Plant found that appears to have stolen genes from another species
Earth.com • • general
Key Points:
- Botanists discovered a new plant species, Virectaria stellata, on sandstone cliffs in Guinea, notable for its star-shaped hairs (stellate hairs) which are unprecedented in its family, Rubiaceae.
- The unusual hair structure suggests possible horizontal gene transfer from unrelated plant species like Barleria in the Acanthaceae family, challenging traditional views on plant inheritance and adaptation.
- Researchers plan genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to confirm whether the trait arose from gene transfer or convergent evolution, while considering contamination and other factors.
- Virectaria stellata inhabits narrow, vertical sandstone niches with limited seed dispersal, and although currently assessed as Least Concern, ongoing monitoring is needed due to potential threats like mining and climate change.
