Strobilanthes sharavathiensis (Acanthaceae), a new species from Ambaragudda, a high-altitude shola grassland, central Western Ghats, Karnataka, India
Data files
Sep 22, 2025 version files 12.23 MB
-
Holotype.jpg
12.23 MB
-
README.md
1.08 KB
Abstract
Strobilanthes sharavathiensis, a newly discovered species from the high-altitude shola grasslands of the Sharavathi river basin in the central Western Ghats, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, this species is closely allied to Strobilanthes jomyi, particularly in its pendulous spike inflorescence, exerted stamens, and glandular hairs near the capsule apex. However, it is distinct in having smaller leaves, crenate-margined bracts, distinctive longer hairs on each bract notch, shorter inflorescence, a non-villous peduncle during the fruiting stage, black dots on the calyx, and the unique colouration of bracts. This is also similar to Strobilanthes ixiocephala in its echinulate, spheroidal pollen and differs in its pendulous inflorescence, exerted stamens, and non-viscid bracts. The pollen morphology is also considered as a critical diagnostic feature for describing this as a new species. Comprehensive notes on its taxonomy, ecology, conservation status, and distinguishing characters with other interspecific species in the location are also provided.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.4mw6m90q5
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset supports the formal taxonomic study and description of a new species of Strobilanthes from Ambaragudda, located in the central Western Ghats, India. The data were collected through extensive fieldwork focused on floristic documentation and morphological analysis. The holotype specimen included here represents the primary reference material for the species and was critical in establishing its distinct identity within the genus. Comparative studies with closely related taxa were conducted using available literature, a few live encounters and an online herbarium specimen to confirm diagnostic characters.
Files and variables
File: Holotype.jpg
Description: The specimen collected from Ambaragudda, Sharavathi river basin, central Western Ghats. This was deposited in UASB.
