[Botany • 2026] Osbeckia assamensis (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Assam, Northeast India

 

Osbeckia assamensis  Barn. Das & N. Nath,

in Das et Nath, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.3.8 

 facebook.com: Barnali DAS

Abstract

A new species of Melastomataceae, Osbeckia assamensis, is described here from Assam, northeast India. The new species is morphologically allied to Osbeckia nayarii G.S. Giri but differs in branching pattern, strigose stem, foliar features, inflorescence with 30–35 flowers, hairy calyx margin, presence of intersepalar emergences on the hypanthium, etc. The new species is quite distinct from other Osbeckia species having tetramerous flowers. A detailed taxonomic description, photographic illustration, comparison with allied taxa, and an artificial key to the closely related taxa are provided.

Eudicots, Assam, India, Melastomataceae, new species, Osbeckia, taxonomy

Barnali DAS and Namita NATH. 2026. Osbeckia assamensis, A New Species of Melastomataceae from Assam, Northeast India.  Phytotaxa. 781(3); 291-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.3.8 [2026-10-22] 

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[Botany • 2026] Eriocaulon meghalayense (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from Northeast India, the First Report of a cormous Eriocaulon from India

Eriocaulon meghalayense V.Parveen & Nampy,

in Parveen, Nampy, Mumthas, Vaishnavi, Balakrishnan et Arshad, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.3.7

 

Abstract  

A new species, Eriocaulon meghalayense V.Parveen & Nampy, is described from the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, Northeast India. It is most similar to E. cherrapunjianum but differs in possessing a distinct corm and other traits. It also resembles the cormous species E. cormosum and E. xenopodion, yet can be distinguished by its scapes and seed characteristics. A detailed description, photographs, scanning electron micrographs of the seeds, and a comparison of the key diagnostic characters with allied species are provided. The species is known only from a single locality and is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Monocots, East Khasi Hills, Eriocaulon cherrapunjianum, Eriocaulon meghalayense, geophyte, Meghalaya

VAHIDHA PARVEEN A., SANTHOSH NAMPY, LULU MUMTHAS V.K., VAISHNAVI K.P., ARCHANA BALAKRISHNAN and ARSHAD K. 2026. A New Species of Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae) from Northeast India, the First Report of a cormous Eriocaulon from India.  Phytotaxa. 763(3); 283-291. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.3.7 [2026-06-24]

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens yakandawalarum (Balsaminaceae) • A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka

 

 Impatiens yakandawalarum  Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, 

in Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi, Jayathissa, Gunarathna et Karunarathna, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118  

  facebook.com/BhathiyaGopallawa

Abstract

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov., a new ecalcarate species from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence. The species was discovered on a wet rocky slope at Manna Kathi Ella, Kitulgala, Kegalle District, and represents the first Sri Lankan Impatiens characterized by a consistently ecalcarate lower sepal across the examined population and material. It is distinguished by a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal, a fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ, and glabrous leaves. The flowers superficially resemble those of Impatiens thwaitesii Hook.f. ex Grey-Wilson, while the habit shows similarities to Impatiens janthina Thwaites. A description, illustrations, comparisons, and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Keywords: ecalcarate, endemic species, Kitulgala, lithophyte, fleshy subterranean storage organ

Floral and vegetative morphology of Impatiens yakandawalarum sp. nov.
  A. Flower, frontal view. B. Dissected floral parts showing dorsal petal, lateral petals, lateral sepals. C. Androecium. D. Fruiting capsule. E. Dehisced capsule and seeds. F. Cross section of seed capsule. G. Lower sepal, inner and lateral views. H. Flower, lateral view. I. Flower, rear view. J. Floral bracts. K. Flower buds, lateral and dorsal views. L. Leaf variation, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. M. Leaf margin. N. Habit. O. Basal stem and fibrous roots. P. Longitudinal section of fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ. Q. Fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ with fibrous roots. Scale bars as indicated

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Impatiens yakandawalarum differs from I. thwaitesii in possessing a globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ (vs absent), glabrous leaves (vs pubescent adaxially), terminal 2 – 3-flowered, umbel-like racemes (vs 6- to many-flowered subumbellate racemes), and a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal with a linear series of purplish-pink internal spots (vs a spurred lower sepal without such a linear series). It differs from I. janthina in its branched, 4 – 6 mm thick stem, terminal 2 – 3-flowered racemes with peduncles 5 – 16 cm long, completely ecalcarate lower sepal, and elongate-fusiform capsules.

