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| Chrysopogon densipaniculatus Landge & A.P.Tiwari, in Tiwari & Landge, 2022. Photography by: Shahid Nawaz & Arjun Tiwari |
Abstract
Chrysopogon densipaniculatus, a remarkable new species has been described and illustrated from Korba district of Chhattisgarh, India. The species is allied to C. serrulatus but may be distinguished by the dense panicle inflorescence, glandular peduncle, upper lemma and palea of the pedicelled spikelet bi-dentate to tridentate, the latter of which is reduced a minute scale. Detailed morphological description, distribution, habitat and ecology, illustration of floral parts and colour photographs, IUCN conservation status and relevant taxonomic notes of the species are provided. A key for the identification of Chrysopogon species in India is also given to facilitate the proper identification.
Keywords: Endemic species, Critically Endangered, Chhattisgarh, Gramineae, Taxonomy, Monocots
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| Chrysopogon densipaniculatus Landge & A.P.Tiwari, A. Habit. B. Branch bearing axillary and terminal inflorescence. C1. Panicle. C2. Sessile & Pedicelled spikelets. D1. Ligule. D2. Sheath without keel. E. Basal portion with cataphylls (Photography by: Shahid Nawaz & Arjun Tiwari) |
Chrysopogon densipaniculatus Landge & A.P.Tiwari, sp. nov.
Diagnosis:— It is a very distinct species, may easily be distinguished by the presence of transverse glandular patches on the laterally compressed peduncle; very dense panicle inflorescence i.e. 15 × 8.0 (–10) cm; 35–76 racemes from the lower nodes on rhachis; rhachis terminally divided; leaf blades ca. 90 × 2.0 cm, indistinct from the sheath (quite continuous); sheaths distinctly terete not keeled; lemma and palea in the pedicelled spikelet bi-dentate to tridentate, the latter of which is reduced to a minute scale, ca. 1.0 mm long.
Etymology:— The epithet “densipaniculatus” alludes to the nature of highly dense panicle inflorescence.
Distribution:— Chhattisgarh, Korba district, Chaiturgarh hills, India. Hitherto, it is the only locality where this species occurs, apparently endemic to the region.
Arjun Prasad Tiwari and Shahid Nawaz Landge. 2022. Chrysopogon densipaniculatus (Poaceae: Andropogoneae): A New Species from India. Phytotaxa. 538(3); 241-248. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.538.3.7
