Osbeckia tirunelvelica Manickam & Murugan ex Kottaim. & Gnanasek., Phytotaxa

P., Prashob & Thomas, Sibichen M., 2019, The genus Osbeckia (Melastomataceae) in India, Rheedea 29 (4), pp. 236-305 : 268-280

Osbeckia tirunelvelica Manickam & Murugan ex Kottaim. & Gnanasek., Phytotaxa 231(3): 300. 2015. Type: INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli District , Manjolai hills, Road below Manjolai, s.d., Manickam & Murugan 15109 (holo XCH!).

O. tirunelvelica Manickam & Murugan, J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 25(3): 626. 2002, nom. inval. Fig. 14

Perennial, erect, branched shrubs, c. 1 m tall. Stems subterete, sparsely scabrous. Petioles 5–10 mm long; lamina eliptic to lanceolate, 2–6.5 × 1.5 –3 cm, 3–5-nerved, green; apex acute to acuminate, base acute, both sides thinly clothed with patent hairs. Inflorescence terminal, condensed cyme or cluster of 6–9-flowers or 2–3 such cymes together, panicle subtended by bracts and a pair of leaves; bracts green, small ovate to broadly ovate, 1–3 mm long, ciliate and densely appressed hairy. Peduncle 2–5 mm long. Flowers pentamerous. Hypanthium campanulate, 4–8 × 2–4 mm, with a thin cover of simple hairs below and tufted hairs above; intersepalar emergences 1–2.5 mm long, oblong, stalked, with terminal and lateral hairs; other emergences restricted to the upper part of the hypanthium, or absent; hairs short, bristly, subappressed, patent, curved upwards. Sepals 5, subulate, 2–5 × 2–3.5 mm, prominently 1-nerved, margins ciliate with long hairs at apex, a few patent hairs on nerves, persistent in fruit. Petals 5, obovate, 1–2.5 × 1–1.5 cm, pink to purple. Stamens 10; filaments 5–10 mm long; anthers narrowly ovate to oblong, twisted, yellow, 5–9 mm long, pore oblique on ventral side of tip; connective with collar having one tubercle dorsally and slightly or irregularly lobed ventrally. Ovary united with hypanthium about half of its length, anther pockets extending to base of ovary; crown with short bristles, style 8–19 mm long, glabrous, curved; stigma slightly pointed. Capsules campanulate, 4–8 × 3–6 mm; seeds minute, 0.1–0.2 mm long, numerous, curved.

Flowering & fruiting: August–January.

Chromosome number: Not reported

Habitat: In evergreen forests and tea plantations at an elevation above 750 m in association with O. aspera and O. mehrana .

Distribution: Endemic to India.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli district, Manjolai hills ± 1115 m, 06.01.2016, Prashob & Sibichen 6023 ( DEV) ; Tirunelveli, Kothayar ± 1206 m, 06.01.2016, Prashob & Sibichen 6025 ( DEV) ; Tirunelveli, on the way from Kakachi to Ooth ± 1161 m, 06.01.2016, Prashob & Sibichen 6027 ( DEV) .

Notes: The publication of O. tirunelvelica by Manickam and Murugan (2002) is invalid as two collections were simultaneously indicated as “ type ” in the protologue. The name was later validated by Kottaimutu and Gnanasekaran (2015) following Art. 40 of ICN (Turland et al., 2018).

Osbeckia travancorica Bedd. ex Gamble, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1919 (10): 404. 1919; Gamble, Fl. Pres. Madras 493. 1919. O. aspera (L.) Blume var. travancorica (Bedd. ex Gamble) C.Hansen, Ginkgoana 4: 84. 1977. syn. nov.; Mohanan, Fl. Quilon Dist., 187. 1984; Babu, Fl. Malappuram Dist. 257. 1990; M.Mohanan & Henry, Fl. Thiruvanthapuram 198. 1994; Sasidh. & Sivar., Fl. Pl. Thrissur For. 190. 1996; Sivar. & Mathew, Fl. Nilambur 272. 1997; Sasidh., Fl. Periyar Tiger Reserve 144. 1998; Sasidh., Fl. Parambikulam W.L.S. 127. 2002; Anil Kumar et al., Fl. Pathanamthitta 222. 2005. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Travancore, 23.11.1851, Wight 1100 (holo K000867975 digital image!). Fig. 15

