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| Madhuca balakrishnanii E.S.S.Kumar, Shailajakumari & Shareef, in Kumar, Shailajakumari & Shareef, 2022. |
Abstract
Madhuca balakrishnanii (Sapotaceae), a new species from Kerala is here described with photographs. It is most closely similar to M. diplostemon and M. insignis but differs in having long stipules, sparsely hairy pedicels, abaxially hairy inner sepals, shorter corolla tubes with oblong lobes, fairly long densely hairy staminal filaments, shorter styles and ovoid fruits. The IUCN conservation status, ecology, distribution and phenology along with a key for the identification of Madhuca species in the Western Ghats is provided.
Keywords: Endemic, Western Ghats, Kerala, Indian flora, Novelty, Eudicots
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| Madhuca balakrishnanii E.S.S.Kumar, Shailajakumari & Shareef. A. Habit, B. Stipule, C. Leaves, D. Twig with flowers and fruits, E. Single flower, F. Calyces and style, G. Outer sepal, H & I. Inner sepal-outer and inner view, J. Petal, K. View of stamens and petals, L. Single stamen, M. Ovary, N & O. T.S.of ovary showing ovules, P. Seeds, Q. Fruiting twig. (Photographs by E.s. santhosh Kumar) |
Madhuca balakrishnanii E.S.S.Kumar, Shailajakumari & Shareef, sp.nov.
Diagnosis:— Madhuca balakrishnanii is easily distinguished from the two allied species, M. diplostemon and M. insignis by its hairy young shoots, fairly long stipules, sparsely hairy pedicels, inner sepals rufous hairy abaxially, shorter corolla tube, fairly long densely hairy staminal filaments, shorter style and ovoid fruit (Table 1).
Etymology:— The new species is named after Late Mr. Balakrishna Pillai (Madathinal Thekkathil, Muzhangodi, Karunagappally, Kollam, Kerala) who preserved this tree species in his premises as ‘star tree’ for several years.
Ettickal Sukumaran Santhosh Kumar, Sreedharan Shailajakumari and Sainudeen Muhammed Shareef. 2022. Madhuca balakrishnanii (Sapotaceae), A New Species from Kerala, India. Phytotaxa. 510(1); 78–82. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.510.1.8
