Henckelia incana (Vahl) Spreng., Syst. Veg.

A. P., Janeesha & Nampy, S., 2020, A taxonomic revision of Henckelia (Gesneriaceae) in South India with a new species, one new combination and seven lectotypifications, Rheedea 30 (1), pp. 48-95 : 62-79

Henckelia incana (Vahl) Spreng., Syst. Veg. 1: 38. 1824; Pallith., Fl. Sirumalai hills 180. 2001; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 528. 2014. Roettlera incana Vahl, Enum. Pl. 1: 88. 1804. Didymocarpus rottlerianus Wall., Numer. List 778. 1829. Type: INDIA, Madurai, s.d., Röttler (probably lecto C [C 10012757 digital image!]; a photograph of the type from C is available at E [E00155176 photograph E!]).

Didymocarpus tomentosus Wight, Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. 4: t. 1349. 1848; C.B.Clarke in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 4: 353. 1885 [“1884”], excluding var. lanuginosa ; Rama Rao, Fl. Pl. Travancore 295. 1914; Gamble, Fl. Madras 989. 1924; S.V.Ramaswamy & Razi, Fl. Bangalore Dist. 545. 1973; Vajr., Fl. Palghat Dist. 332. 1981; K.M.Matthew, Material Fl. Tamil Nadu 287. 1981; A.N.Henry et al., Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 2: 133. 1987; K.M.Matthew, Excursion Fl. Central Tamil Nadu 359; M.Mohanan & A.N.Henry, Fl. Thiruvananthapuram Dist. 338. 1994; Pull. & Ali Moulali, Fl. Andhra Pradesh 2: 680. 1997; Sasidh., Biodivers. Doc. Kerala Part 6: Fl. Pl. 332. 2004; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 343. 2006; Pull. et al., Fl. Eastern Ghats 4: 636. 2011. Didymocarpus rottlerianus Wall. ex R.Br. var. tomentosus (Wight) C.B.Clarke in A.DC. & C.DC., Monogr. Phan. 5: 101. 1883. Lectotype (first-step designated by Vitek et al., 2000; second-step designated here): INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Jamalay near Coimbatore, 11.1847, Wight 2352 (K [K000858196 digital image!]; isolecto K [K000858193, K000858195 digital images!]). FiG. 8 Vernacular name: Elichuzhien (Malayalam).

Perennials, rosette-forming hairy herbs with rootstocks. Roots adventitious, thin. Leaves 6–18, basal, usually in whorls of three, rarely two; petioles 0.8–3 cm long, pubescent, winged; wings 2.3–3.4 mm broad; laminae elliptic-widely ovate, 5.5–11 × 3–9 cm, acute to obtuse at apex, attenuate at base, margins shallowly crenate, ultimate segments regular, surfaces usually rugose, pilose on the upper surface, tomentose on lower surface, but more so on the younger leaves and on lower veins, becoming less so with age; veins usually 5 on each side, much branched and conspicuous beneath. Cymes axillary, dense, 2–6 per plant, 2–4 times divided, 8–17-flowered, pubescent; peduncles terete, 6–23 cm long, reddish brown, pubescent; bracts two at each branching, ovate to lanceolate 2.2–2.8 × 0.5–0.6 mm, obtuse to narrowly acute at apex, margins crenate, hispid along the margin; pedicels 7–15 mm long, terete, narrow, glandular hairy. Flowers 10–15 × 6–10 mm. Calyx 5-partite, very deeply divided; lobes lanceolate, unequal, posterior lobe small, 3.4–4.4 × 1–1.23 mm, others 4.1–5.2 × 1.2–1.3 mm, slightly acute to obtuse at apex, margins entire, reddish brown, hispid. Corolla zygomorphic, ventricose, two lipped, glandular hairy outside, glabrous inside; tube 6.7–7.3 × 5.4– 7.1 mm, lilac to pale lilac with a yellow patch in the throat; lobes oblate to widely, rounded to slightly acute at apex, lilac to pale lilac, upper lip of two lobes, 3.6–4.2 × 2.7–4.5 mm, lower lip of three lobes, 4.3–4.8 × 3.9–5.2 mm. Stamens 2, adnate to the base of the corolla, included; filaments 4–5.4 mm long, glabrous, rarely few (3–5) hairs towards the top, green on the top and colourless towards base; anthers reniform, 1.6–1.8 × 0.7–0.9 mm, milky white, glabrous. Staminodes 2; filaments 2.4–3.1 mm long, hyaline, glabrous; antherodes globose or not prominent, glabrous, if globose rarely with 1 or 2 hairs. Ovary ovoid to oblong, 3.8–4.3 × 1.16– 1.46 mm, green, glandular hairy; style terete, 3.23– 3.86 mm long, green, glabrous; stigma obliquely subcapitate, 0.4–0.6 × 0.74–1 mm, papillate, pale green. Capsules cylindrical, straight or slightly curved, 21–28 × 2–2.4 mm, plagiocarpic, dehiscing loculicidally along the dorsal side, reddish brown, hispid, with persistent stigma and calyx. Seeds numerous, elliptic, 0.5–0.56 × 0.22–0.26 mm, slightly acute at apex, truncate at base; testa dark brown to black, reticulate.

Chromosome numbers: n = 27 ( Thathachar, 1942), n = ± 45, 2n = ± 90 (Ratter & Prentice, 1967).

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from May to October and fruiting from July to December.

Habitat: On moist slopes and in rock crevices, together with Begonia floccifera Bedd. ( Begoniaceae ), Justicia japonica Thunb. ( Acanthaceae ), species of moss and grass.

