Vijayawada: A newly identified plant species found in the Eastern Ghats along Tirupati district has been officially named Croton Ubbalamadugensis by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who handles the forest and environment department. Belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, the species was named after its natural habitat near the picturesque Ubbalamadugu waterfalls in the Kambakam hill ranges. Scientists say the discovery highlights the extraordinary floral diversity of the Eastern Ghats and underscores the need for continued botanical exploration and conservation in the region. The species was identified by principal chief conservator of forests PV Chalapathi Rao and his team during extensive botanical surveys conducted across the Eastern Ghats. Researchers have classified Croton Ubbalamadugensis as an endangered species because of its highly restricted distribution and the increasing threats to its natural habitat.