Perennial, erect, shrubs, 1–2 m tall. Stems branched, quadrangular; sparsely hirsute, hairs dense at nodes. Petioles 2–6 mm long; lamina ovate to lanceolate, 4–11 × 1–4.5 cm, green, 3–5-nerved, apex acute to attenuate, base obtuse, both sides thinly clothed with patent hairs. Inflorescence terminal panicles to cluster of cymes, 5–8-flowered. Flowers pentamerous; pedicels 4–7 mm long; bracts green, cordate, 3–8 mm long, margins ciliate, densely appressed-hairy. Hypanthium campanulate, 5–10 × 3–6 mm, densely covered with emergences, bristles and hairs; intersepalar emergences stalked, 1–3 mm long, green turns brown, stalk terete, base flat with patent hairs, head stellate with tuft of bristles, caducous; other emergences smaller. Sepals 5, subulate, 2–5 × 1–4 mm; symmetrical, prominently 1-nerved, patent hairs occur on the midrib dorsally, margins ciliate, apex with caducous stellate emergences. Petals 5, obovate, 13–20 × 10– 17 mm, pink to purple, margins ciliate. Stamens 10; filaments 6–10 mm long; anthers narrowly ovate to oblong, yellow, 5–11 mm long, twisted; connective prolonged into a collar with a dorsal and a slightly lobbed ventral tubercle. Ovary united with hypanthium for about half of its length; style 8–12 mm long. Capsules campanulate, 6–12 × 4–9 mm; seeds minute, numerous, 0.1–0.2 mm long, curved.

Flowering & fruiting: September–March.

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

Habitat: Found in evergreen forest margins at an elevation above 300 m, commonly seen in association with O. virgata and O. abrahamii .

Distribution: Endemic to South India.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Ernakulam district, Neriamangalam , 01.12.1993, E.S. Santhosh kumar 18389 ( FRLH) ; Idukki district, Bison valley , Munnar, 09.1937, E. Barnes 118824 ( DD) ; Devikulam , 12.1919; A. Meebold 13191 ( CAL) ; Devikulam , 24.03.1980, K. Ramamurthy 66344 ( CAL) ; Kattappana , 08.11.1981, B. Ramanujan & C.N. Mohanan 72415 ( MH) ; Ibid. , 27.09.1981, B. Ramanujan & C.N. Mohanan 7203 ( CAL) ; Kurisuhmala , 20.11.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5564 ( DEV) ; Meemutty , 12.12.1982, C.N. Mohanan 76018 ( MH) ; Microwave station , 08.11.1981, V.S. Raju & V.S. Ramachndran 71207 ( CAL) ; Vagamon , 20.11.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5562 ( DEV) ; Vazhikkadavu, Pindimedu , 02.10.1996, P. Bhargavan 92055 ( MH) ; Kollam district, Mukkapuzha , 22.12.1972, C.N. Mohanan 59605 ( MH) ; Kottayam district, Kangazha , 29.09.1989, V.T. Antony 48476 ( MH) ; Kurisumala , 08.11.1984, V.T. Antony 930 ( CAL) ; Palakkad district, Mukkali forest office, 05.11.1976, E. Vajravelu 94523 ( MH) ; Muthikulam, Shiruvani , 02.03.1970, A A. Ansari 1070 ( CAL) ; Nillical, Silent Valley , 23.11.1937, N.L. Bor 9161 ( DD) ; Pathanamthitta district, Pamba to Anathode , 16.12.1974, K. Vivekananthan 45316 ( MH) ; Thiruvananthapuram district, Ponmudi , 17.11.1977, M. Mohanan 52541 ( CAL) ; Poonkulam, Agastyarkudam , 05.03.1981, M. Mohanan 66049 ( CAL) ; Thrissur district, Athirapally , 14.10.1994, N. Sasidharan 686 ( FRLH) ; Thumboormuzhi , 12.09.1976, K. Ramamurthy 48476 ( MH) . Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Anaimali hills, Pariuipare , 02.04.1912, C.E.C. Fischer 172106 ( CAL) ; Dindigul district, Kodaikanal , 16.08.1911, C.E.C. Fischer 2865 ( CAL) ; Pillar rock, 14.09.1968, D.B. Deb 30847 ( CAL) ; Upper Palani , 16.08.1911, C.E.C. Fischer s.n. ( CAL) ; Kanyakumari district, Upper Kothayar , s.coll. 53370 ( CAL) ; Nilgiris district, Coonor , 06.1889, J.S. Gamble 21437; Ibid., 11.1889, J.S. Gamble, 13246; Ibid., 02.1899, Prains 13246 ( CAL) ; Gudalur, Naduvattam , 18.01.1961, B.V. Shetty 1191 ( CAL) ; Kotagiri Aravenu , 04.01.1957, K. Subramanyam 1888 ( CAL) ; Upper Tiger shola, 19.01.1957, K. Subramanyam 2069 ( CAL) .