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats ( Fig. 11 ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Bangalore district, Savandurga hilltop, 14.08.1979, K.P. Sreenath 8954 (CAL); Mysore district, Devagiri betta-Beduguli, 08.09.1961, Seshagiri Rao Rolla 73794; Ibid., 17.04.1962, A.S. Rao 80020 (E, CAL). Kerala, Idukki district, Alampetty, Marayur, 30.07.1982, V.P.K. Nambiar & N. Sasidharan 2168 (KFRI digital image); Calvary mount, 13.11.1981, V.S. Raju 71239 (CAL); Devikulam, 14.07.1993, A. Nazarudeen 17834 (TBGT); Idukki dam, 24.08.1981, V.S. Raju 71172; Kattappana, 23.08.1977, K. Vivekananthan 50486; Ibid., 23.08.1981, V.S. Raju 71162; Ibid., 27.09.1981, C.N. Mohanan 72013 (MH); Kulamavu, 12.10.1982, C.N. Mohanan 74583 (CAL, MH); Marakkanam, 23.08.1977, K. Vivekananthan 50486 (CAL); Munnar forest division, Suryanelli, 19.10.1986, B. Gurudev Singh & K.R. Sasidharan 12427 (FRC); on the hill between Cheruthoni and Idukki dam, 24.08.1981, V.S. Raju 71172 (CAL); way to Calvary mount, 13.11.1981, V.S. Raju s.n. (MH); Kollam district, Aryankavu, 08.06.1977, E. Sarada Amma 21894 (CALI); Kazhuthuruthy-Thenmala, 20.12.1978, C.N. Mohanan 59572; Ottakkal hills near Arnarkkad, 23.12.1969, M.V. Viswanathan MVV307 (MH); Thenmala, 13.07.2010, Geethakumary 69602 (TBGT); Kottayam district, Kumarakam, 25.12.1980, A.S. Suletha 92205 (DEV); Palakkad district, Nelliyampathy, 16.09.1998, K. Radhakrishnan 29060 (TBGT); Ibid., 2016, P. Soumya & A.P. Janeesha 137691; Parambikulam, 20.04.1976, Rugmini Devi 12129; Ibid., 28.04.1976, M.P. Ramani s.n.; Ibid., 26.05.2014, A. Kabeer & A.P. Janeesha 134262 (CALI); Walayar forest, 10.07.1963, J. Joseph 17049 (E, MH); Thiruvananthapuaram district, Arivikarai, 10.10.1928, V. Narayanaswami 934 (MH); Ponmudi, 19.09.1968, K.M. Matthew 9190; Ibid., 12.09.1970, K.M. Matthew 12411 (RHT); Ibid., 16.08.1980, M. Mohanan 69225; Ibid., 17.11.1977, M. Mohanan 52549; Ibid., 25.05.1979, M. Mohanan 63280 (MH); Ibid., s.d., M. Abdul Jabbar 13777; Ibid., 29.10.1983, Satheesh Kumar 5921 (TBGT); Ibid., 28.11.2012, A.P. Janeesha, P.M. Shahina & K.M. Manudev 134255; Ibid., 31.07.2014, Santhosh Nampy & A.P. Janeesha 134146, 134148; Ibid., 31.07.2014, S. Syam Radh, Santhosh Nampy & A.P. Janeesha 134152, 134165, 134168 (CALI); Ponmudi-way to upper sanatorium, 25.05.1979, M. Mohanan 63280; Ibid., 16.08.1980, M. Mohanan 69225 (CAL); Wayanad district, Edakkal cave-inside, 08.07.2016, A.P. Janeesha & P.G. Arunkumar 137674 (CALI). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Aliyar submergible area, 28.07.1962, K.M. Sebastine 14686 (CAL, MH); Anamalai, 08.10.1901, C.A. Barber 3629; Ibid., 10.10.1901, C.A. Barber 3659 (MH); Ibid., 26.06.1973, R.N. Kajal & G.N. Tribedi 567 (CAL); Andiparai shola R.F., 26.06.1973, E. Vajravelu 44302 (MH); around Attakatti, s.d., J. Joseph 12685 (CAL, MH); Bolampetty valley, 24.02.1917, C.E.C. Fischer 4059 (CAL); Hassanur, 25.08.1914, s.coll. 10634; Kurudimalai, 27.09.1956, K. Subramanyam 865; Ibid., 17.11.1968, J.L. Ellis & S. Karthikeyan 31325; Ibid., 20.01.1970, M.V. Viswanathan MVV375 (MH); Kuridimalainorthern slopes, 27.09.1956, K. Subramanyam 865 (CAL); Marudamalai, 24.06.1930, V. Narayanaswami 3072 (MH); Ibid., 09.08.2014, K. Thoiba & A.P. Janeesha 134280; Valparai- Shivamalai, 13.12.2013, A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 134244; Velliangiri hills-way to temple, 29.05.2014, S. Syam Radh, R. Rajeevan & A.P. Janeesha 138187, 138189, 138191; Ibid., 30.09.2016, Nikhil Krishna & A.P. Janeesha 137689 (CALI); Dindigul district, Kodaikanal, 20.11.2012, K.M. Manudev, A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 134254 (CALI); Perumparai, 22.10.1977, M. Chandrabose 51612 (CAL); Ratter water fall, 25.02.2014, A. Kabeer, K. Shinoj & A.P. Janeesha 134258 (CALI); Sirumalai, 16.05.1958, J.M. Pallithanam 3356 (BLAT); Kanyakumari district, Kooladai, 08.09.1969, B.V. Shetty 32293; Maranthuvalmalai, 18.10.1985, R. Gopalan 83374; Sevgaltai, 24.09.1915, s.coll. 12447 (MH); Thekkumalai, 19.11.1956, K.M Sebastine 1368 (CAL, MH); Madurai district, Amaravathi sagaram-lower camp, 22.06.1968, D.B. Deb 30121; Cumbum valley, 20.06.1959, K. Subramanyam 8048 (MH); High way hut, 05.1917, E. Blatter & Hallberg 355 (BLAT, CAL); Sirumalai, 23.08.1913, C.A. Barber 9058 (MH); Vengayapparai, 21.11.1985, K.M. Matthew, A. Usha & N. Rajendran 42987 (RHT); way to Perumparai, 22.10.1977, M. Chandrabose 51612 (MH); Namakkal district, Kolli hills, 01.08.1978, N. Venugopal 15984 (CAL); Nilgiris district, Bimaka shola, 26.08.1970, G.V. Subba Rao 36346 (MH); Kil Kotagiri-on the way, 25.10.1956, K. Subramanyan 1171 (CAL); Kodanad view point, 24.07.1970, E. Vajravelu 35084 (MH); Mudumalai, 03.06.1994, S.K. Mandal 7214 (CAL); Naduvattam, 28.06.1970, B.V. Shetty 34457; Ibid., 30.08.1970, B.D. Sharma 35926; way to Anakkatai from Ebanad, 27.07.1972, G.V. Subba Rao 41563; way to Kilkotagiri, 25.10.1972, K. Subramanyam 1171 (MH); way to Naduvattam from Devar shola, 21.07.1960, K. Subramanyam 10517 (CAL, MH); Pykara falls, 08.1884, J.S. Gamble 15292 (CAL, BM digital image); Ibid., 06.1884, J.S. Gamble 1424 1 (BM digital image); Pudukkottai district, Ponnamaravathi, 22.07.1984, C. Arulappan s.n. (MH); Ramnad district, Kendiparai-Ayyanar koil, 23.09.1971, E. Vajravelu 38704; Mudaliarattu, 21.09.1917, P.S. Jivanna Rao 15096 (MH); Salem district, Kolli hills, 10.09.1992, A.A. Ansari 97066; Retreat area-Yercaud, 24.07.1965, S. Karthikeyan 26853 (MH); Thiruchirapalli district, Trichy, 18.10.1985, P.C. Jose Kutty 1146 (DEV); Tenkasi district, Courtallam, 04.07.1974, T.N. Reetha Bai 30815 (CALI); Tirunelveli district, Chunkankada hills, near Sree Ayyappa College, 20.07.2016, A.P. Janeesha, S. Resmi & P.G. Arunkumar 137676 (CALI); Karayar Dam, 30.07.1989, Shanavas Khan 5853 (TBGT); Kohimalai, 02.11.1914, s.coll. 11396; Kulurathumottai grassland, 16.10.1992, R. Gopalan 9997; Mahendragiri, 17.09.1916, s.coll. 13139 (MH); near Kodayar power house, 19.07.2016, A.P. Janeesha, S. Resmi & P.G. Arunkumar 137675 (CALI); Neelikkathu R.F., 03.05.1989, R. Gopalan 90532 (MH); Papanasam project, 07.11.1959, K.M. Sebastian 9560 (CAL); Thulukkam parai, 28.11.1969, B.V. Shetty 32947; Vasudevanallur R.F., 03.10.1971, E. Vajravelu 38847 (MH); Vellore district, slopes of Konamalai, 18.07.1961, C.P. Sreemadhavan CPS741; s.loc., 27.09.1986, S.R. Raja & Nagavath s.n. (MH). State unknown, s.loc., 06.1883, J.S. Gamble 11780 (CAL). Peninsular India, s.d., R. Wight 2352 (CAL).