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Professor Deepthi Yakandawala and Professor Kapila Yakandawala for their contributions to plant taxonomy, systematics, forestry, conservation and botanical research in Sri Lanka. As the epithet commemorates two people sharing the surname Yakandawala, yakandawalarum is formed as a genitive plural by adding -rum to a personal name ending in -a, in accordance with Art. 60.8 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al., 2025). 

Proposed common names E. Kitulgala Balsam,
S. කිතුල්ගල කූඩලු

Bhathiya Gopallawa, S. I. Hapuarachchi, Chathura Jayathissa, S. S. Gunarathna and Peshala Pasan Karunarathna. 2026. A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science. 55(4); 1424-1433. DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118 [Sep 30, 2026] 

  facebook.com/BhathiyaGopallawa/posts/28540718478914200

  facebook.com/PeshalaPasanKarunarathna/posts/28437253622595529

[Botany • 2020] Memecylon nervosum (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from South INDIA

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, 

in Vadhyar, Benjamin et Sujana, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524

Abstract
Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, a new species of Melastomataceae from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated. It is compared with the closely allied Memecylon heyneanum Benth. and Memecylon jambosioides Wight.

Keywords: India, Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Melastomataceae, Memecylon nervosum

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.
A, Plants in their naturalhabitat; B, leaf (adaxial view); C, leaf (abaxial view); D, inflorescence; E, flowers; F–J, fruit atdifferent stages of development. 

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet alludes to the presence of prominently raised lateral andintramarginal veins on the lower surface of the lamina.

 R. G. Vadhyar, J. H. F. Benjamin and K. A. Sujana. 2020. MEMECYLON NERVOSUM (MELASTOMATACEAE), A New Species from South INDIA. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77(3); DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050 [27 April 2020]

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524_MEMECYLON_NERVOSUM_A_NEW_SPECIES_from_SOUTH_INDIA

[Botany • 2026] Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae) • A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Sarkar, Gap, Rai et Kumar, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7  

 facebook.com/DipuBORAH2

Abstract

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov. is described from Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species is morphologically allied to G. putaoensis but differs in having a broadly obovate basal part of the labellum with 6–7 prominent longitudinally thickened structures, and a distinct, thick, strongly incurved, narrowly oblong-ligulate, yellow apical part that is minutely papillate, with the apex rounded to obtuse (vs. an elliptic basal part with 3–5 parallel thickened lines, and a narrower apical part densely covered with yellow hairs, with the apex obtuse and densely covered with red papillae). A detailed morphological description, diagnosis, photographic illustrations, notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status, together with comparisons with morphologically allied species, are provided to facilitate its identification.

Monocots, Ghost orchid, Mycoheterotroph, New to Science, Orchid, Taxonomy

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov.

MADHUSUDHAN KHANAL, DIPANKAR BORAH, SHUVADIP SARKAR, NEELAM GAP, SANTOSH KUMAR RAI and DEVENDRA KUMAR. 2026. Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 773(3); 289-295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7 [2026-09-09]

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[Botany • 2026] Begonia neelamorum (Begoniaceae, sect. Monophyllon) • A remarkable New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

 

 Begonia neelamorum  D.Borah & M.Khanal,

in Borah, Khanal, Taram et Gap, 2026.