Notes: Hansen (1977) reduced O. travancorica Bedd. ex Gamble as a variety of O. aspera and remarked that the variety is distinct due to the asymmetrical calyx lobe and curved strong bristles on the stem. After verifying the protologue and examining the type, and illustration on it by Gamble, we came to the conclusion that O. travancorica Bedd. ex Gamble is a distinct species, which can be very well distinguished by the downwardly curved, strong, bristles on the stem and uniform triangular sepals with obtuse or slightly emarginate apex.

Osbeckia virgata D.Don ex Wight & Arn., Prodr. Fl. Ind. Orient. 1: 323. 1834; C.Hansen, Ginkgoana 4: 107. 1977; Mohanan, Fl. Quilon Dist. 188. 1984; Ansari, Fl. Kasaragod Div. 165. 1985; Manilal, Fl. Silent Valley 111. 1988; Antony, Syst. Stud. Fl. Kottayam Dist. 167. 1989; Babu, Fl. Malappuram Dist. 259. 1990; M.Mohanan & Henry, Fl. Thiruvananthapuram 199. 1994; Sasidh. & Sivar., Fl. Pl. Thrissur For. 190. 1996; Sasidh., Fl. Shenduruny W.L.S. 131. 1997; Sivar. & P. Mathew, Fl. Nilambur 274. 1997; Sasidh., Fl. Periyar Tiger Reserve 145. 1998; Sasidh., Fl. Chinnar W.L.S. 132. 1999; Mohanan & Sivad., Fl. Agasthyamala 280. 2002; Pull. et al., Fl. Eastern Ghats 59. 2002; Sasidh., Fl. Parambikulam W.L.S. 129. 2002; Anil Kumar et al., Fl. Pathanamthitta 223. 2005; Sunil & Sivadasan, Fl. Alappuzha Dist. 297. 2009. Asterostoma virgata (D.Don ex Wight & Arn.) Blume, Mus. Bot. 1(4): 50. 1849. Lectotype (designated by Hansen, 1977): INDIA, s.loc, s.d., Wight 1147B (E00174614 digital image!).

O. cupularis D. Don ex Wight & Arn., Prodr. Fl. Indiae Or. 1: 323. 1834, pro parte; C.B. Clarke in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 2(6): 514. 1879; Gamble, Fl. Pres. Madras 1: 494. 1919. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, 03.1827, Wallich 4074 (holo K001038091 digital image!).

O. octandra auct . C.B.Clarke in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 2(6): 521. 1879. non DC., 1828; Gamble, Fl. Pres. Madras 1: 493. 1919; Manilal & Sivar., Fl. Calicut 110. 1982; Subram., Fl. Thenmala Div. 141. 1995.

Melastoma glomeratum J.G.Klein ex Wight & Arn., Prodr. Fl. Ind. Orient. 1: 323. 1834, pro. syn.