Conservation status: This species is widely distributed in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the thresholds for Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) are not met by this species to fall into one of the threat categories. We therefore consider it as of Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN (2019) criteria.

Notes: Wallich (1829) in his catalogue listed Didymocarpus rottlerianus and quoted Roettlera incana as a synonym. D. rottlerianus Wall. is thus validated by Roettlera incana and became nomenclaturally superfluous (for more information, see Burtt, 1954) and both names have Rottler’s specimen as type.

Typification: Vahl (1804) described Roettlera incana ( H. incana (Vahl) Spreng. ) based on Röttler’s specimen from mountains in Madurai, India. Vitek et al. (2000) cited the sheet at C (C 10012757 digital image!) as the holotype. A further search revealed a photograph of the above sheet from C at E with the barcode E00155176 (photograph E!). The sheet C 10012757 contains two flowering specimens mounted separately but do not bear any field label or collector’s information to ascertain it as a type material. A further search revealed one sheet with two barcodes at K (K001129365, K001111886 digital images!) collected by Röttler. Except the one specimen mounted on the upper side of the sheet, all others agree with H. incana . However, the field label attached at the top of the sheet indicated as locality “ooty”. Hence, this specimen can also not be considered for typification. According to Stafleu and Cowan (1983), Röttler’s main collections are kept at K and LIV and other materials are at C, ER, FI, H, H-Aeh, JE, LE, M, MH, MO, MW and NY. Even though a lectotypification is necessary, access to some herbaria material has been impossible in time, lectotypification is postponed here and will be carried out in a separate paper.

Wight (1848) described Didymocarpus tomentosus Wight and included an illustration of his collection from Kaitie falls, on the Neilgherries. It was further mentioned in the protologue “I have since received many specimens from hills near Coimbatore, and have often met with it in similar situations”. All of this is original material and available for lectotypification. Vitek et al. (2000) cited “ Wight (K)” as the type. We traced three relevant specimens at K (K000858193, K000858195, K000858196 digital images!). One sheet K000858193 with an HRWP label is annotated “ Did. tomentosa ?, Jamalay Coimbatore” by Wight. The sheets K000858195 and K000858196 have the annotations “2352 Didymocarpus tomentosus Wt ”, with field labels, one with “Jamalay, June 1848 ” and the other “Jamalay near Coimbatore, November 1847 ” respectively. Specimens from Kaitie falls are, however, not available in any herbaria. The sheet K000858196, earliest among them with five mature plants and scapes is chosen here as the second-step lectotype while the others (K000858193, K000858195) are consequently isolectotypes.

Henckelia innominata ( B.L.Burtt) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 70: 347. 1998 [“1997”]; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 528. 2014. Didymocarpus innominatus B.L.Burtt , Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 21: 201. 1954; B.D.Sharma et al., Fl. Karnataka Analysis 195. 1984; A.N.Henry et al., Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 2: 132. 1987; M.Ahmedullah & M.P.Nayar, Endemic Pl. Indian Region 1: 143. 1987; N.P.Singh, Fl. Eastern Karnataka 2: 475. 1988; Pull. & N.Yesoda, Fl. Anantapur Dist. 182. 1989; Sasidh. & Sivar., Fl. Pl. Thrissur Forest 329. 1996; Pull. & Ali Moulali, Fl. Andhra Pradesh 2: 679. 1997; Sasidh., Biodivers. Doc. Kerala Part 6: Fl. Pl. 332. 2004; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 342. 2006; Pull. et al., Fl. Eastern Ghats 4: 361. 2011. Lectotype (first-step designated by Vitek et al., 2000; second-step designated here): s.loc., s.d., Wallich 778 (K [K001111885 (778B) digital image!]; isolecto K

[K00085184, K001111884 digital images!]). FiGS. 9 & 10

Perennials, rosette-forming hairy herbs with rootstocks. Roots adventitious, thin. Leaves 6–15, basal, usually in whorls of three; petioles 2.5–9 cm long, pubescent, winged; wings 1–3 mm broad; laminae elliptic, 8.5–12 × 4.7–6.7 cm, acute at apex, narrowly cuneate to attenuate at base, margins doubly serrate, first serration deep and ultimate segments irregular, surfaces usually rugose; hispid on both surfaces, but more so on the younger leaves and on lower veins, becoming less so with age, veins usually 5 on each side, much branched and conspicuous beneath. Cymes axillary, 2–7 per plant, 3–5 times divided, 12–22-flowered, pubescent; peduncles terete, 18–24 cm long, green, pubescent; bracts two at each branching point, linear, 3–5 × 1.3–2.4 mm, obtuse at apex, margins entire, hispid; pedicels terete, 4–14 mm long, narrow, pubescent. Flowers 10–20 × 4–9 mm. Calyx 5-partite, very deeply divided or basally connate; lobes elliptic to oblong, unequal, posterior lobe small, 2–2.2 × 0.68– 0.77 mm, others 2.3–2.9 × 0.71–1 mm, obtuse at apex, margins entire, reddish brown towards the base and green towards the apex, hispid on both sides. Corolla zygomorphic, ventricose, two lipped, glandular hairy outside, glabrous inside; tube 6.8– 7.9 × 5.3–6.2 mm, pale lilac with a yellow patch in the throat; lobes widely ovate to orbicular, rounded at apex, slightly undulate, pale lilac, upper lip of two lobes, 4.5–5.2 × 5.3–5.9 mm, lower lip of three lobes, 5.4–5.8 × 5.3–6.2 mm. Stamens 2, adnate to the base of the corolla, included; filaments 3.3–3.8 mm long, glabrous, green on the top and colourless Habitat: On moist slopes and in rock crevices, along with Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ), Spermacoce alata Aubl. ( Rubiaceae ) and a few grass species.