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2210 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal, sect. Monophyllon, is described as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It closely resembles B. prolifera A.DC. in having a globose tuber, a single, sessile, basifixed leaf with a uniformly light-green lamina, an inflorescence which arises from the base of the sessile leaf blade, and white staminate and pistillate flowers, but differs in its glandular-hispid indumentum, terete stem, ovate lamina with double-serrate margins, a dichasial cyme and shorter styles. The species description is accompanied by illustrations and photographs, and information is provided on its distribution, phenology, ecology, preliminary conservation assessment and similarity to other species.

Keyword: Arunachal Pradesh, Begonia kayinensis, Begonia oyuniae, Begonia prolifera, Himalaya, Monophyllon, new species

 Begonia neelamorum. A. Habit; B. Flowering branch; C. Inflorescence; D-E. Male flowers, front and back views; F. Female flower, side view, G. Female flower, front view; H. Styles; I. Androecium.

(D.Borah, M.Khanal and G.Neelam 2267)

 Begonia neelamorum. A-C. Habitat

Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal, sp. nov. 

sect. Monophyllon

 Diagnosis: Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal is most similar to B. prolifera A.DC. in having a globose tuber, a single, sessile, basifixed leaf with a uniformly light-green lamina, an inflorescence from the base of the lamina and a symmetric or subsymmetric, cordate leaf bases, but differs in its glandular-hispid indumentum (vs. glabrous to subglabrous), stem terete (vs. adaxially grooved), ovate lamina with double-serrate margins (vs. orbicular-cordate lamina with dentate to slightly incised margins, sometimes tuberculate at the edges), dichasial cymes (vs. thyrsoid cyme), shorter styles, 1 mm long (vs. 3 mm)

Etymology: The specific epithet honours the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, who assisted in the collection of the species during a particularly treacherous expedition. Neelam is also the name of the village inhabited by members of the clan and is among the nearest villages to the type locality from which the species was collected. 

Vernacular name: Kobiirhopu Baabrai (Nyishi) 

 Dipankar Borah, Madhusudhan Khanal, Momang Taram and Neelam Gap. 2026. Begonia neelamorum (Begoniaceae sect. Monophyllon), A remarkable New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. Taiwania. 71(4); 617-620. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.617 [05 August 2026]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2210 

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[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus nautiyalii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Didymocarpus nautiyalii M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Taram, Das, Rai, Rawat et Kumar, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2215

Abstract

Didymocarpus nautiyalii M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar (Gesneriaceae) is described as a new species from Shi-Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. It resembles D. albiflorus Souvann. & Phonep. in its habit, leaves, few-flowered inflorescences and slightly pouched infundibuliform corolla with an expanded mouth, but differs in its much shorter stem, sessile to very short petioles, coriaceous lamina, 1–3-flowered cymes, smaller campanulate calyx, shorter bluish-purple corolla, and a glabrous ovary. The species is assessed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keyword: Didymocarpoideae, Didymocarpus albiflorus, Didymocarpus nautiyalii, Eastern Himalaya, endemic

Madhusudhan Khanal, Dipankar Borah, Momang Taram, Niku Das, Santosh Kumar Rai, Sandeep Rawat, Devendra Kumar. 2026. A New Species of Didymocarpus Wall. (Gesneriaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Taiwania. 71(4); 649-654 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.649 [2026 August 13]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2215

[Botany • 2026] Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India

 

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja,

in Alen, Abhilash, Gayathri, Arya, Kumar, Sojan, Suresh, Antony et Leeja, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 

 Abstract

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova (Selaginellaceae) is described as a new lycophyte species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It morphologically resembles S. tenera, but can be distinguished by its small habit, basal rhizophores, median leaf traits, lack of vegetative buds and tapering strobili. The taxonomic delimitation is strongly supported by multivariate morphometric analysis (PCA) of macro- and micromorphological traits. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcL gene places S. jobii as a sister to S. miniatospora. Growing on shaded laterite habitats in Palakkad, the species has an Area of Occupancy of less than 10 km2. Consequently, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria.