O. wightiana Benth., Numer. List. No. 4074. 1831, nom. nud. Fig.16 Perennial, erect, shrubs, 30–50 cm tall. Stems branched, young branches quadrangular, with appressed short hairs. Petioles 1.5–4 mm long; lamina lanceolate, 2–4.5 × 0.5–1.5 cm, apex acute to acuminate, base attenuate, 3–5-nerved, both sides sparsely clothed with short to very short ascending, rarely appressed bristles. Inflorescence a terminal cluster of cymes, 5–11-flowered, subtended by the upper pair of small reduced leaves. Flowers pentamerous; bracts ovate, 1–2 × 0.5–1 mm, green, margins ciliate, both sides glabrous: pedicels 1–2 mm. Hypanthium campanulate, 3–5 × 2–3.5 mm, sparsely clothed with emergences and bristly hairs; intersepalar emergences stalked, 0.7–2 mm long, stalk terete, narrow, glabrous, head small, with 2– 3 spreading bristles, caducous; other emergences similar, occurring only on upper part of the hypanthium, smaller or reduced to terminal bristles, hairs patent. Sepals 5, triangular, 2–4 × 1–2 mm, narrowed into an attenuate or terete bearing stellate emergence at the apex, margins ciliate with few hairs, 1-nerved with few patent bristles dorsally, caducous. Petals 5, obovate to orbicular, 7–16 mm long, apex ciliate, pink. Stamens10; filaments 4–6 mm long, glabrous; anthers narrowly ovate, yellow, twisted, 3–5.5 mm long, pore oblique; connective with undulating collar. Ovary united with hypanthium for about half of its length; anther pockets extending to base of ovary; crown with a few strong bristles; style 7–11 mm long. Capsules, campanulate, 4–6 × 4.5 mm; seeds minute, 0.1–0.3 mm long, numerous, curved muricate.

Flowering & fruiting: June–April.

Chromosome number: n = 11 ( Meenakumari & Kuriachan, 1990).

Habitat: Commonly occurs in evergreen and shola forest margins at an elevation above 1000 m; rarely seen below 100 m.

Distribution: Endemic to India.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Chikkamagaluru district, Charmudi ghats, 17.04.1979, Saldanha & Ramesh 786 ( CAL) ; Kodagu district, Virajapete , 18.01.1953, K.M. Vaid 23417 ( DD) ; Shimoga district, Agumbe , 15.05.1962, Sundara Raghavan 80673( CAL) ; Agumbe, Begar road, 13.10.1962, Sundara Raghavan 67965 ( CAL) ; Ibid. , 15.05.1962, Sundara Raghavan 80667 ( CAL) ; Agumilar Ghats Edge, North Kanara , 09.03.1960, R.S. Rao 61264 ( CAL) ; Ghat road to Agumbe , 13.10.1962, Sundara Raghavan 83177 ( CAL) ; Udupi district, Someshwar , 06.02.1961, Sundara Raghavan 69368 ( CAL) . Kerala, Ernakulam district, Pooyamkutty , 14.02.1986, K.K.N. Nair 4304 ( KFRI) ; Idukki district, Kalveri Mount , 08.11.1981, Ramanujan & Mohanan 72429 ( CAL) ; Kuttikanam , 25.09.1964, Vivekananthan 21370 ( MH) ; Peerumedu, Kuttikanam , 15.07.1966, Vivekananthan 29325 ( MH) ; Vallakkadavu , 11.03.1973, B.D. Sharma 84519 ( MH) ; Kannur district, Thalappalli , 28.01.1979, V.S. Ramachandran 59273 ( MH) ; Kollam district, Paravur , 07.08.1978, Mohanan 58401 ( CAL) ; Kulathupuzha , 19.12.1980, Sasidharan 1438 ( KFRI) ; Kozhikode district, Muthapanpuzha, Vellarimala , 11.07.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5521 ( DEV) ; Pakranthalam , 10.07.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5520 ( DEV) ; Thamarassery , 29.10.1965, J.L. Ellis 25766 ( CAL) ; Malappuram district, Nadukani , 08.1956, E. Barnes s.n. ( DD) ; Pathanamthitta district, Konni , 30.07.1908, M. Rama Rao 0064 ( DD) ; Ibid. , 21.11.1928, V. Narayanaswami 1763 ( MH) ; Ibid. , 22.12.1957, S. Negi 25887 ( DD) ; Manniyar River, Puthukulam , 07.07.1988, Arunkumar 640 ( CAL) ; Ranni , 10.11.1976, Chandra Bose 49075 ( MH) ; Ranni , 30.08.1977, N.C. Nair 507088 ( MH) ; Thiruvananthapuram district, Bonacaud , 04.10.1973, J. Joseph 44546 ( MH) ; Nedumangad , 11.1901, s.coll. s.n. ( MH) ; Ponmudi , 11.09.1970, K.M. Matthew 12328 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 17.11.1977, Mohanan 52547 ( MH) ; Ibid. , 17.01.1989, Sasidharan 5282 ( KFRI) ; Ibid. , 01.08.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5513 ( DEV) ; s.loc., 12.1937, N.L. Bor 83037 ( DD) ; Thrissur district, Vazhachal , 04.11.1989, Sasidharan 5500 ( KFRI) ; Wayanad district, Brahmagiri , 16.11.1978, V.S. Ramachandran 58761 ( CAL, MH) ; Chandanathode , 20.12.1979, V.S. Ramachandran 65354 ( CAL, MH) ; Chembra lake , 08.12.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5558 ( DEV) ; Pookode lake , 04.06.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5509 ( DEV) ; Ibid. , 08.07.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5517, 5518, 5519 ( DEV) ; Sulthan Bathery , 09.05.1965, J.L. Ellis 24009 ( MH) ; Tirunelli , 09.02.1978, V.S. Ramachandran 53830 ( MH) ; s.loc., 1881, Beddome s.n. ( MH) ; s.loc., 11.1884, J.S. Gamble 172054 ( CAL) . Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Atakatti , Anaimalai hills, 12.1911, C.E.C. Fischer 2214 ( CAL) ; Sholayar , 20.04.1986, Sasidharan 1756 ( KFRI) ; Nilgiri district, Conoor , 08.1883, J.S. Gamble 12307 ( DD) ; Gudalur , 11.03.1969, D.B. Deb 31651 ( CAL) ; Namakkal district, Kolli hills, 24.01.1968, K.M. Matthew 8478 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 11.01.1976, K.M. Matthew & Alphonse 711 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 13.08.1976, K.M. Matthew & Alphonse 3154 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , , 03.02.1978, Mohan 11587 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Ariyur shola, 22.04.1980, K.M. Matthew 27636 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 28.04.1981, K.M. Matthew 28285 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Kolathukadu shola, 20.04.1978, Mohan 13192 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Kolathukadu , 03.02.1978, Mohan 11624 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Kuzhivalavu shola, 24.06.2001, K.M.Matthew 62736 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Kasam, a pond near Sempaththu village , 08.02.1979, Perumal 21663 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Selur , 17.10.1978, K.M. Matthew & Venugopal, 18378 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 07.02.1979, Perumal 21591 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 21.04.1979, K.M. Matthew 22963 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Solakkadu , 18.12.1979, K.M. Matthew 25185 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Solakkadu, Pongal Koil shola, 22.02.1980, K.M. Matthew 26668 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Kuzhivalavu top, 15.03.2002, K.M. Matthew 63342 ( RHT) ; Kolli hills, Sothupparai , 17.03.2003, K.M. Matthew 63604 ( RHT) ; Salem , 06.02.1979, Perumal 21663 ( CAL) ; Salem, Mooduballi village, 15.04.1977; Ramanathapuram district , Deviar estate, 11.06.1979, Srinivasan 63515 ( CAL) ; Sethur hills, 13.03.1981, Srinivasan 68051 ( CAL) .

