Taxonomy and ecology of Elaeocarpus venustus Bedd. (Elaeocarpaceae): An endemic and Critically Endangered tree species of the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Elaeocarpus venustus is a steno-endemic and Critically Endangered tree species of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, southern Western Ghats, India. Due to its restricted distribution and specific habitat, a detailed field survey of existing populations was carried out. In order to clarify the taxonomic circumscription of this species in view of earlier literature, a revised taxonomic description is presented—together with details of the populations and ecology of this little-known species and photographic documentation.