Selaginella jobii (from the holotype).
— A: Habit. — B: Rhizophore. — C: Stem. — D: Axillary leaf. — E: Lateral leaf. — F: Median leaf. — G: Strobili, dorsal view. — H: Strobili, ventral view. — I: Ventral sporophyll with megasporangium. — J: Ventral sporophyll with microsporangium. — K: Dorsal sporophyll with microsporangium.

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova  

Etymology. The specific epithet jobii honours Dr Joseph Job, retired Associate Professor of Botany, St. Berchmans College, Changanassery, Kerala, India. An exemplary educator, Dr Job inspired numerous students, including the first author, to pursue science.

Diagnosis. Selaginella jobii is morphologically similar to S. tenera and S. miniatospora, but can be distinguished by its lean, non-spreading habit with exclusively basal rhizophores, tapering strobili featuring a distinct apical microsporangiate zone, and regular verrucate ornamentation on the megaspores. A comprehensive morphological comparison of these taxa is provided in Table 1.

Alex Philip Alen, Kalathil Sethumadhavan Abhilash, Thekkekara Suresh Gayathri, Sindhu Arya, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anil Kumar, Jose Sojan, Veerankutty Suresh, Raju Antony and Lakshmanan Leeja. 2026. Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae), A New Species from Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1);201-211. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 (13 August 2026)  

[Botany • 2026] Pimpinella pygmaea (Apiaceae) • A New Species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Pimpinella pygmaea  A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana, 

in Sajan, Shibu et Sujana, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0110

Abstract

Pimpinella pygmaea A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana (Apiaceae) is described as a new species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. It shares morphological similarities with P. candolleana, P. leschenaultii and P. tomentosa, but can be distinguished from them by several morphological features, including plant height, leaf size and shape, number and size of rays, number of flowers, and surface of the schizocarp. A detailed description, including habitat, phenology, photographs and scanning electron micrographs of the schizocarp, is provided.

Pimpinella pygmaea.
 — A: Habit and habitat. — B: Habit with associated plants. — C: Vegetative stage with basal leaves. — D: Inflorescence. — E: Infructescence. A—C photographed at the type locality 6 December 2025.

Pimpinella pygmaea (from the holotype).
— A and B: Habit. — C: Basal leaf. — D: Adaxial view of the lamina of basal leaf. — E: Abaxial view of the lamina of basal leaf. — F: Lower cauline leaf. — G: Upper cauline leaf. — H: Abaxial view of involucral bract. — I: Adaxial view of involucral bract. — J: Involucel bracteole. — K: Mature flower bud. — L: Single flower. — M: Petals. — N: Stamens. — O: Gynoecium. — P: Immature fruit with stylopodium. — Q: Carpophore. — R: Schizocarp. — S: Dorsal view of mericarp. — T: Lateral view of mericarp. — U: Ventral view of mericarp. — V: Cross-section of mericarp.

Pimpinella pygmaea A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana, sp. nova 

Etymology. The specific epithet pygmaea is derived from the Latin word pygmaeus, meaning dwarf, in reference to the small size of the species.

Akhil Sajan, Navya Shibu and Kanjiraparambil Arjunan Sujana. 2026. Pimpinella pygmaea (Apiaceae), A New Species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 63-69. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0110 [27 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Gaultheria watsonii (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Sikim Himalaya

 

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha,

in Maity, Halder, Saha, Panda, Jha et Pradhan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3606

Abstract

A new species of Gaultheria L. (Ericaceae) from the Sikkim Himalaya, Gaultheria watsonii, is described and illustrated. This species is  morphologically most similar to Gaultheria heteromera in terms of habit, especially in its procumbent branchlets and tetramerous flowers. However, it can be readily distinguished from all other known species of the genus, including Gaultheria heteromera, by its unique combination of morphological characters, namely prostrate habit with procumbent branchlets, adaxially smooth and smaller leaf blades with strongly acute and mucronulate apices, pseudoterminal 2- to 4-flowered racemes, longer rachis, shorter pedicel, 4-merous flowers, and ovary sparsely white hispidulous with conspicuously 8- to 10-lobed discs. Based on its limited geographical distribution and the continuing decline in habitat quality, the conservation status of the new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Critically Endangered (CR), Gaultheria series Leucothoides (Airy Shaw) D. J. Middleton, Himalaya, IUCN

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha, sp. nov.
 A, Habit and habitat; B, inflorescence; C, flower.

