Osbeckia reticulata Bedd., Trans. Linn. Soc.

P., Prashob & Thomas, Sibichen M., 2019, The genus Osbeckia (Melastomataceae) in India, Rheedea 29 (4), pp. 236-305 : 266-268

Osbeckia reticulata Bedd., Trans. Linn. Soc. 25: 216. 1865; C.B. Clarke in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 520. 1879; Gamble, Fl. Pres. Madras 1: 493. 1919; C.Hansen, Ginkgoana 4: 115. 1977. Lectotype (designated by Hansen, 1977): INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, Anamallais , s.d., Beddome 2998 ( BM000944342 digital image!).

O. alveolata Bedd., Icon. Pl. Ind. Or. 1: 37. 168. 1874. Type: INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, Anamallais , 6–7000 ft, s.d., Beddome 239 (holo K000867948 digital image!).

O. reticulata Bedd., Madras J. Lit. Sci. ser. 3(1): 45. 1864, nom. nud. Fig.13

Perennial, woody shrubs or small trees, 2–7.5 m tall; stems branched; young branches quadrangular with dense cover of patent hairs and brownish bristles. Petioles 7–18 mm long; lamina ovate, 4– 10 × 2.5–6 cm, 5–7-nerved, acrodromous, apex acute, base subcordate, margins reticulate, upper side bullate, densely covered with ascending, incurved and bristly hairs, lower side with patent hairs. Inflorescence a terminal cluster of cymes, 3–9-flowered. Flowers pentamerous; pedicels c. 5 mm long; bracts brownish, cordate, 4–6 × 5–7 mm, margins ciliate, densely appressed hairy dorsal. Hypanthium campanulate, 9–13 × 8–9 mm, covered with large emergences with hairs; intersepalar emergences short, having many patent strong curved bristles, caducous; other emergences few, similar. Sepals 5, triangular, 4–7 × 1.5–3 mm, prominently 1-nerved with patent hairs on nerves, margins ciliate, caducous. Petals 5, obovate, 2– 3.5 × 1.4–2.5 cm, purple, apex ciliate. Stamens 10; filaments 7–12 mm long; anthers narrowly ovate, 8–11 mm long, yellow, not twisted, beak absent, pore single, more or less oblique on dorsal side, connective with conspicuous collar having two small dorsal lobes or tubercles and two large ventral lobes. Ovary united with hypanthium about half of its length; anther pockets extending to base of ovary; crown distinct with groups of united hairs; style 16–22 mm long, glabrous; stigma capitate. Capsules campanulate, 9–12 × 8–11 mm, ribbed; seeds numerous, curved.

Flowering & fruiting: November–April.

Chromosome number: n = 10 ( Meenakumari & Kuriachan, 1990).

Habitat: Occurs in shola forests and grass lands above 1000 m.

Distribution: Endemic to South India.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Idukki district, Anamudi shola N.P., Methap , 09.11.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5554, 5555 ( DEV) ; Eravikulam N.P., 15.01.2015, Prashob & Sibichen 5580, 5581, 5582, 5583, 5584, 5585 ( DEV) ; Palakkad district, Perumalmudi , 21.04.1970, s.coll. 559 ( MH) . Tamil Nadu, Dindigul district, Bear shola, Kodaikanal , 07.03.1987, K.M. Matthew & Rajendren 48545 ( RHT) ; Kodaikanal , 19.03.1950, Daniel Sundaraj & Sakharan Rao 93805 ( MH) ; Poomparai, Kodaikanal , 22.04.1965, Ramamurthy 23362 ( MH) ; Poomparai , 09.04.1987, K.M. Matthew & Charles 49116, 49146 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 20.05.1987, K.M. Matthew & Charles 49577 ( RHT) ; Kodaikanal , 19.03.1956, Pallithanam 1551 ( RHT) ; Kodaikanal, St. Mary’s road, 10.05.1979, K.M. Matthew 16634 ( RHT) ; Berijam, Kodaikanal , 19.11.1985, K.M. Matthew 42755 ( RHT) ; Pambar shola, Kodaikanal , 07.02.1986, K.M. Matthew 44103 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 29.04.1986, K.M. Matthew & Rajendren 44696 ( RHT) ; Vandaravu peak, Kodaikanal , 24.01.1998, K.M. Matthew 55124 ( RHT) .

Notes: This species is distinct from other taxa by its small tree-like habit, 7–9-nerved, large bullate leaves with minutely reticulate margin. The emergences on hypanthium are also unique.

Figures

Fig. 13. OSbeCkia RetiCUlata Bedd.: aa.. Habit; b. HypaNthiUM; C.BRaCt; d. INteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; e. CalyX lObe; F. StaMeNS; g. SeedS.