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats ( Fig. 11 ).

towards base; anthers reniform, 1.45–1.6 × 0.62– 0.7 mm, milky white, glabrous. Staminodes 2; filaments 1.8–2 mm long, hyaline, glabrous; antherodes a small knob like structure. Ovary ovoid to oblong, 3.1–3.5 × 1.15–1.3 mm, green, glandular hairy; style terete, 2.4–2.6 mm long, green, glabrous; stigma obliquely subcapitate, 0.53–0.58 × 0.3 mm, papillate, pale green. Capsules cylindrical, straight, 12–19 × 1.4–1.6 mm, plagiocarpic, dehiscing loculicidally along the dorsal side, reddish brown, tomentulose with persistent stigma and calyx. Seeds numerous, elliptic, 0.43–0.56 × 0.2 mm, slightly acute at both ends; testa dark brown to black, reticulate.

Chromosome numbers: n = 16, 2n = 32 (Ratter & Prentice, 1967).

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from (May) June to September and fruiting from August to December.

Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Coorg district, s.loc., s.d., s.coll. s.n. (CAL). Kerala, Idukki district, Chinnar, 19.01.1986, B. Gurudev Singh & K.R. Sasidharan 12428 (FRC); Ibid., 07.10.1994, E.S. Santhosh Kumar 17595 (TBGT); Kollam district, Achencoil, 22.05.1979, C.N. Mohanan 63025 (MH); Moonnamra-Thenmala, 17.08.2016, A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 137681; Moonnamra-near constructing railway track, 17.08.2016, A.P. Janeesha, S. Resmi, Dani Francis & K.S. Arathy 137682 (CALI); Palakkad district, Dhoni reserve forest, 20.07.1963, J. Joseph 17220 (MH); Pathanamthitta district, Achankovil to Mekkarai, 05.09.1913, M. Rama Rao 1652 (CAL). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Attakatti, 04.07.1961, J. Joseph 12685 (MH); Ibid., 21.11.1980, M. Chandrabose & V. Chandrasekaran 69044 (MH, CAL); Parappalar dam, 11.11.1986, K.M. Matthew 47293 (RHT); Siruvani, 14.08.1960, A.N. Henry 351 (MH); Siruvani-near Bungalow, 14.08.1960, A.N. Henry 350 (BLAT). Dharmapuri district, Chitteri hills, 12.08.1978, K.M. Matthew 16362; Ibid., 09.01.1980, K.M. Matthew 25618 (RHT); Kanyakumari district, s.loc., 29.10.2015, K. Thoiba & A.P. Janeesha 137651, 137652 (CALI); Nilgiri district, s.loc., s.d., G. Thomson 1351 (CAL); Ramnad district, Ayyanarkoil, 23.09.1971, E. Vajravelu 38715; Cumbummedu, 14.03.1970, E. Vajravelu 33767; Yanaimutti rocks, 13.12.1972, E. Vajravelu 39412 (MH); Salem district, Krishnagiri, 24.09.1917, s.coll. 14935 (MH); Yercaud, 28.06.1980, V. Sainaba 28364 (CALI); Tenkasi district, Courtallam, 18.07.1901, C.A. Barber 3374; Ibid., 16.07.1907, C.A. Barber 8378; Ibid., 23.07.1957, K. Subramanyam 3745 (MH); Ibid., 29.06.1980, K. Indira Devi 5760; Ibid., 30.06.1980, K.S. Hema 8143; Ibid., 30.06.1980, T. Usha 30144; Ibid., 30.06.1980, M.S. Baby Usha Kiran 3783 (CALI); Tirunelveli district, around Shembagadevi, 27.09.1975, K.K.N. Nair 1167 (CAL); forest near Papanasam project, 07.11.1959, K.M. Sebastine 9560; Kannakattii, 13.06.1899, C.A. Barber 505 (MH); Mekkarai-on rock, 06.09.1913, C.C. Calder & M.S. Ramaswami 620 (CAL); Naterikal, 21.09.1914, s.coll. 10952 (MH); Sengalten, 16.02.1913, D. Hooper & M.S. Ramaswami 39219 (CAL); Vasudevanallur, 13.11.1925, S.R. Raju 17801; Ibid., 03.10.1971, E. Vajravelu 38845 (MH); s.loc., 01.09.1913, C.C. Calder & M.S. Ramaswami 507. s.loc., 01.06.1905, C.E.C. Fischer 22; s.loc., s.d., M.S. Ramaswami 607; s.loc., s.d., s.coll. 67; s.loc., s.d., R. Wight 2678 (CAL, E); s.loc., s.d., s.coll. 778 (CAL).

Conservation status: The species occurs widely in 13 districts in three states, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be c. 34100 km ². However, during field surveys of two localities, only 106 mature plants were observed, suggesting that the populations are not large. Not all of the localities are in protected areas and those outside face high risks of habitat destruction, particularly one that is located very near to a railway track construction site. However, because of the number of populations and localities, the species can be considered at present of Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN (2019) criteria.

Typification: Wallich (1829) in his catalogue named this species Didymocarpus rottlerianus Wall. but quoted Roettlera incana Vahl as its synonym. The name D. rottlerianus thus got validated and became nomenclaturally superfluous (for more information, see Burtt, 1954). Burtt (1954) named Wallich’s specimen 778 as D. innominatus B.L.Burtt. Vitek et al. (2000) cited “Wallich 778 [K]” as the type. We have traced five Wallichian collections at K (K001129365, K00085184, K001111885, K001111884, K001111886 digital images!). In order to narrow down the choice to a single specimen, we carried out a second-step lectotypification here. The sheets K001129365 (labelled 777C & D) and K001111886 are mixed collections, and the specimens mounted on the upper side alone belong to H. innominata . K00085184, K001111885, K001111884 are labelled 778, 778B & 778.1 respectively and all belong to H. innominata . Of these, sheet K001111885 with a complete plant and inflorescence is chosen here as the lectotype while the other specimens (K00085184, K001111884) are consequently isolectotypes.