Photographs: A. K. Halder.

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha, sp. nov.

The new species is most similar to Gaultheria heteromera, from which it differs by having smaller leaf blades (4–10 × 3–5 mm vs 8–25(–30) × 5–14 mm), strongly acute leaf apex (vs obtuse), smaller petioles (0.5–0.75 mm vs 1–3 mm), pseudoterminal racemes (vs pseudoterminal and axillary), longer rachis (5–15 mm vs 3–6(–10) mm), shorter pedicel (1–1.75 mm vs 3–6 mm), bract and bracteoles with margins densely ciliolate (vs eciliolate), 8 stamens (vs 8 or 9), and ovary with conspicuous shallowly lobed disc (vs disc absent). In Gaultheria heteromera the veins on the adaxial surface of leaves are distinctly impressed, forming prominent reticulations, whereas in the new species although sometimes the midvein is slightly depressed adaxially, the secondary and tertiary veins are not impressed and thus the upper surface appears smooth. Moreover, in Gaultheria watsonii the ovary is sparsely white-hispidulous, whereas in G. heteromera the ovary is densely hispidulous.

D. Maity, A. K. Halder, S. Saha, S. Panda, B. K. Jha and D. K. Pradhan. 2026. GAULTHERIA WATSONII (ERICACEAE): A New Species from Sikim HIMALAYA. EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 83, 3606. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3606 [2026-08-24]

[Botany • 2022] Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

 

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu,  

in Harishma, Mohan et Nampy, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/359299628

Abstract  

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Monocots, Data Deficient, Eriocaulon quinquangulare, Eriocaulon truncatum, Idukki district, Koymanchola

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu sp. nov.

Kuttukaran Haridasan HARISHMA, Vishnu MOHAN and Santhosh NAMPY. 2022. Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India.  Phytotaxa. 539(3); 273-279. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6

 Researchgate.net/publication/359299628_Eriocaulon_pandeyana_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

[Botany • 2026] Anaphalis rosmarinifolia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

  

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia  Remya, K.M.P.Kumar & Maya, 

in Remya, Prabhukumar, Muhsina, Kanakambika, Smitha et Maya. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10354-0 

Summary

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia, a new species of Asteraceae, from the slopes of stream banks of montane grasslands of the southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India, is described and illustrated. The new species exhibits morphological affinities with its allied taxon, Anaphalis marcescens, in its habit, leaf shape, heterogamous and disciform capitula and 16, uniseriate, free, barbellate pappus bristles. However, it differs in habitat preference, coriaceous leaf texture, glabrous adaxial leaf surface, acute recurved leaf apex, sheathed leaf base, number of rows of phyllaries, type and nature of receptacle, number of florets and glandular indumentum in cypselae. A description of the new species, along with details on distribution and ecology and an illustration, colour photographs and comparison with its allied taxa, using SEM data of cypselae, are provided.

Key Words: Anaphalis marcescens, endemism, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, stenoendemic.

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia. A & B habit; C leaf, adaxial surface; D leaf, abaxial surface; E inflorescence; F foliar bract, adaxial surface; G foliar bract, abaxial surface; H capitulum; J – Q phyllaries; R receptacle, aerial review; S pistillate floret; T bisexual floret; U stamens; V pistil; W & X dimorphic pappus; Y cypsela.

photos: S. Remya & C. N. Maya.

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia Remya, K.M.P.Kumar & Maya sp. nov. 

