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| Gymnostachyum mundanthuraiensis K.M.P.Kumar & Diksha, in Diksha, Satheshkumar, Rana et Prabhukumar. 2025. |
Abstract
A new species of Gymnostachyum Nees (Acanthaceae), G. mundanthuraiensis K.M.P.Kumar & Diksha, sp. nov. from the evergreen forests of Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, southern part of Western Ghats, India is described here.
Keyword: Gymnostachyum latifolium, Gymnostachyum pubescens, Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, south India, Tamil Nadu
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| Gymnostachyum mundanthuraiensis K.M.P.Kumar & Diksha, sp. nov. A. Flowering twig; B. Inflorescence; C. Bract; D. Bracteole; E. Bud; F. Flower; G. Calyx; H. Corolla; I. Androecium; J. Anther (insight: anther with glandular hairs); K. Gynoecium; L. Ovary (insight: showing the glandular hairs); M. Capsule: young; N. Capsule: mature; O. Dehisced capsule showing seeds and retinacula; P. Seeds (Photos: KM Prabhukumar & Diksha Kumari). |
Gymnostachyum mundanthuraiensis K.M.P.Kumar & Diksha, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Gymnostachyum mundanthuraiensis sp nov. shows morphological resemblance with G. pubescens by having quadrangular pubescent stem, leaves puberulent on both sides, pubescent bract and bracteoles, stamens held within the corolla lobe, glabrous filament, ovary with glandular hairs and hairy seeds. But is distinct from the G. pubescens by means of lamina with margin entire (vs. serrate to serrulate), purple flower (vs. creamy yellow with blue blotch on the throat), glandular hairy anthers (vs. glabrous) and glabrous style (vs. hairy). More detailed characters are provided in Table 1.
Etymology: The new species is named after its type locality Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India
Kumari Diksha, Chinnappan Satheshkumar, Tikam Singh Rana and Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar. 2025. Gymnostachyum mundanthuraiensis (Acanthaceae), A New Species from the Western Ghats, India. Taiwania. 70(1); 55-57. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.55
