Udaipur, September 24 (Udaipur Kiran News): Rajasthan’s biodiversity has gained a remarkable addition with the first-ever recording of a new Khirni species in Udaipur district. The newly identified species, Wrightia dolichocarpa, known for its suitability in toy-making, was discovered by former forest officer and environmentalist Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma along with field biologist Dr. Anil Sarasavan from the Foundation for Ecological Security. The species was found in the Ubeshwar forest area and Obra Khurd village in Gogunda tehsil. With this discovery, Udaipur now hosts three species of the Wrightia genus.

Udaipur’s Toy-Making Legacy
Historically, Udaipur was renowned nationwide for toys crafted from Khirni wood. Traditionally, artisans used two species — Wrightia tinctoria (Khirni) and Wrightia tomentosa (Khurna). The newly recorded Wrightia dolichocarpa is being seen as a continuation of this heritage, potentially reviving Udaipur’s traditional craft.

Rediscovery After 55 Years
The species was first scientifically documented in 1969 at Bontawane in the Dadra and Nagar Haveli region by botanists K. Bahadur and S.S.R. Bennet, with their findings published in 1978. Now, nearly 55 years later, the species has been identified in Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in the state’s botanical research.

Unique Features and Scientific Importance
While Wrightia dolichocarpa resembles Wrightia tinctoria in appearance, it is distinguished by its unusually long fruits. The fruits of W. tinctoria typically range from 15 to 50 centimetres, while those of W. dolichocarpa measure between 60 and 96 centimetres, making the plant easily recognisable from a distance.

The detailed findings have been published in the latest issue (Vol. 14, Issue 1) of the Journal on New Biological Reports, offering fresh insights into Rajasthan’s botanical diversity and contributing to the scientific understanding of the state’s flora.