Tuesday, July 9, 2024

[Botany • 2024] Aeschynanthus maoi (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

  

Aeschynanthus maoi Debta & A.Shenoy, 

in Debta, Shenoy, Akhil et Nampy. 2024.   

Abstract
Aeschynanthus maoi, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. wardii and A. bracteatus, but differs from the former by its small (3–5 mm long) boat-like bracts, narrowly ovate or triangular calyx lobes, 1–8 flowered inflorescences, and turbinate staminodes. It differs from the latter by caducous green bracts, short peduncles (0.2–0.8 cm long), and narrowly ovate or triangular green calyx lobes. A detailed description of the new species with color photographs and a comparison to similar species are provided. The new species is evaluated for risk of extinction and provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Aeschynanthus wardii, lipstick plant, Lower Dibang Valley, northeast India, sect. Haplotrichium



Aeschynanthus maoi Debta & A.Shenoy
 
 
Manas Ranjan Debta, Akshath Shenoy, Mannar Kandy Akhil and Santhosh Nampy. 2024. Aeschynanthus maoi, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Brittonia. DOI: 10.1007/s12228-024-09790-2