Notes: Osbeckia virgata and O. octandra resembles in habit. Hansen (1977) also made a similar observation. But O. virgata is distinct from the latter due to the sparse vestiture of the hypanthium, thread-like intersepalar emergences having one or a few bristles, much reduced intersepalar emergences and by the deciduous sepals. Both species are found in Sri Lanka but in India there is only O. virgata .

Osbeckia wightiana (Benth.) Wight & Arn., Prodr. Fl. Ind. Orient. 1: 323. 1834; C.B.Clarke in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 519. 1879; Gamble, Fl. Pres. Madras 1: 493. 1919; Fyson, Fl. Ind. Hill 173. 1932; Mohanan & Sivad., Fl. Agasthyamala 280. 2002; Anil Kumar et al., Fl. Pathanamthitta 223. 2005. O. wightiana Benth. in Wallich, Numer. List. n. 4060. 1831 (nom.nud.). O. aspera (L.) Blume var. Wightiana (Benth. ex Wight & Arn.) Trimen, Fl. Ceylon 2: 196. 1894, syn. nov.; C.Hansen, Ginkgoana 4: 85. 1977; Vivek. in N.C.Nair & A.N.Henry, Fl. Tamil Nadu 1: 161. 1983; Mohanan, Fl. Quilon Dist., 187. 1984; Vajr., Fl. Palghat Dist., 203. 1990; M.Mohanan & Henry, Fl. Thiruvanthapuram 198. 1994; Sasidh. et al., Bot. Stud. Med. Pl. Kerala 37. 1996; Swarup. et al., Shola For. Kerala 59. 1998; Sasidh., Fl. Periyar Tiger Reserve 144. 1998; Sasidh., Fl. Chinnar WLS 131. 1999; Manickam et al., Fl. Tirunelveli Hills 407. 2008. Lectotype (designated by Hansen, 1977): s.loc., 1831, Wallich 4060A (K000867973 digital image!). O. koti-gueda Naudin, Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. ser. 3, 14: 64. 1850. Lectotype (designated by Hansen, 1977): INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Nilgiris (as Nellyghery), s.d., Leschenault 41 (P02441100 digital image!) Fig. 17

