Research Paper

Two new scapigerous species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from southern Western Ghats, India

Mohan Vishnu, Divya K. Venugopal, Dani Francis, Santhosh Nampy

Published on: 18 March 2020

Page: 187 - 194

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2020.65.187

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    Abstract

    Two scapigerous species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae): I. nidholapathra and I. grandispora from Idukki district in Kerala, India are here described. Impatiens nidholapathra is most similar to I. tirunelvelica from which it differs by its membranous and silky lanuginose leaves. Impatiens grandispora is related to I. stolonifera morphologically but differs mostly by the purplish white flowers with red patches of papillae near the centre and considerably larger pollen grains. They are known from a small, fragmented population from a low range of hills. Therefore, under the IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria, they are assessed as Critically Endangered. We provide here morphological descriptions, illustrations, colour photoplates, notes on their habitats, distribution, phenology and conservation status.

    Keyword: Idukki district, Impatiens grandispora, I. nidholapathra, I. stolonifera, I. tirunelvelica, India, new species

    Literature Cited

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    DOI: 10.1111/cla.12119View Article Google Scholar