Sonerila anaimudica Lundin & B. Nordenstam from Kerala
Vulnerable (VU), small succulent herb, and the usually single terminal flower has very obtuse or even retuse obovate petals with glandular margins.
S. coriacea Lundin & B. Nordenstam from Tamil Nadu
Endangered (EN) woody succulent herb with a coriaceous layer on the stems, coriaceous leaves, and showy racemose flowers.
Abstract
The two new species Sonerila anaimudica Lundin & B. Nordenstam and S. coriacea Lundin & B. Nordenstam, from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, respectively, are recognized in connection with a taxonomic revision of the South Indian species of Sonerila Roxburgh (Melastomataceae). Descriptions, discussions, and illustrations are provided. Both species are endemic to the Western Ghats in South India. Sonerila anaimudica is a small succulent herb, and the usually single terminal flower has very obtuse or even retuse obovate petals with glandular margins. Sonerila coriacea is a somewhat woody succulent herb with a coriaceous layer on the stems, coriaceous leaves, and showy racemose flowers. Both species have restricted distribution and small populations and are regarded as Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN), respectively, based on IUCN Red List criteria.
Keywords: IUCN Red List, Melastomataceae, Sonerila, South India, Western Ghats
Figure 1. Sonerila anaimudica Lundin & B. Nordenstam.
Figure 2. Sonerila coriacea Lundin & B. Nordenstam.
Lundin, R. and Nordenstam, B. 2009. Two New Species of Sonerila (Melastomataceae) from South India. Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature. 19(1):76-79. DOI: 10.3417/2004198