Perennial, erect, branched, woody shrubs, 1–3.5 m tall. Young stems quadrangular, thinly clothed with appressed or sub appressed, short bristles. Petioles 4–8 mm long; lamina ovate, 3–7 × 2–3.5 cm, apex acute, base obtuse, 5–7-nerved, non-acrodromous, adaxial surface of leaf covers with dense silky sub-patent hairs, abaxial side with patent, flexuous hairs. Inflorescence terminal cymes, 3–7-flowered, subtended by large bracts; bracts ovate, 6–10 mm long, green, margins ciliate, densely rufous hairy. Flowers pentamerous; Pedicels 1–3 mm long, covered with thin patent hairs. Hypanthium campanulate, 7–13 × 7–12 mm, densely clothed with large emergences mixed with small hairs and bristles; intersepalar emergences stalked, 1.5–2.5 mm long, hairy, ending in a small tuft of patent stellate hairs; other emergences similar, mixed with small hairs and bristles. Sepals 5, subulate, 2.5–4 × 1.3–3.5 mm long, sparsely hairy, margins ciliate, apex with stellate emergence, caducous. Petals 5, obovate, 15–25 × 10–20 mm long, pink to purple; margins ciliate. Stamens 10; filaments 7–12 mm long, glabrous; anthers narrowly oblong, yellow, 5–9 mm long, twisted, pore apical, oblique on dorsal side; connective prolonged in to a small, indistinctly lobed collar. Ovary 4–8 mm long, united with hypanthium; anther pockets covered with brownish appressed hairs; crown ciliate; style 1–1.5 cm long, glabrous, curved; stigma, swollen. Capsules campanulate, 5– 7.5 × 4–5.5 mm; seeds numerous, minute, 0.1–0.2 mm long, curved.

Flowering & fruiting: July–April

Habitat: Occurs in evergreen forests at an elevation above 1000 m, seen in association with Osbeckia virgata and O. parvifolia .

