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| Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali, in Chowdhury, Hajong, Wood et Bharali, 2026. |
Abstract
Strobilanthes grandidentata, a new species from the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is described and illustrated. A detailed discussion of its morphological similarities and dissimilarities with closely allied taxa is provided. It is accompanied by photographs, as well as notes on distribution, habitat and conservation status. The new species is assigned as ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) following the IUCN (2024) guidelines.
Keyword: Dibang Valley, Eastern Himalaya, Goldfussia, Mishmi Hills, Strobilanthes pentastemenoides, Strobilanthes sumatrana
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| Strobilanthes grandidentata sp. nov. A. Habit, B. Leaf, C. Inflorescence, D. Flower bud, E. Bract, F. Bracteoles, G. Calyx, H. Split-open corolla, I. Androecium, J. Gynoecium, K. Stigma, L. Ovary. Photos by Sambit Chowdhury |
Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: A very distinctive new species that has the diagnostic “Goldfussia” androecium in which the anthers are suborbicular to ellipsoid with the shorter (inner) pair incurved. The form of its inflorescence suggests an affinity with species with a similar capitellate inflorescence such as Strobilanthes pentastemenoides (Nees) T.Anderson but the persistent, green herbaceous bracts and presence of bracteoles (vs. bracts caducous, near colourless, scarious and bracteoles absent) are very different. Morphologically it is perhaps closest to the Sumatran species, S. sumatrana Miq., in its corolla size and indumentum, calyx size and indumentum and the shape of its bracts but is readily distinguished by the presence of bracteoles (vs. absent) and persistent bracts (vs. caducous). The new species is also distinctive in its apparently unique shiny leaves with brochidodromous venation, oblique base, large marginal teeth and winged petiole.
Sambit Chowdhury, Bipankar Hajong, John Richard Ironside Wood and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Taiwania. 71(3); 483-487 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.483 [2026 May 25]
