Henckelia umbellata (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the eastern Himalaya of India

Abstract

 A new species of Henckelia, H. umbellata is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India. H. umbellata sp. nov. can be easily distinguished by its umbellate inflorescence from other congeners. It superficially resembles H. longisepala (H.W.Li) D.J.Middleton & Mich.Möller in the large paired involucral bracts enclosing the flowers. It also shows similarity with H. urticifolia (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) A.Dietr. in habit, presence of glandular trichomes inside the corolla tube and glabrous ovary but several other characters are distinct between the species. A detailed description of the new species along with colour photographs, distribution, affinities and comparison with related species is given.