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A new species of Melastomataceae, Sonerila longipedunculata Resmi & Nampy sp. nov., is described from the southern Western Ghats, India. It is morphologically close to S. travancorica, but differs by the tuberous root stock, fleshy stems, ovate to cordate lamina, longer, angular peduncles, 3-ribbed hypanthium, ovate-elliptic petals, acute anthers, and 3-ribbed capsules. Detailed description, distribution map, and photographic images are provided. The morphological differences with relevant species are discussed. The status of the new species is provisionally assessed here as ‘critically endangered’ according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. The name Sonerila travancorica is lectotypified and its identity is discussed. The status of Sonerila longipetiolata is discussed and is synonymised under S. travancorica.
Six new and four known species of the genus Axonchium Cobb, 1920 are described and illustrated from the Western Ghats of India. Axonchium indicum sp. nov. has a 1.2–1.4 mm long body, offset lip region, 8–9 µm long odontostyle, expanded part of pharynx 39–49 % of total neck length, anterior uterine sac 0.9–1.6 times the mid-body diameter long, and a bluntly conoid tail. Axonchium microspiculum sp. nov. has a 1.1–1.22 mm long body, offset lip region, 7–8 µm long odontostyle, 20–23 µm long spicules, two weakly developed ventromedian supplements, and obtusely rounded tail. Axonchium nilgiriense sp. nov. has a 1.4–1.6 mm long body, offset lip region, 8–9 µm long odontostyle, vagina strongly bent posteriad, 37–41 µm long spicules, 3–4 ventromedian supplements, and bluntly conoid tail. Axonchium paracingulatum sp. nov. has a 2.5–2.8 mm long body, offset lip region, 10–11 µm long odontostyle, vaginal lumen highly expanded in the middle, 69 µm long spicules, and broadly conoid tail with rounded terminus. Axonchium tropicum sp. nov. has a 1.7–2.0 mm long body, offset lip region, 11–12 µm long odontostyle, anterior uterine sac 2.3–4.0 times the mid-body diameter long, 40 µm long spicules, 4 widely spaced ventromedian supplements, and broadly rounded tail. Axonchium uniqum sp. nov. has a 1.7–2.0 mm long body, offset lip region, 10–11 µm long odontostyle, anterior uterine sac 2.5–2.8 times mid-body diameter long, 68 µm long and slender spicules, and broadly conoid tail. Axonchium nitidum, A. saccatum, A. transkeiense and A. vallum are redescribed based on specimens collected from several localities. A diagnostic key to the identification of the valid species of this genus is provided.
An account of 40 species of bryophytes including 24 mosses and 16 liverworts of Kakkavayal Reserve forest in the Western Ghats is provided here. This includes four new records of phytogeographical significance to Kerala viz., Cololejeunea appressa (Evans) Benedix, C. follicola Srivastava & Srivastava, C. udarii Asthana & Srivastava and Pallavicinia himalayensis Schiffn.