taxonID	type	description	language	source
03AFF0348873FFF5053AFF7AFCF3F970.taxon	description	Recently, Dhatchanamoorthy et al. (2022) described a new species, L. decumbens Dhatchan. & Soosairaj, based on specimens collected from a single locality in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, and distinguished it from L. diffusa. The results of our study suggest that the differentiating diagnostic characters between L. decumbens and L. diffusa listed by the authors either overlap with those of L. diffusa or erroneous observations. Thus, L. decumbens is reduced here to the synonymy of the widespread endemic species, L. diffusa. A comparison of diagnostic characters with critical notes based on our present observations are given in Table 1. In a recently published synopsis of Indian Lepidagathis, Brahmadande and Nandikar (2023) recognised L. decumbens as a distinct species, but we do not follow this conclusion here as outlined above.	en	G., Gnanasekaran, A. F. J., King, M. N., Mitta, Abstract, W. Arisdason, Willd., Lepidagathis (2023): Two new heterotypic synonyms in Lepidagathis (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) from India. Rheedea 33 (4): 359-375, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.07, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.07
03AFF0348873FFF2053AF928FB2AF87F.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from October to January and fruiting from November to February. Habitat: Grows on dry open and lightly wooded scrubs and abandoned farmlands, at elevations ranging from 100 to 400 m. Distribution: Endemic to India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Peninsula Indiae Orientalis, s. d., s. coll. Wight 2647 (E [E 01024272] digital image). Karnataka, Mysore, 1857, s. coll. s. n. (MH [MH 00110011]); Mysore, 3000 ft., October 1910, A. Meebold 11392 (CAL); Mysore, Hassan district, Tiptur to Arsikere road, 19.12.1968, C. J. Saldanha 11912 (US [02863729] digital image); Arsikere town, 20.06.1969, C. J. Saldanha 13815 (CAL, US [02863726, digital image]); Hassan, 25.11.1958, B. M. Wadhwa 44699 (BSI [BSI 0000069387]); Tiptur to Arsikere road, 25.01.1971, T. P. Ramamoorthy HFP 1262 (US [02863728] digital image); Bellary, s. d., R. H. Beddome s. n. (K [K 000950051], BM [BM 013860273] digital images]); Bellary, on open hill, Gadiganur, 20.01.1979, S. B. Manohar KFP 5923 (CAL); Hasanur reserve forest, Kollegal, 11.02.1924, K. C. Jacob 17311 (MH [MH 00110012, MH 00110013, MH 00110014, MH 00110015]); Ramapuram, 21.11.2008, MVS & VSR 33010 (SKU); without specific locality, June 1857, G. Bhide s. n. (MH [MH 00110088]); s. loc., s. d., K. Drew s. n. (E [E 01024276] digital image). Tamil Nadu, Dharmapuri district, Thippampatti village, N 12 ° 14 ’ 54.3 ”, E 78 ° 16 ’ 31.8 ”, 387 m, 25.09.2021, A. F. J. King 12808; Ibid., 06.01.2022, G. Gnanasekaran & A. F. J. King 12851; Ibid., 26.11.2022, A. F. J. King 12976 (Madras Christian College Herbarium, Chennai). L. decumbens Dhatchan. Characters L. diffusa C. B. Clarke Present observations & Soosairaj Plant Prostrate Erect or decumbent Prostrate plants are also seen in the type locality of L. decumbens (Fig. 3 b). Stem Leaf scars indistinct, Leaf scars prominent, The leaf scars on stem are highly variable internodes long, up to internodes short, up to trivial. The internodal distance ranges 3 cm 1 cm