Henckelia lyrata (Wight) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 70: 349. 1998 [“1997”]; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 528. 2014; Janeesha & Nampy, Phytotaxa 268(1): 80. 2016 ; M.P.Geethakumary et al., Phytotaxa 284(2): 147. 2016. Didymocarpus lyratus Wight, Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. 4: t. 1350. 1848; C.B.Clarke in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 4: 353. 1885 [“1884”]; Rama Rao, Fl. Pl.Travancore 295. 1914; Gamble, Fl. Madras 2: 988. 1924; A.N.Henry et al., Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 2: 132. 1987; M.Ahmedullah & M.P.Nayar, Endemic Pl. Indian region 1: 143. 1987; Pull. et al., Fl. Eastern Ghats 4: 361. 2011. Roettlera lyrata (Wight) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 476. 1891. Lectotype (designated by Janeesha & Nampy, 2016): INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Courtallam, 09.1835, Wight 559 (E [E00155173 digital image!]; isolecto E [E00155174, E00155173 digital images!], K [K000858187 digital image!]).

Didymocarpus lyratus Wight var. protractus C.B.Clarke in A.DC. & C.DC., Monogr. Phan. 5: 102. 1883, syn. nov.; A.N.Henry et al., Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 2: 132. 1987. Lectotype (designated by Vitek et al., 2000): INDIA, Pulney hills, Beddome 8505 (BM). FiG. 12

Perennials, rosette-forming hairy herbs with rootstocks. Roots adventitious, thin. Leaves 6–9, basal, usually in whorls of three; petioles 4.5–14 cm long, pubescent, lacerate; laminae widely ellipticorbicular, 4.5–7.5 × 4.5–6.3 cm, rounded to obtuse at apex, lyrate at base, margins doubly crenate to serrate, sometimes the first crenation is very deep and irregular, surfaces usually rugose, pilose on both surfaces, but more so on the younger leaves and on lower veins, becoming less so with age; veins usually 5 on each side, much branched and conspicuous beneath. Cymes axillary, 3–9 per plant, 3–5 times divided, 12–21-flowered, pubescent; peduncles terete, 13–29 cm long, green, pubescent; bracts two at each branching point, linear, 3–5 × c. 1 mm, obtuse to rounded at apex, margins entire, pilose; pedicels terete, 4–25 mm long, narrow, pubescent. Flowers 10–14 × 5–7 mm. Calyx 5-partite, very deeply divided; lobes broadly lanceolate, unequal, posterior lobe small, 2–4.5 × 0.5–1.3 mm, others 4–11 × 0.7–3 mm, obtuse at apex, margins entire, green, pilose. Corolla zygomorphic, ventricose, two lipped, minutely villous outside, glabrous inside; tube 8–10 × 5–6.7 mm, white to pale lilac with a yellow patch in the throat; lobes widely ovate, ovate to rounded at apex, white to pale lilac, upper lip of two lobes, 3.7–4.1 × 4–4.8 mm, lower lip of three lobes, 4–5 × 4.2–5.3 mm. Stamens 2, adnate to the base of the corolla, included; filaments 3.5–4.2 mm long, glabrous; anthers reniform, 1.5–1.6 × c. 0.62 mm, milky white. Staminodes 2; filaments 3.1–3.5 mm long, glabrous; antherodes highly reduced. Ovary ovoid to oblong, 2.6–3 × 0.78–0.86 mm, pubescent; style terete, 3–3.8 mm long, glabrous; stigma obliquely subcapitate, c. 0.34 mm diam., papillate, white to pale green. Capsules cylindrical, straight or slightly curved, 12–36 mm long, plagiocarpic, dehiscing loculicidally along the dorsal side, green, glandular hairy with persistent stigma and calyx. Seeds numerous, oblong-ovoid to elliptic, 0.4–0.51 × 0.17–0.21 mm, slightly acute at apex; testa dark brown to black, reticulate.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from May to October and fruiting from August to December.

Habitat: On moist rocks, in association with Porella sp. ( Porellaceae ).

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats ( Fig. 17 ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Idukki district, Neymakkad gap, N 10̊082 46.322', E 77̊052 16.93', 1784 m, 22.10.2004, M.P. Geethakumary & A.G. Pandurangan 55339 (TBGT); Kollam district , Aryankavu, 02.12.1961, K.N. Subramanian 77355 (BSI); Palakkad district , Dhoni forest-Korakkallu region, 27.09.2013, K.M. Prabhukumar 7559 (CALI) . Tamil Nadu, Ramnad district, Kendiparai slopes-Ayyanarkoil, 23.09.1971, E. Vajravelu 38715; Kumbumedu, 14.03.1970, E. Vajravelu 33767; Yanimutti Rock-Mudaliaruthu, 13.12.1972, E. Vajravelu 39412 (MH); Virudhunagar district , Srivilliputhur Wildlife sanctuary, 24.10.2013, Kabeer & G. Gnanashekaran 130400 (MH) .

Conservation status: The species occurs in Kerala and Tamil Nadu with around five localities in five districts, with one isolated disjunct locality in the North. The estimated Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is c. 7800 km 2. The authors were able to study three localities where they found a total of 26 mature plants. Of the three populations, two populations are located in unprotected areas and one in a wildlife sanctuary. The situation at Aryankavu and Mudaliaruthu are currently unknown. With view to the location and small size of the populations a further decline is likely. Thus, we assess the species as Endangered (EN), B2ab(iii,iv,v) according to IUCN (2019) criteria.

Notes: The lyrate, pilose leaves, shorter scapes and small flowers identify this species in the field. Clarke (1883) described another variety, Didymocarpus lyratus var. protractus , differentiating from the typical variety by its elliptic, narrowly winged lyrate, less pilose, crenate leaves, 8–12 cm long petioles and longer peduncles (up to 24 cm long). But most of these characters are within the limit of H. lyrata (see description above) and hence var. protractus is treated here as conspecific.

Henckelia macrostachya ( E.Barnes) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 70: 349. 1998 [“1997”]; Shaju et al., Taprobanica 5(2): 138. 2013; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 528. 2014. Didymocarpus macrostachya E.Barnes, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1938: 37 . 1938; M.Ahmedullah & M.P.Nayar, Endemic Pl. Indian Region 1: 143. 1987; Sasidh., Biodivers. Doc. Kerala Part 6: Fl. Pl. 332. 2004; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 342. 2006. Lectotype (designated by Vitek et al., 2000): INDIA, Travancore, high range, on Ottapparai ridge, 5500 ft., 17.09.1935, E. Barnes 1266 (K [K000858197 digital image!]; isolecto K [K000938534, K000938535 digital images!]). FiG. 13

