Sympatric speciation in Dipcadi saxorum at Kanheri Caves, Borivali, Maharashtra India

Abstract

Dipcadi saxorum was first described from Kanheri caves, Mumbai, India. This species shows active speciation based on niche differentiation and partial temporal isolation. The variant growing in a different microhabitat on the plateau top is a sympatric cryptic population described here as a new variety D. saxorum var. kanheriense. The new variety is characterized by 7–8, larger, unchanneled leaves, persistent till infructescence and 24–40 flowers in dense racemes. The two variants of D. saxorum are discussed based on their morphology and karyotype.