from 8 to 25 mm. Leaf E l l i p t i c - l a n c e o l a t e, Linear-oblong to The leaf shape varies from ellipticnerves prominent on lanceolate, nerves lanceolate to linear-oblong or both surfaces, grooved prominent on abaxial oblanceolate to obovate and veins are along the lateral nerves surface and indistinct prominent on both surfaces. on the adaxial surface on adaxial surface Inflorescence Spikes sometimes Spikes not aggregated The spikes are distributed densely on the aggregated at base, at base, oblong, 3 – 6 cm lower nodes and sparsely in the axils of globose-ovoid, up to 2 long leaves in the branches. The spikes at the cm long basal nodes are often from the previous year’s growth, with dried up floral structures up to 4 cm long, whereas the fresh spikes are 1 – 3 cm long and always at the tip of the perennial dried-up spike. The small-sized (1.5 – 2.5 cm) spikes on the axillary and at the tip of the old and dried spikes are also seen in the type locality of L. decumbens (Fig. 3 d – f). Calyx 7 × 3 mm, anterior 9 × 4 mm, anterior The size of anticous calyx lobes is 8.5 – 12 sepals united 1 / 4 of the sepals united 1 / 2 of the × 3 – 4 mm, and the lobes are united about way way half or more than half of their total length (Fig. 2 h). Pollen 34.66 × 23.60 μm, exine 41.81 × 28.22 μm, exine The size of the pollen grains (collected thick, c. 4.14 μm thin, c. 3.52 μm from the type locality of L. decumbens) ranges from 30.63 – 32.25 × 18.66 – 20.27 µm (Fig. 3 g, h). Capsule 6 × 2 mm 6 × 4 mm The capsule size is 5.5 – 7 × 2.2 – 3 mm. Seeds Oblong, 3 × 1.5 mm Ovoid-suborbicular, The seed shape is always ovoid and the 3.5 × 3 mm size is 3 – 4.5 × 2 – 3 mm. Conservation status: The estimated Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) for this species are 82,908.8 km 2 and 48 km 2, respectively. Although the AOO of this species fits the Endangered [EN] category, the species is known to occur in many localities across three southern Indian states. Therefore, this species is provisionally assessed here as ‘ Least Concern’ [LC].	en	G., Gnanasekaran, A. F. J., King, M. N., Mitta, Abstract, W. Arisdason, Willd., Lepidagathis (2023): Two new heterotypic synonyms in Lepidagathis (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) from India. Rheedea 33 (4): 359-375, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.07, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.07
03AFF0348875FFFA053AFF65FD9CF9A1.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from January to February and fruiting from February to May. Habitat: In shady areas of dry evergreen forests and on open slopes of the Ghats, at elevations ranging from 100 to 1000 m. Distribution: Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Godavari district, Sukuwana hill, February 1885, J. S. Gamble 15967 (MH [MH 00110399]); Vatangi, 06.02.1916, C. A. Barber 12686 (MH [MH 00110370, MH 00110371, MH 00110372]); Maredumilli, near tiger camp, 600 m, 18.02.1994, M. Mohanan 101277 (BSID [BSID 0005360, digital image], MH [MH 00110373, MH 00110374]); Kadapa district, Sesachalam hills, on the way to Talakona falls, 26.02.2022, G. Gnanasekaran & A. F. J. King 12880, 12881, 12882, 12883 (Madras Christian College Herbarium, Chennai); Karimnagar district, way to Mukunoor, Mahdavpur, 22.02. 