Recognition. The new species is morphologically similar to Anaphalis marcescens (Wight) C.B.Clarke (Fig. 4) in overall habit, capitula type and the number, type and arrangement of pappus bristles. It differs from the latter by its habitat preference of wet rocks on the stream banks of montane grasslands (vs mud cliffs of montane grasslands in A. marcescens); coriaceous linear leaves (vs membranaceous linear); sheathing leaf base (vs decurrent); glabrous adaxial leaf surface (vs sparsely arachnoid midrib); leaf apex

Etymology. The specific epithet is based on the similarity of its leaves with those of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), a medicinal and culinary plant in the Lamiaceae.

 

S. Remya, K. M. Prabhukumar, A. A. Muhsina, G. Kanakambika, M. Smitha and C. N. Maya. 2026. Anaphalis rosmarinifolia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae): A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10354-0 [30 July 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae) • A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India

 

Rubus kashmiricus   

in Sofi, Khuroo, Lateef, Moochi et Wani, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.770.1.2 

  x.com/Khuroo_Kashmir

 

Abstract

Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), is described here as a new species from the Kashmir Himalaya, India. The species is distinct from its closely allied species R. niveus in possessing pedately-pinnate leaves on primocanes, 7–9-foliate with an obovate terminal leaflet, inflorescence paniculiform, flower larger (13–20 mm diam.), sepals reflexed at or after anthesis, petals spreading and non-overlapping, nearly equal in length to the sepals, stamens shorter than petals as well as carpels, ovary glabrous with a few hairs only at apex and fruit comprising 1–4 drupelets. Detailed photographic illustrations and comparison of its diagnostic characters with the allied taxa are provided to aid accurate identification.

Eudicots, Rosales, Species discovery, Systematic, Taxonomy

  

SAMEER A. SOFI, ANZAR AHMAD KHUROO, SHAGUFTA LATEEF, SHAKIR A. MOOCHI, AIJAZ A. WANI. 2026. Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 770(1); 20-28. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.770.1.2 [2026-08-14] 

 x.com/Khuroo_Kashmir/status/2088089468213530826

[Botany • 2026] Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali,   

 in Chowdhury, Hajong, Wood et Bharali, 2026.   

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2192

Abstract

Strobilanthes grandidentata, a new species from the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is described and illustrated. A detailed discussion of its morphological similarities and dissimilarities with closely allied taxa is provided. It is accompanied by photographs, as well as notes on distribution, habitat and conservation status. The new species is assigned as ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) following the IUCN (2024) guidelines.

Keyword: Dibang Valley, Eastern Himalaya, Goldfussia, Mishmi Hills, Strobilanthes pentastemenoides, Strobilanthes sumatrana

Strobilanthes grandidentata sp. nov.
A. Habit, B. Leaf, C. Inflorescence, D. Flower bud, E. Bract, F. Bracteoles, G. Calyx, H. Split-open corolla, I. Androecium, J. Gynoecium, K. Stigma, L. Ovary. Photos by Sambit Chowdhury

Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A very distinctive new species that has the diagnostic “Goldfussia” androecium in which the anthers are suborbicular to ellipsoid with the shorter (inner) pair incurved. The form of its inflorescence suggests an affinity with species with a similar capitellate inflorescence such as Strobilanthes pentastemenoides (Nees) T.Anderson but the persistent, green herbaceous bracts and presence of bracteoles (vs. bracts caducous, near colourless, scarious and bracteoles absent) are very different. Morphologically it is perhaps closest to the Sumatran species, S. sumatrana Miq., in its corolla size and indumentum, calyx size and indumentum and the shape of its bracts but is readily distinguished by the presence of bracteoles (vs. absent) and persistent bracts (vs. caducous). The new species is also distinctive in its apparently unique shiny leaves with brochidodromous venation, oblique base, large marginal teeth and winged petiole.

Sambit Chowdhury, Bipankar Hajong, John Richard Ironside Wood and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Taiwania. 71(3); 483-487 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.483  [2026 May 25]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2192