Perennials, rosette-forming hairy herbs with rootstocks. Roots adventitious, thin. Leaves 9–12, basal, usually in whorls of three, sessile to sub-sessile; laminae obovate-widely spatulate, 16–27 × 6–10 cm, rounded to slightly acute at apex, attenuate at base, margins crenate, surfaces usually rugose, white bullate hairy on the upper surface, with dense golden brown woolly hairs on the younger leaves and on lower veins, becoming less so with age; veins 7–8 on each side, much branched and conspicuous beneath. Cymes axillary, 1–2 per plant, 3–6 times divided, 16–28-flowered; peduncles terete, 30–54 cm long, stout, golden brown, covered with dense golden brown woolly hairs; bracts two at each branching point, broadly linear to elliptic, 1.5–4 × 1–1.9 mm, rounded at apex, basally hairy, green; pedicels terete, 3–11 mm long, slender, hairy. Flowers 10–20 × 13–18 mm. Calyx 5-partite, very deeply divided or basally connate; lobes ovate to elliptic, unequal, posterior lobe small, 2–2.7 × 0.8– 1.3 mm, others 2.8–4.9 × 1–1.92 mm, slightly acute to obtuse at apex, margins entire, reddish brown, glandular hairy on the base, with golden brown woolly hairs towards the apex. Corolla zygomorphic, ventricose, two lipped, with white woolly hairs outside, glabrous inside; tube 8–12 × 4.3–5.5 mm, pale lilac to white with a yellow blotch at the throat; lobes very widely obovate with undulate margin, rounded at apex, white to pale lilac, upper lip of two lobes, 5.5–6 × 7–7.8 mm, lower lip of three lobes, 6.8–7.8 × 7.7–8.6 mm. Stamens 2, adnate to the base of the corolla, included; filaments 4.5–5 mm long, glabrous, yellow; anthers reniform, 1.5–2.75 × 0.75–1.16 mm, milky white to cream, bearded in the region of the connective. Staminodes 2; filaments 2.4–3.3 mm long, hyaline, glabrous; antherodes dome shaped, 0.4–0.62 × 0.5–0.7 mm, bearded in the region of connective. Ovary ovoid, 4–6 × 2.1–2.64 mm, pale green, with glandular and dense white woolly hairs all over; style terete, 1.8–3 mm long, green, glabrous; stigma obliquely subcapitate, 0.65–0.7 × 0.8–0.86 mm, papillate, pale green. Capsules cylindrical, stout, 13–28 × 2.2–2.7 mm, plagiocarpic, dehiscing loculicidally along the dorsal side, reddish brown, glandular hairy with persistent stigma and calyx. Seeds numerous, elliptic, 0.57–0.69 × 0.22–0.29 mm, slightly acute at apex, truncate at base; testa dark brown, reticulate.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from July to early September and fruiting from late August to October.

Habitat: On moist slopes and in rock crevices, in association with Cyanotis obtusa Trim. ( Commelinaceae ), Christella sp. ( Thelypteridaceae ) and some grass species.

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats ( Fig. 17 ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Idukki district, Devikulam, Pallivasal , 01.07.1944, N.R. Yull 236 (CAL); Eravikulam National Park , 22.08.2014, A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 137612; Ibid., 22.08.2014, S. Syam Radh, Prashob & A.P. Janeesha 134192; Ibid., 19.05.2015, A.P. Janeesha, S. Resmi & V. Veena 137615; Eravikulam National Park , after view point, 19.05.2015, A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 137616 (CALI); near Idukki dam, 24.08.1981, V.S. Raju 71173 (MH); Pettimudi, 30.10.2012, Shaju & Shareef, 74028; Rajamalai, 16.09. 1998, S.D. Biju 35857; Ibid., 27.10.1998, S.D. Biju 38393 (TBGT) .

Conservation status: The species is currently known only from four localities in one district outside protected areas with an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of c. 74 km ². The authors observed 58 plants of different growth stages, of which 41 were mature at two localities. The species is possibly surviving as fragmented populations in a narrow range of distribution, being subjected to habitat alteration/ destruction due to plantation activities and the growing tourism in those areas. It is therefore assessed here as Endangered (EN), B1ab(iii,iv,v), D ( IUCN, 2019).

Notes: This is a robust plant with spatulate leaves and long scapes (about 50 cm long). The scapes,

calyx and capsules are completely covered with golden brown woolly hairs.

Henckelia meeboldii ( W.W.Sm. & Ramaswami) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 70: 349. 1998 [“1997”]; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl Pl. Western Ghats 1: 528. 2014; Janeesha & Nampy, Phytotaxa 268(1): 80. 2016. Didymocarpus meeboldii W.W.Sm. & Ramaswami, Rec. Bot. Surv. India 6: 43. 1914; Gamble, Fl. Madras 2: 989. 1924; A.N.Henry et al., Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 2: 132. 1987; M.Ahmedullah & M.P.Nayar, Endemic Pl. Indian Region 1: 143. 1987; Sasidh., Biodivers. Doc. Kerala Part 6: Fl. Pl. 332. 2004; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 342. 2006. Lectotype (designated by Janeesha & Nampy, 2016): INDIA, Kerala, Peermade Ghat, s.d., Meebold 12851 (CAL [CAL0000019179!]; isolecto CAL [CAL0000019180!, CAL00000 19181!, CAL0000019182!], E [E00155177!], K [K000858198 digital image!). FiG. 14

Perennials, rosette-forming hairy herbs with rootstocks. Roots adventitious, thin. Leaves 8–13, basal, decussate; petioles 4–12 cm long, pubescent, winged; wings 2–3 mm broad; laminae widely elliptic-ovate, 6–16 × 5–11.5 cm, obtuse to acute at apex, attenuate at base, margins crenate, sometimes slightly doubly crenate, ultimate segments regular, surfaces usually rugose, pubescent on both surfaces, but more so on the younger leaves and on lower veins, becoming less so with age; veins 5–7 on each side, much branched and conspicuous beneath. Cymes axillary, 1–5 per plant, 6–9 times divided, 10–18-flowered; peduncles terete, 10–26 cm long, reddish brown, glandular hairy; bracts two at each branching point, linear, 3–4 × 0.8–1 mm, acute at apex, margins entire, pilose; pedicels terete, 4–25 mm long, slender, glandular hairy. Flowers 13–15 × 11–13 mm. Calyx 5-partite, very deeply divided or basally connate; lobes ovate to lanceolate, unequal, posterior lobe small, 2–3.1 × 0.7–0.92 mm, others 3.2–5 × 1–1.8 mm, slightly acute at apex, margins entire, reddish brown, glandular hairy. Corolla zygomorphic, ventricose, two lipped, glandular hairy outside, glabrous inside; tube 9–11 × 3.7–4.2 mm, dark lilac with a yellow patch in the throat; lobes ovate to slightly elliptic, rounded at apex, dark lilac, upper lip of two lobes, 3.7–4 × 5– 5.8 mm, lower lip of three lobes, 6–7 × 5–6 mm. Stamens 2, adnate to the base of corolla, included; filaments 4–6 mm long, puberulent, green on the top and colourless towards base; anthers reniform, 1.5–1.7 × 0.9–0.95 mm, milky white, glabrous. Staminodes 2; filaments 2.2–2.5 mm long, hyaline, glabrous; antherodes 0.42 × 0.36 mm, hyaline, glabrous. Ovary ovoid to oblong, 4.8–6.5 × 0.9– 1.2 mm, green, glandular hairy, sometimes slightly curved; style terete, 4–5.5 mm long, green, glabrous; stigma obliquely subcapitate, 0.3–0.35 × 0.2–0.25 mm, papillate, pale green. Capsules cylindrical, straight or slightly curved, 14–35 × 1.3– 1.5 mm, plagiocarpic, dehiscing loculicidally along the dorsal side, reddish brown, tomentulose with persistent stigma. Seeds numerous, elliptic, 0.38– 0.45 × 0.2–0.22 mm, obtuse to slightly acute at apex, truncate at base; testa dark brown, reticulate.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from July to October and fruiting from September to November.