1986, 140 m, N. Rama Rao & T. Ravi Shankar 83705 (MH [MH 00110377, MH 00110378]); Khammam district, Nellippakka forest, 250 m, 22.02.1994, R. Chandrasekaran 99020 (BSID [BSID 0005361, digital image], MH [MH 00110375, MH 00110376]); Mahabubnagar district, Nilagiri view point, 800 m, 10.02.1998, S. R. Srinivasan 109718 (BSID [BSID 0005362, digital image]); On the way to Sirivakai, March 1962, D. C. S. Raju 101 (E [E 01024235] digital image]); Visakhapatnam district, Mettur (Madgole to Minumuluru), 20.12. 1967, 625 m, G. V. Subbarao 29563 (MH [MH 00110379, MH 00110380]); Punniyagiri to S. Kota, 23.12. 1969, 250 m, G. V. Subbarao 32783 (MH [MH 00110381, MH 00110382]); on the way to Javapuram peak from Madugula, 09.04. 1976, 400 m, G. V. Subbarao 47257 (MH [MH 001100384]). Goa, Just before Butpal, 13.03.1964, K. C. Karodia 96231 (BSI [BSI 0000068427]); Anmod Ghat, 21.04.2023, N 15 ° 24 ’ 50.6628 ”, E 74 ° 16 ’ 40.458 ”, A. F. J. King 13003 (Madras Christian College Herbarium, Chennai). Karnataka, Bangalore, Nandi hills road, 20.01.1973, B. L. Burtt, C. Townsend, C. Saldanha 18351 (C, digital image); North Canara, s. d., s. coll. 188 (MH [MH 00110402]); Chikkaballapur district, Nandi hills, 02.03.1957, E. K. Janaki Ammal 7392 (MH [MH 00110287]); Canara & Mysore, s. d., Law s. n. (C, digital image); Malabar Concan, s. d., Stocks Law s. n. (C, L [U 1046906], BM [BM 013860496], G [G 00390455], NYBG [NYBG 04204645] digital images); S. Concan, s. d., Ritchie 592 (NYBG [NYBG 04204644] digital image); Chikmagalur district, Bababoodan Hills, s. die, Law s. n. (L [L 2837927] digital image); South Canara district, 1857, R. H. Beddome s. n. (MH [MH 00110401, MH 00110407, MH 00110408]); Mudabidiri, 15.03.1915, C. A. Barber 11943 (MH [MH 00110403, MH 00110404, MH 00110405, MH 00110406]); Someshwar, 14.02.1940, S. R. Raju 85494 (MH [MH 00110398, MH 00110400]); Shivamoga district, Agumbe, 29.05.1958, S. D. Mahajan 34335 (BSI [BSI 0000068431, BSI 0000068432, BSI 0000068433]); Udupi district, Mookambika WLS, Madur forest, 19.03.2007, P. G. Diwakar & R. K. Singh 184258 (BSI [BSI 0000068428, BSI 0000068429, BSI 0000068430]). Kerala, Kannur district, Kannoth Reserve Forest, 125 m, 19.04.1980, V. S. Ramachandran 66911 (MH [MH 00110388, MH 00110391]). Madhya Pradesh, Bastar district, way to Thirathgarh falls, 09.02. 1961, 540 m, N. P. Balakrishnan & A. N. Henry 11892 (L [L 2837906] digital image); Hoshangabad district, Churna, 413 m, 26.04.1961, J. Joseph 12423 (MH [MH 00110394, MH 00110395]); Bori Reserve Forest, 550 m, 01.05.1961, J. Joseph 12482 (MH [MH 00110383]). Maharashtra, Ratnagiri district, Narur, 25 km from Sawantwadi, 17.04.1971, B. G. Kulkarni 128770 (BSI [BSI 0000068422]); Wasul Rai, 40 km from Sawantwadi, 18.04.1971, B. G. Kulkarni 128803 (BSI [BSI 0000068423]); Ram Ghat, 24 km from Amboli, 27.04.1971, B. G. Kulkarni 129341 (BSI 0000068426); Bhedshi, 02.05.1971, B. G. Kulkarni 129474 (BSI [BSI 0000068424]); Hewale, Bhedshi, 28.05.1970, B. G. Kulkarni 120925 (BSI [BSI 0000068425]); Sindhudurg district, Amboli, 15.04.2017, J. V. Dalavi & M. Lekhak JVD- 505 (SUK); Chorla Ghat, s. d., N. V. Malpure NVM 2887 (SUK); Nagergali, 23.02.2008, N. V. Malpure NVM 2887 (SUK); Satara district, Khandala, Forbay to Saddle, 15.03.1952, H. Santapau, S. J. 14101, 14102, 14103, 14104, 14105, 14106, 14107, 14108, 14109, 14110, 14111 (BLAT); Koyna, 11.02.1979, R. K. Kochhar 158315 (BSI [BSI 