A new variety of Cleistanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from southern Western Ghats, India

Abstract

A new variety, Cleistanthus travancorensis Jabl. var. jaleelianus E.Girish & Sunojk. (Phyllanthaceae) is described here from the riparian system of Kuppam River of Kannur district in southern Western Ghats of India. The new variety differs from other two varieties mainly by its relatively longer acumen of the leaves, undulate leaf margins, longer petioles, larger bracts and the inflorescences borne on special small leaved branches. Detailed description, photographs and a table showing the diagnostic characters are provided for easy identification of this taxon.