Parasouspohubia gorensis Patgar, Betageri & Kotresha, 2025

Betageri, Shreyas, Patgar, Vanaja G. & Kotresha, K., 2025, Parasouspohubia gorensis (Orobanchaceae): A new species from Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India, Phytotaxa 708 (3), pp. 281-286 : 281-285

Parasouspohubia gorensis Patgar, Betageri & Kotresha sp. nov.

Type: India, Karnataka: Uttara Kannada district, Handigon, Goregudda Lateritic plateau, N 14°23’56.7”, E 74°24’45.6”, 84 m a.s.l, 24 October, 2024, Vanaja G. Patgar , Shreyas Betageri & K. Kotresha [holotype University of Agricultural Science, Bangalore ( UASB 5762 ); isotype Karnatak Science College, Karnatak University, Dharwad ( HKSCD 20501 )]

Diagnosis: Parasophubia gorensis is very distinct from the other species of Parasophubia of India by its dwarf nature, showing mature characters like flowers, fruits, and calyx has not extension as in P. delphinifolia and P. hoffmanii . Seed morphometry show many variations in structure ( Table 1).

and P. raghavendrae in India.

Terrestrial small herbs, 4‒6 cm tall. Roots fibrous. Stem pinkish red, hard, quadrangular, 2 cm long above ground with tuft small branching. Leaves many, opposite decussate, linear-lanceolate, acute apex, 9 × 1 mm across, pale green, apex having hook like spines. Inflorescence at leaf axillary. Bracteoles two, opposite, linear 0.5 mm long, pale green. Flower pale pink, not scented, 9 × 5 mm across, pedicle 1 mm, short. Calyx gamosepalous, equal, lobes without extension, 4 × 1 mm long, 10-ridged, light yellowish green, acute apex, margin pinkish tinge, slightly gland dotted. Corolla gamosepalous, glandular, pale pink, 6 × 4 mm across when spread, with gland dotted trichomes. Anthers 4, epipetalous, filament 3 mm long, introse in corolla, anther lobe sagittate with short yellowish extension or attachment. Stigma bent. Ovary 3 mm long. Fruit green with stigmatic remnants. Mature fruit with persistent calyx and stigma, oblate shape with retuse apex at 1 side, 8 × 4 mm across, shiny brown, Calyx smaller than fruit, margins spread extrose. Seeds many, reddish maroon with ridges.

Flowering & Fruiting: The species blooms in October and produces fruits until November.

Habitat & Ecology: Lateritic plateau with 15‒25 individuals in one location of that plateau and association with Phyllanthus sp. , Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke , Canscora stricta Sedgw. , and Eriocaulon sp.

Distribution: Known from Lateritic plateau of Goregudda, Kumta, Uttara Kannada district.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘ gorensis’ is derived from Lateritic plateau ‘Goregudda’ with a famous temple Goreshwara from Handigon, Kumta, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, as this species is seen in one location of that plateau, where the type species is collected.

Conservation Status: After many field visits to Goregudda, only one population was observed from one location with 15‒25 individuals. Near surrounding 500 meters, no other individuals were observed. Due to lack knowledge of this species it is now to be considered as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN criteria (IUCN, 2025).