0000068451]). Odisha, Niasangiri, Kalahandi, 30.04.1986, S. K. Mukherjee 4138 (BM [BM 013860497] digital image); Balasore district, Kuldiha forest, 24.01.1986, 80 ft, Geetha, P. 6732 (CALI [CALI 129493]); Ibid., Karthiayani, K. P. 6344 (CALI [CALI 139494]); Ibid., Jeeja Majeed 8338 (CALI [CALI 129495]); Ibid., A. K. Valsa 7034 (CALI [CALI 129496]); Tulka, N 20 ° 36 ’ 53.1 ”, E 84 ° 57 ’ 35.0 ”, 307 m, 04.02.2015, K. C. Mohan 6513 (BSID [BSID 0010883] digital image); Ganjam district, Hijilly, Dec. 1883, J. S. Gamble 13618 (MH [MH 00110356]); Linepada to Koinjur, 25.01.1900, C. A. Barber 1244 (MH [MH 00110385, MH 00110386]); Durgaprasad, December 1906, s. coll. s. n. (MH [MH 00110387]). Tamil Nadu, Dharmapuri district, Denkanikotta taluk, Thalli, Devarbetta reserve forest, 11.02. 1960, 950 m, T. S. Jayaseelan 26386 (RHT [RHT 047306]); Ibid., 14.11. 1979, 900 m, K. M. Matthew 24588 (RHT [RHT 047305]); Krishnagiri district, Sembiaru, Singarapettai hills, 05.04.1987, M. B. Viswanathan 1412 (MH [MH 00110390]; Tiruchirappalli district, Chengattupatti, 800 m, 20.03.1959, K. M. Sebastine 7916 (MH [MH 00110392, MH 00110393]); Thuraiyur, Pachamalais, Karuppankadu Thittu, 17.03.1978, 1000 m, K. M. Matthew 12357 (L [L 3720654] digital image]); Tirupathur district, Yelagiri hills, on the way to Swamimalai, 28.03.1987, M. B. Viswanathan 1376 (MH [MH 00110389]); Tiruvannamalai district, Jawadhu hillslopes, N 12 ° 24 ’ 15.6 ”, E 78 ° 40 ’ 26.6 ”, 26.03.2023, A. F. J. King 12994 (Madras Christian College Herbarium, Chennai). Sine data (C [C 10005034, C 10005035], LINN [LINN-HS 1093 - 12], digital images]); Sine data (BM [BM 014117825, BM 013860495] digital images); S. loc., s. d., Roxburgh s. n. (BM [BM 013860499] digital image); S. loc., s. d., R. H. Beddome s. n. (BM [BM 013860499] digital image). SRI LANKA, Naula to Elahera road, 18.06.1932, s. coll. 9826 (BM [BM 013860500] digital image); Without exact locality, July 1981, (BM [BM 013860498] digital image); without exact locality, in Herb. Madrasp. (Wall., Numer. List: n. 2394 a), sine data K ([K 001115846 (specimen on left, annotated as a), CAL [CAL 0000020058, digital images!]); in Herb. Roxb. (Wall., Numer. List: n. 2406), Sine data (K [K 001115870, digital image!]). Conservation status: The species is provisionally assessed here as ‘ Least Concern’ [LC]. Typification: Nees von Esenbeck (1832) described L. fasciculata variety β (foliorum dentibus minoribus) with a direct citation of a nomen nudum, Ruellia viscosula Wall. with Wall. Numer. List: n. 2394 c that was collected from Ataran (Atran) and Salween (Selum), Myanmar, in 1827. At K, we found two specimens with different barcodes [K 001115848, K 001115849] and collection localities (a [Trogla?] and b [Atran], respectively), which were mounted on a single sheet with a label, Wall., Numer. List: n. 2394 c. Among the two, the specimen with K 0011158489 is designated here as the lectotype (perhaps holotype) as it matches the species identity and collection locality given in the protologue.	en	G., Gnanasekaran, A. F. J., King, M. N., Mitta, Abstract, W. Arisdason, Willd., Lepidagathis (2023): Two new heterotypic synonyms in Lepidagathis (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) from India. Rheedea 33 (4): 359-375, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.07, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.07
