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| Mussaenda conferta Sujana &Vadhyar, in Sujana et Vadhyar, 2023 |
Abstract
Mussaenda conferta, a new monomorphic species from the southern extent of India's Western Ghats Mountain range, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Mussaenda hirsutissima but distinct by its growth form, shape and size of the stipules, calycophylls and fruits. SEM images of the pollen and seeds of the new species are provided here showing (3–)4-colporate grains and the seeds with tubercular thickenings in inner periclinal and anticlinal walls.
Keyword: Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Mussaenda conferta, Mussaenda hirsutissima, pollen, SEM
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| Mussaenda conferta. A. Flowering branch. B. Dorsal view of an inflorescence. C. Stipule. D. Bracts. E. Bracteoles. F. Flower (short-styled). G. Longitudinal section of a flower. H. Fruits. Drawn by A. T. Durgadas. |
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| Mussaenda conferta. A. Habit observed during monsoon. B. Habit observed in the post-monsoon. C. Bark of mature stem and lenticellate younger branches (inset). D. Adaxial surface of leaves. E. Abaxial surface of leaves. F. Flowering twig showing calycophyll and dorsal view of corolla lobes (inset). G. Ventral view of inflorescence. H. Fruits. I. Seeds. |
Mussaenda conferta Sujana &Vadhyar, sp. nov.
Mussaenda conferta is similar to M. hirsutissima but can be distinguished by its erect shrubby growth form (versus climbing in M. hirsutissima), 5–7 mm long shallowly lobed stipules (versus 9–10 mm long and deeply lobed in M. hirsutissima), ovate to orbicular calycophylls (versus ovate-elliptic in M. hirsutissima), sessile inflorescence (versus pedunculate in M. hirsutissima), and sparsely hairy subglobose fruits (versus hirsute and elliptic or globose in M. hirsutissima).
Etymology: The specific epithet 'conferta' refers to the crowded leaves and flowers at the distal end of branchlets during flowering periods
Kanjiraparambil Arjunan Sujana and Rakesh Gopala Vadhyar. 2023. A New Species of Mussaenda (Rubiaceae) from the southern extent of the Western Ghats Mountain Range, India. Taiwania. 68(4); 458-464. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1964
