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| Lysionotus ziroensis Nampy, Nikhil, Amrutha & Akhil, in Akhil, Krishna, Amrutha & Nampy, 2021. |
Abstract
During a taxonomic revision of Lysionotus (Gesneriaceae) in India, a new species was found in Arunachal Pradesh that is described here. Lysionotus ziroensis resembles Lysionotus atropurpureus and Lysionotus sessilifolius, but differs markedly by its habit, leaf color, shape of bracts, appendages of anther connectives, etc. We provide a description, illustration, pictures, and information about the habitat of the new species. L. ziroensis is confined to a small area of the Lower Subansiri district, and further explorations are necessary to confirm the conservation status and is provisionally assessed here as “Data Deficient” in accordance with IUCN criteria.
Keywords: Data Deficient, IUCN, Lysionotus sect. Lysionotus, Lysionotus ziroensis, Ziro
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| Lysionotus ziroensis Nampy, Nikhil, Amrutha & Akhil: A, Flowering twig; B, Flower; C, Bracts; D, Calyx; E, Corolla split open; F, Glandular hairs on the inside of the corolla; G, Stamen also see gland dotted anther connective appendages; H, Pistil showing disc at base; I, Dehisced capsule. Drawn by Akhil M. K. based on Nikhil Krishna & Amrutha A. 159843 (CALI). |
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| Lysionotus ziroensis Nampy, Nikhil, Amrutha & Akhil: A, Habitat; B, Habit; C, Leaf abaxial surface; D, Flowering twig; E, Flower; F, Flower split open; G, Bracts; H, Calyx; I, Stamen, see glands on the connective; J, Disc; K, Pistil. Photos by Nikhil Krishna & Amrutha A. |
Lysionotus ziroensis Nampy, Nikhil, Amrutha & Akhil, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Lysionotus ziroensis can be easily distinguished from the morphologically allied L. atropurpureus and L. sessilifolius, by its serrate-spinose leaf margins, vinaceous color of leaves abaxially, ovate to ovate-lanceolate bracts, pale green calyx and gland dotted anther connectives. In L. atropurpureus, the leaves are denticulate and pale green abaxially, bracts linear, calyx purplish, and anther connectives unappendaged, whereas in L. sessilifolius, the leaves are serrate and pale green abaxially, bracts lanceolate or ovate-obovate, calyx purplish, and anther connectives unappendaged.
Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the type locality ‘Ziro’ in Arunachal Pradesh.
Habitat. It is a subshrub in shady forest margins, growing epiphytically on large trees with drooping branches. The roots attach firmly on moist mulchy branch clefts along with mosses and Procris crenata C. B. Rob. (Urticaceae).
Mannar Kandy Akhil, Nikhil Krishna, Athalappil Amrutha and Santhosh Nampy. 2021. A New Species of Lysionotus (Gesneriaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 14(1); 116-120. DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2020.09.009
