New wild brinjal species ‘Solanum pandeyi’ discovered in Andaman’s evergreen forests
Scientists have recorded a new species of wild brinjal from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, adding to India’s plant diversity. The discovery was made by a scientist from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in one of the remote islands of the archipelago.
The species, named Solanum pandeyi, was found growing in the evergreen forests of Middle Andaman. Lal Ji Singh, Head of the BSI Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, recorded the plant during a field survey. According to Dr. Singh, the plant was spotted growing in the open along forest edges.
Locally, the plant is known as “wild orange eggplant” due to the color and shape of its fruit. The discovery highlights the rich, unexplored biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which continue to yield new species of flora.
Taxonomically, the new brinjal belongs to the Solanum genus, the same group that includes cultivated brinjal, tomato, and potato. Wild relatives like Solanum pandeyi are often important for crop improvement, as they can carry traits for disease resistance, drought tolerance, or unique nutrients.
BSI scientists say detailed studies on the plant’s genetics, ecology, and potential uses are underway. The finding has been documented for scientific records and conservation assessment.
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, with its isolated evergreen forests, remains a hotspot for new botanical discoveries. This latest find adds Solanum pandeyi to the growing list of species unique to India’s island territories.