Distribution: Endemic to South India.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Idukki district, Kattappana , 08.11.1981, B. Ramanujan & C.N Mohanan 72415 ( CAL) ; Mathikettan , 08.05.1994, V.S. Ramachandran 1778 ( FRLH) ; Palakkad district, Poovancholai, Silent valley , 07.03.1984, N.C. Nair & P. Bhargavan 8112 ( CAL) ; Silent valley R.F., 22.12.1969, E. Vajravelu 33259 ( MH) . Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Vadakumalai , 22.12.1970, M.V. Viswanadhan 860( MH) ; Velliengiri hills, 21.02.1932, S.R. Raju & Rethnavelu 215 ( MH) ; Dindigul district, Gundur shola, Kodaikanal , 10.07.1986, K.M. Matthew & N. Rajendren 45840 ( RHT) ; 6 th road to Kodaikanal , 09.03.1958, K. Subramanyam 5525 ( MH) ; Kodaikanal , 13.03.1956, S.J. Pallithanam 1352 ( RHT) ; Ibid. , 14.10.2015, Prashob & Sibichen 6012 ( DEV) ; Kodaikanal , Perumal peak, 21.07.1984, K.M. Matthew 40344 ( RHT) ; Leving path, Kodaikanal , 29.04.1986, K.M. Matthew & N. Rajendren 44662 ( RHT) ; Observatory slope, 11.08.1969, K.M. Matthew 10386 ( RHT) ; Palamalai , 19.02.1986, K.M. Matthew 44159 ( RHT) ; Palamalai Machur path, 10.05.1985, K.M. Matthew & N. Rajendren 44923 ( RHT) ; Palani hills, 29.11.1985, K.M. Matthew & N. Rajendran 43446 ( RHT) ; Perumal malai, 21.05.1969, K.M. Matthew 10243 ( RHT) ; Berijam slope, 06.08.1984, K.M. Matthew 2150 ( RHT) ; Perumal malai, St. Joseph’s farm, 07.02.1985, K.M. Matthew 40953 ( RHT) ; Moir point slope, 04.08.1985, K.M. Matthew 41688 ( RHT) ; Kodaikanal, Pillar Rock , 11.06.1986, C. Sundhersan 004 ( CAL) ; Ibid. , 14.09.1968, D.B. Deb 30847 ( MH) ; Kodaikanal hills, 18.10.1919, C.K. Jacob 21171 ( MH) ; Kanyakumari district , Mahendragiri R.F., 25.02.1983, A.N. Henry & R. Gopalan 77157 ( CAL) ; Upper Kothayar , 02.02.1978, A.N. Henry 53370 ( MH) ; Sengamalai estate to Mahendragiri , 06.12.1969, B.V. Shetty 33058 ( MH) ; Kandakki estate, Panagudi , 03.12.1969, B.V. Shetty 33015 ( MH) ; Madurai district, Varayattu mottai, Pachakamatchi , 16.08.1990, V. Lakshmanan 91197 ( MH) ; Nilgiris district, Kotagiri Avenue , 04.01.1957, K. Subramanyam 1888 ( MH) ; Naduvattam , 18.01.1961, B.V. Shetty 11925 ( MH) ; Upper Tiger shola, 19.01.1957, K.M. Sebastine 2069 ( MH) ; Mettupalayam–Kotagiri road, 07.03.1969, D.B. Deb 31481 ( MH) ; Kotagiri , 31.07.1970, E. Vajravellu 35184 ( MH) ; Lamb’s rock, Coonoor , 28.04.1971, N.C. Rathakrishnan 38105 ( MH) ; Koil mattam, Elanad , 25.03.1972, G.V. Subbaro 40476 ( MH) ; Nilgiri, Coonoor , 01.1883, J.S. Gamble 11925 ( DD) ; Ibid. , 10.1886, J.S. Gamble 21155 ( MH) ; Ibid. , 10.1889, J.S. Gamble 21437 ( DD) ; Nilgiri, Sispara , 10.1889, J.S. Gamble 21155 ( MH) ; Ooty, Kotagiri , 18.12.2014, Prashob & Sibichen 5577, 5578 ( DEV) ; Tirunelveli district, Pachayar bund, Sengaltheri , 22.12.1980, E. Vajravelu 76430 ( CAL) ; Theni district, Periakulam, Shembaganur- Periakulam , 21.11.1985, K.M. Matthew, N. Rajendren & A. Usha 42933 ( RHT) .

Notes: Trimen (1894) treatd this taxon as a variety under Osbeckia aspera . However, this taxon is recognized as a distinct species in the present treatment. Substantiating characters are summarized in the Table 3 below.

Osbeckia wynaadensis C.B.Clarke in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. India 2(6): 521. 1879; Gamble, Fl. Pres. Madras 1: 493 (348). 1919; C.Hansen, Ginkgoana 4: 62. 1977; Ramach. & V.J. Nair, Fl. Cannanore District 188. 1988; M.Mohanan & Henry, Fl. Thiruvananthapuram 199. 1994; Sasidh. & Sivar., Fl. Pl. Thrissur For. 190. 1996; Sasidh., Fl. Periyar Tiger Reserve 145. 1998; Sasidh., Fl. Parambikulam W.L.S. 129. 2002. Lectotype (designated by Hansen, 1977): INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Gudalur , Wayanad , 4000 ft, 29.03.1870, C.B. Clarke 11328A (K000890001 digital image!) Fig. 18

Perennial, erect, shrubs, 1–2.5 m tall. Stems profusely branched, branches thinly covered with appressed shaggy hairs. Petioles 0.5–1.5 cm long; Lamina ovate to elliptic, 9–20 × 2.5–5 cm, 5- nerved, green, apex acute, base obtuse, upper side covered with ascending strong shaggy hairs, lower side with patent short hairs. Inflorescence terminal panicles, 9–15-flowered. Flowers pentamerous; bracts ovate, 10–14 × 4–8 mm, green, appressed hairy along the dorsal side; pedicels 0.5–1.5 mm long. Hypanthium campanulate, 6–9 × 3–5 mm, with a few, large scale like emergences, simple hairs absent; intersepalar emergences strongly bristled scale like, caducous; other emergences similar to those on the hypanthium. Sepals 5, triangular, 7– 12 mm long, acute, with indistinct nerves, margins finely ciliate, both sides glabrous, caducous. Petals 5,broadly obovate, 15–19 × 8–12 mm long, purple, with ciliate apex. Stamens 10; filaments 7–11 mm long, glabrous; anthers narrow, ovate, 6–10 mm long, yellow, attenuate, not twisted; pore oblique on ventral side; connective with a collar having dorsal and ventral lobes. Ovary united with hypanthium; anther pockets extending to the base of ovary; crown distinct with appressed short hairs; style 12–18 mm long. Capsules campanulate, 7–8 × 5–- 6 mm; seeds minute, numerous, muricate and curved.

