A new species of Rubus (Rosaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

A new species, Rubus ramachandrae, from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India is described and illustrated. It is closely similar to R. stipulosus and R. fuscifolius but differs by densely bristly or hirsute branches; narrowly ovate or oblong-lanceolate leaves with caudate-acuminate apex and adaxially hirsutulous vesture; abaxially grey tomentose intermixed with hirsutulous hairs; larger size of stipules and bracts with distinct margin and vesture; smaller size of floral structure. The distinct foliar as well as floral morphology of R. ramachandrae differs from all previously described species of Rubus. Differences in key morphological characters of R. ramachandrae, R. stipulosus and R. fuscifolius are also tabulated. In addition, pollen morphology is described based on light (LM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. Based on the presence of straggling shrubby habit, free stipules, simple leaves, reflexed and strong needle shaped prickles, the new taxon is assigned to Rubus subg. Malachobatus. An image of the type specimen; digital images of habit, stipule, inflorescence and flower, a detailed illustration and scanned electron microscope images of pollens are provided.