Strobilanthes sainthomiana-A new species of Strobilanthes Blume (Acanthaceae) from Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Strobilanthes sainthomiana, a new species of Strobilanthes from Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated. It is closely allied to S. kunthiana in having bushy habit, elliptic-ovate leaves, similar spikes, tubular ventricose corolla and included stamens, but differs in having leaves with cuneate bases and serrulate margins, hispid veins, longer petioles, inflorescence on long unbranched spikes, smaller lanceolate bracts, bracteoles longer than calyx, staminal filaments with long flexuous hairs and glabrous ovary with shorter styles with swollen areas. Notes on ecology and conservation status are also provided.