Flowering & fruiting: September–April.

Chromosome number: n = 12 ( Meenakumari & Kuriachan, 1990).

Habitat: Usually found in large population, in swampy areas along the forest margins also occurs in open grasslands.

Distribution: Endemic to South India.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Idukki district, Munnar , 30.04.1937, E. Barnes s.n. ( DD) ; Palakkad district, Parambikulam Submergible area , 20.11.1962, K.M. Sebastine 15049 ( CAL, MH) ; Wayanad district, Meenmutty , 14.02.1982, C. N. Mohann 73252 ( CAL) ; Ibid. , 27.01.15, Prashob & Sibichen 6015, 6016, 6017 ( DEV) ; Pookode lake , 27.01.15, Prashob & Sibichen 6011, 6012, 6013, 6014 ( DEV) ; Sulthan Bathery , 08.02.1964, J.L. Ellis 18623 ( CAL, MH) ; Tirunelli , 09.02.1978, V.S. Ramachandran 53819 ( CAL, MH) ; s.loc., s.d., E. Barnes s.n. ( MH) . Tamil Nadu, Dindigul district, Kodaikanal , s.d., s.coll. s.n. ( RHT) ; Nilgiri district, Benne R.F., 20.01.1961, B.V. Shetty 11944 ( MH) ; Ibid. , 10.04.1972, K. Vivekanandhan 79662 ( MH) ; Gudalur, Ibid. , s.d., C.B. Clarke s.n. ( MH) ; Ibid , s.d., E. Barnes s.n. ( DD) ; Tirunelveli district, Mahendragiri , 09.1903, C.E.C. Fischer s.n. ( CAL) .

Notes: Osbeckia wynaadensis closely resembles O. nepalensis both in vegetative and floral characters. Both of them occur in altitudes above 700 m. The allopatric distribution ( O. wynaadensis is restricted to South India whereas O. nepalensis found only in North East) and the length of the petioles are the two major differences by which the species can be segregated. In O. wynaadensis leaves are petiolate (0.5–1.5 cm long) but in O. nepalensis the leaves are sessile.

Figures

Fig. 14. OSbeCkia tiRUNelVeliCa MURUgaN & MaNiCkaM eX KOttaiM. & GNaNaSek.: aa.. Habit; b. FlOweR; C. HypaNthiUM; dd.. CalyX lObe; e. INteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; F. BRaCt; g. StaMeN; h. SeedS.

Fig.15.OSbeCkia tRaVaNCORiCa Bedd.eX GaMble:aa.. Habit;b.INFlOReSCeNCe;C.HypaNthiUM;d.BRaCt;e.CalyX lObeS& iNteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; F. INteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; g. StaMeNS; h. Style; ii.. SeedS.

Fig.16.OSbeCkia ViRgata D.DON eX Wight & ARN.:aa.. Habit; b. INFlOReSeNCe;CC.. FlOweR;d. HypaNthiUM; e.BRaCt;F. CalyX lObe; g. INteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; h. StaMeNS;iii. Style;jj.. SeedS.

Fig. 17. OSbeCkia wightiaNa (BeNth.) Wight & ARN.: aa.. Habit; b. FlOweR; C. HypaNthiUM; dd.. BRaCt;e. CalyX lObe; F. INteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; g. StaMeNS;h. Style;ii.. SeedS.

Fig. 18.OSbeCkia wyNaadeNSiS C.B.ClaRke:aa.. Habit; b. HypaNthiUM; C. BRaCt; d. CalyX lObe; e. INteRSepalaR eMeRgeNCe; F. StaMeNS; g. Style;hh.. SeedS.