A new species of Artabotrys (Annonaceae) from the southern Western Ghats, India

Abstract

A new species, Artabotrys sericeus Sujana & Vadhyar, is described from Tamil Nadu, India. The new species shows some resemblance to Artabotrys zeylanicus Hook.f. & Thomson, but it can be easily distinguished by the shape, size, colour and indumentum of the petals as well as the shape and texture of the monocarps. Illustrations, photographs and SEM images of the pollen grains of the new species are provided. The conservation status of the new species is also assessed.