Abstract

A new species of Gentianaceae, Gentiana kurumbae is described from the Attappady hills of Palakkad district, Kerala State, India. A detailed description, information on habitat, distribution, phenology, relevant taxonomic and ecological notes are provided along with photographs and illustration. This species resembles Gentiana pedicellata var. wightii, but by having an erect and unbranched habit, ca. 15 mm long, broadly ovate-elliptic and chartaceous leaves with apiculate apex and serrulate margin. Gentiana kurumbae is characterized by bright blue flowers with very short pedicel up to 3 mm long, scabrous and linear-oblong to oblanceolate bracts with apiculate apex, acute calyx and corolla lobes with apiculate apex and stamens with filiform or minutely thickened filaments towards base.

Keyword: Gentiana, Gentianaceae, India, Kerala State, Western Ghats.