Abstract
A new species of Melastomataceae, Sonerila longipedunculata Resmi & Nampy sp. nov., is described from the southern Western Ghats, India. It is morphologically close to S. travancorica, but differs by the tuberous root stock, fleshy stems, ovate to cordate lamina, longer, angular peduncles, 3-ribbed hypanthium, ovate-elliptic petals, acute anthers, and 3-ribbed capsules. Detailed description, distribution map, and photographic images are provided. The morphological differences with relevant species are discussed. The status of the new species is provisionally assessed here as ‘critically endangered’ according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. The name Sonerila travancorica is lectotypified and its identity is discussed. The status of Sonerila longipetiolata is discussed and is synonymised under S. travancorica.
Highlights
Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae Juss., Sonerileae Triana) is a taxonomically complex genus with around 180 recognised taxa of terrestrial or low epiphytic herbs and sub-shrubs of shady habitats (Resmi & Nampy 2018)
Similar to S. travancorica in having caulescent habit, densely pubescent, long petiolate leaves, densely glandular-pubescent hypanthium and abaxially glandular-hairy petals, but differs by its tuberous root stock, fleshy stems with whitish or claret coloured bristles, 2–4-cm-long internodes, 5–9-cm-long petioles with dense bristles, ovate to cordate lamina with serrate margins, 10–16-cm-long, angular peduncles, 3-ribbed hypanthium, ovate-elliptic petals with acute to mucronate apex
The genus Sonerila displays a wide morphological diversity and S. longipedunculata sp. nov. is recognised as a new species, thanks to extensive field work across India designed to generate a modern, comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the genus
Summary
Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae Juss., Sonerileae Triana) is a taxonomically complex genus with around 180 recognised taxa of terrestrial or low epiphytic herbs and sub-shrubs of shady habitats (Resmi & Nampy 2018). (Melastomataceae Juss., Sonerileae Triana) is a taxonomically complex genus with around 180 recognised taxa of terrestrial or low epiphytic herbs and sub-shrubs of shady habitats (Resmi & Nampy 2018). There are 62 species and two varieties reported in India, with the highest diversity (53 species and two varieties) in the Western Ghats, one of the major centres of diversity for the genus (Resmi et al 2018). During botanical explorations in 2017–2019, as part of a taxonomic revision of Sonerila in India, an unknown species was collected in the southern Western Ghats, from the Kattukunnu of Banasura hills, within the South Wayanad forest division, Kerala. Following a careful review of herbarium specimens and taxonomic literature, we conclude that this species is new to science.
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