Habitat: On moist slopes, in association with Adiantum philippenes L. ( Pteridaceae ), Christella sp. ( Thelypteridaceae ), Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ) and Cyanotis villosa Schult.f. ( Commelinaceae ).

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats ( Fig. 17 ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Ernakulam district, Shoolamudi, 11.07.2016, A.P. Janeesha, Manu Philip & K. Shinoj 137692 (CALI); Idukki district , Mannavan shola, 24.05.2015, K.M. Manudev, S. Syam Radh & A.P. Janeesha 137619; Munnar, 10.09.2013, A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 134214; near Kuttikanam-Kumali road, 30.06.2016, A.P. Janeesha & P.S. Sreeja 137662; Neryamangalam to Adimali route, 25.07.2013, A.P. Janeesha & K.M. Manudev 134202; Onnamthode- Mathikettanshola National Park , 08.05.2015, S. Syam Radh & A.P. Janeesha 137613 (CALI); Peerumedu, 31.08.1992, A. Nazarudeen 14386; Ibid., 12.09.2009, Geethakumary 58596 (TBGT); Pothumade-Munnar, 25.07.2013, A.P. Janeesha & K.M. Manudev 134203; Pynavu, 29.06.2016, P.S. Sreeja & A.P. Janeesha 137667 (CALI); Upputhara, 30.09.1981, C.N. Mohanan 72086 (MH); Kottayam district , near Ottayitti, 26.06.2016, P.S. Sreeja & A.P. Janeesha 137661; Vagamon churam, 07.08.2014, A.P. Janeesha & A.P. Roshan 134273, 134274, 134275; Ibid., 03.10.2015, C. Pramod & A.P. Janeesha 137645; Vagamon churam-200 mtr after view point, 07.08.2014, A.P. Janeesha, A.P. Roshan & Santhosh Nampy 134276 (CALI) . Tamil Nadu, Madura district, Palani-Kodaikanal ghat road, 27.11.1985, K.M. Matthew & N. Rajendran 43308; Tiger shola-acroos to Korappar, 01.08.1986, K.M. Matthew & M. Charles 46094 (RHT) .

Conservation status: This species is widely distributed in central areas of Kerala and some parts in western Tamil Nadu, with an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of c. 3800 km ². More than 240 mature plants were observed from nine populations across Kerala. The estimated Area of Occupancy (AOO) for all localities is an estimated 48 km ². The majority of the localities are not in protected areas and are subjected to human disturbance due to plantation activities and tourism. Because if the small number of mature plants we consider the species to be of Endangered (EN) D, according to IUCN (2019) criteria.

Notes: Ramaswamy (1914) described the corolla tube and filaments as glabrous. But in the present investigation, the outside of the corolla tube was found to be glandular hairy and the filaments bearded. The species is morphologically close to H. humboldtiana , but can be distinguished by its broadly elliptic to ovate leaves, glandular indumentum on the pedicel, calyx lobes, corolla tube and ovary.

Henckelia missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 70: 350. 1998 [“1997”], nom. cons. prop.; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 528. 2014. Didymocarpus missionis Wall. ex R.Br., Pl. Jav. Rar. 119. 1839; Rama Rao, Fl. Pl. Travancore 295. 1914; Gamble, Fl. Madras 2: 988. 1924; A.N.Henry & Swamin., J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 76: 373. 1977; A.N.Henry et al., Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 2: 132. 1987; M.Ahmedullah & M.P.Nayar, Endemic Pl. Indian Region 1: 143. 1987; M.P.Nayar & Sastry, Red Data Book Indian Pl. 3: 157. 1990; K.S.Walter & H.J.Gillet, IUCN Red List Threatened Pl. 291. 1997; Gopalan & A.N.Henry, Endemic Pl. India 114. 2000; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 342. 2006. Roettlera missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 476. 1891. Type (cons. prop.): INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari district, Kilaviarumalai- Balamore, 480 m, 28.07.1977, A.N. Henry 49421 (MH!).

Henckelia membranacea (Bedd.) Janeesha & Nampy comb. nov. Didymocarpus membranacea Bedd., Icon. Pl. Ind. Or. 1: 39. 1874. Lectotype (designated here): Beddome’s Icon Pl. Ind. Or. 1: t. 176. 1874. FiGS. 15 & 16

Perennials, hairy herbs with rootstocks. Roots adventitious, thin. Stems reduced. Leaves 6–10, basal, decussate; petioles 11–16 cm long, pubescent, not winged; laminae ovate to elliptic, 7.9–12.1 × 5.2–7.3 cm, membranaceous, acute to acuminate at apex, obliquely cordate at base, margins entire, with white pellucid hairs, strigose on the upper surface, surfaces rough; veins usually 6 on each side, much branched and conspicuous beneath. Cymes axillary, 1–5 per plant, 3–5 times divided, 6–10- flowered; bracts two, linear, 4 mm long; peduncles terete, 20–29 cm long, with scaly hairs towards apex; pedicels terete, 6–9 mm long, slender, pubescent. Flowers 20–25 mm long. Calyx 5- partite, very deeply divided or basally connate; lobes linear to lanceolate, 5–8 mm long, acute at apex, margins entire, pilose. Corolla zygomorphic, subinfundibuliform, upper lip of two lobes, lower lip of three lobes, glabrous; tube pale lilac with a yellow patch in the throat; lobes pale lilac, ovate, rounded at apex. Stamens 2, adnate to the base of corolla, included, glabrous; anthers reniform, bearded. Staminodes 2; antherodes present. Ovary ovoid; style terete, glabrous; stigma obliquely subcapitate. Capsules cylindrical, 27–33 mm long, plagiocarpic, dehiscing loculicidally along the dorsal side, with persistent stigma. Seeds not seen.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from May to July and fruiting from July to September.

Habitat: On moist slopes and in rock crevices.

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats ( Fig. 17 ).

