Symplocos sisparensis (Symplocaceae), a new species from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India

Abstract

Symplocos sisparensis, a new species of Symplocaceae has been collected from Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). The new species is morphologically similar to Symplocos foliosa Wight, however it is differing from by its habit, branchlets, leaves, calyx lobes, style and fruit characters. Therefore, the new species is described with detailed description, phenology, distribution (including map) along with photographic plates and illustration to facilitate easy identification of this species in the field.