on a healthy forest ecosystem. ● Their story emphasizes how the interconnectedness of species is crucial for their combined survival.
● Mujinga-no-shokudai’s rediscovery and unique name symbolize how seemingly lost species sometimes cling on. ● This discovery highlights the importance of preserving habitats to give biodiversity a fighting chance.