Research Paper

Crassicaulis (Gesneriaceae), a newly recorded genus in India, based on a new species - Crassicaulis middletonii from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Krishna Chowlu, Akshath Shenoy, Althaf Ahamed Kabeer

Published on: 08 November 2025

Page: 717 - 720

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.717

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    Abstract

    Crassicaulis middletonii Chowlu & A.Shenoy, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in the Eastern Himalayas in 2025 during a botanical survey in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Crassicaulis middletonii differs from C. guiliangii with its lobed to cordate leaf base, green pedicel and calyx with white flowers, ellipsoid green ovary and linear glabrous capsule. A detailed description, coloured photo-plate, phenology and distribution as well as a comparison table with morphologically close species is presented as easy aid for its identification. The new species is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

    Keyword: Didymocarpoideae, Eastern Himalayas, Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), IUCN, Leptoboeinae, West Siang

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