A new species of Gomphostemma (Lamiaceae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

Gomphostemma andamanensis, L.J. Singh, M.C. Naik, & G.A. Ekka sp.nov., is described and illustrated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. This new species is superficially similar to G. pedunculatum Bentham ex J.D. Hook. and G. strobilinum Wall. ex Benth., but differs markedly by a combination of vegetative morphological, inflorescence architectural, and floral characters. The Onge tribe, the inhabitants of type locality use the species for ethno-medicinal purposes. The conservation status of the species is assessed as Critically Endangered. A key to the species of Gomphostemma from India is provided.