Specimen examined: INDIA, Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari district, Kalikesam river side, Balamore , 700 m, 31.08.1976, A.N. Henry 48151 (MH) .

Conservation status: The population status at the type locality (A.N. Henry 49421) is presently uncertain, since no plants were found during recent fieldwork in 2014. The situation of the nearby population at Kalikesam river side at Balamore (A.N. Henry 48151) is presently unknown. Because of these uncertainties, the species should be regarded as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN guidelines ( IUCN, 2019).

Typification: Henckelia missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt ( Gesneriaceae ) was first named (nom. nud.) as “ Didymocarpus? missionis ” by Wallich (1829). Subsequently Brown (1839) validated the preceding name with a description (“Caule brevissimo, pedunculis axillaribus scapiformibus, folis cordato ovatis”) and as type, he referred to “Wall. List. no. 639”. Kuntze (1891) transferred this species to Roettlera as R. missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) Kuntze while Weber and Burtt (1998[“1997”]) placed this species in Henckelia as H. missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt. Meanwhile, Beddome (1874: 39 , t. 176) described another species, viz., Didymocarpus membranaceus Bedd. from Pachemallai hills (Tamil Nadu) in South India as “leaves all radical, ... membranaceous, from obliquely cordate-ovate to cordate-lanceolate, corol-tube subinfundibuliform, ......”. Clarke (1883) synonymised Beddome’s species under D. missionis and this treatment was followed by subsequent authors ( Clarke, 1885 [“1884”]; Gamble, 1924; Henry et al., 1987). This species is endemic and very rare in South India (Nayar & Sastry, 1990; Walter & Gillet, 1997), and has been re-collected only twice from Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu (Madras Herbarium: Henry 48151, 49421).

While examining “Wallich List. No. 639” (as cited by Brown l.c.), it was found that Brown’s (l.c.) citation refers to Arenaria globiflora Wallich (1829: 19) , belonging to Caryophyllaceae . It was found that Wallich’s Didymocarpus missionis is more likely referable to “Wall. List. No. 6396” (probably a typographical error by Brown). According to Stafleu and Cowan (1988), Wallich’s main collections are kept at K (K-W). After a thorough search in various herbaria, two sheets of “Wall. No. 6396” were found, one each at BM and K. The lone sheet in BM (BM000617800 digital image!) has two flower buds separately mounted and carries two labels with annotations. The top one, probably the original label reads “ Didymocarpus missionis Wall. Cat 6396 Herb Madras” and the second one, made by curators at BM “Wallich 6396: TYPE SPECIMEN Didymocarpus Wall. ex R.Br. , Cyrtandreae : 119 (1839) ” respectively. The flower buds are not, however, unquestionably referable to H. missionis . The sheet at K (K001123777 digital image!) has a single specimen with three scapes and a few leaves. There is an inscription on the sheet, possibly by C.B. Clarke written in pencil: ‘ Didymocarpus missionis Wall. C.B.Clarke (= D. membranaceus Beddome Ic. t. 176)’. This sheet also carries a Wallich label on which is written: “6396 Didymocarpus? missionis Wall (caet. spec. 777-793). Hb. Madras”. However, the ovate leaves with cordate base, long pedicels, infundibuliform corolla, and persistent calyx undoubtedly indicate that the specimen belongs to Jerdonia indica Wight ( Wight, 1848: 10, t. 1352) ( Gesneriaceae ). The original description by Brown (1839) is applicable equally to J. indica also. Since the type specimens of H. missionis is demonstrably ambiguous and doesn’t permit a precise identification and application of the name, the name is illegitimate (Art. 52.1) and a proposal is under preparation to conserve the name with a conserved type according to Articles 14.1 and 14.9 of ICN ( Turland et al., 2018).

Beddome (1874) described Didymocarpus membranacea Bedd. based on his specimens from “Pachemallay (2000 feet elevation), in South Travancore ghats”, India. According to TL-2 (Stafleu & Cowan, 1976), the herbarium and type materials of R.H. Beddome are mainly at BM, some perhaps at K and CAL. Even after extensive search no relevant materials have been found in these herbaria. Hence the illustration in the protologue (Bedd., Icon Pl. Ind. Or. 1: t. 176. 1874) is selected here as the lectotype, according to articles 9.3 and 9.4 of ICN ( Turland et al., 2018).

Figures

FiG. 8. Henckelia incana (Vahl) Spreng.: a. Habit; b. A portion of the inflorescence; c. Flower; d. Calyx; e. Calyx with pistil; f. Stamens; G. Staminode; h... Pistil; i. Immature capsule; j. Seeds (from A.P. Janeesha, P.M. Shahina & K.M. Manudev 134255).

FiG. 11. Distribution of Henckelia humboldtiana (Gardner) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, H. incana (Vahl) Spreng. and H. innominata (B.L.Burtt) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt in South India (drawn using QGIS v.3.12.1).

FiG. 9. Henckelia innominata (B.L.Burtt) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt: a. Habit and habitat; b. A potion of the inflorescence; c. Flower; d. Calyx; e. Calyx with pistil; f. Stamens; G. Staminode; h. Pistil; i. Capsule; j. Seeds (a from A.P. Janeesha, Dani Francis, S. Resmi & K.S. Arathy 137682; b-j from A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 137681).

FiG. 10. Lectotype of Henckelia innominata (B.L.Burtt) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt. © The Board of Trustees for The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Reproduced with permission.

FiG. 12. Henckelia lyrata (Wight) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt: a. Habit and habitat; b. A portion of the inflorescence; c. Flower; d. Calyx with pistil; e. Stamens; f. Pistil; G. Immature capsule; h. Seeds (from K.M. Prabhukumar 7559).

FiG. 17. Distribution of Henckelia lyrata (Wight) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, H. macrostachya (E.Barnes) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, H. meeboldii (W.W.Sm. & Ramaswami) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt and H. missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt in South India (drawn using QGIS v.3.12.1).

FiG. 13. Henckelia macrostachya (E.Barnes) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt: a. Habit and habitat; b. Flower; c. Calyx; d. Calyx with pistil; e. Bract; f. Stamens; G. Staminode; h. Pistil; i. Immature capsule (from A.P. Janeesha & Santhosh Nampy 137616).

FiG. 14. Henckelia meeboldii (W.W.Sm. & Ramaswami) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt: a. Habit and habitat;b.A portion of the inflorescence;c. Flower; d. Calyx; e. Calyx with pistil; f. Bract; G. Stamens; h. Staminode; i. Pistil; j. Immature capsule; k. Seeds (from A.P. Janeesha & K.M. Manudev 134202).

FiG. 16. Type (conserved) of Henckelia missionis (Wall. ex R.Br.) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt.© Botanical Survey of India,Kolkata,Reproduced with permission.