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| Typhonium morangense R.Ojha & S.Rai, in Ojha, Rai et Schneider, 2025. |
Abstract
A new species of the aroid genus Typhonium Schott has been discovered in Eastern Nepal. This species, named Typhonium morangense R.Ojha & S.Rai, is described based on comparative morphological examinations with closely related species from the Indian subcontinent. The new species is currently known only from Pathari Shanishchare Municipality in the Morang district of Eastern Nepal. It is the second species of Typhonium observed in Nepal, and the only one endemic to the country. A detailed description, color plate, geographic distribution, phenology, and morphological comparison of the new species with morphologically close species are provided. Given its restricted range and the low number of individuals observed in the wild, this species requires special attention from conservation biologists working in Eastern Nepal.
Key words: Bulbils, Koshi Province, Morang, Typhonium inopinatum
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| Typhonium morangense sp. nov. A whole plant B different forms of leaf blade C bulbils D inflorescence E male zone F female zone and staminodes G longitudinal section of appendix H fruits. |
Typhonium morangense R.Ojha & S.Rai, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Typhonium morangense is morphologically closely related to T. inopinatum but it differs significantly from the latter species in having (1) smaller habit, 10–24 cm height (vs. 10–45 cm in T. inopinatum); (2) globose bulbils on top of petiole and leaves (vs. bulbils absent); (3) a sessile appendix (vs. subsessile); (4) thick, sickle-shaped staminodes (vs. filiform); (5) staminodes half curved downwards (vs. horizontally spread or, slightly curved); (6) ovary white (vs. yellowish) and (7) stigma pink (vs. yellow).
Etymology: The specific epithet is based on the locality of its discovery, the Morang district of Eastern Nepal.
Rijan Ojha, Sudeep Rai and Harald Schneider. 2025. Typhonium morangense (Araceae), A New Species from the tropical forest of Eastern Nepal. PhytoKeys. 252: 1-7. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.134081
