Jose Mathew

Phyllagathis Blume (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), a new generic record for India with a new species

Abstract Phyllagathis indica is described as a new taxon from the Kuttikkanam Hills, Kerala section of the southern Western Ghats, India. The genus is new to the flora of India and hence has much phytogeographical significance. The diagnostic morphological characters, distribution, conservation status and images of the new species are presented in this paper.

Three New Species of Piper (Piperaceae) from the Southern Western Ghats, India

Three new species of Piper (Piperaceae) — P. canescens J. Mathew, P. megacarpum J. Mathew and P. karpuragandhum J. Mathew & Yohannan — from the southern Western Ghats, India, are described. Taxonomic descriptions, morphological differences to their morphologically closest taxa and colour photographs are provided to facilitate identification.

Arisaema peerumedense (Araceae), a New Species from the South Western Ghats, India

Arisaema peerumedense J. Mathew (Araceae), a new plant species from Kerala part of the South Western Ghats, India, is described. In addition to taxonomic description, differences from morphologically allied A. nilamburense and A. leschenaultii plus colour photographs are provided to facilitate easy identification.

Rediscovery of Arisaema sarracenioides (Araceae) – a rare and endemic species from Achankovil forests, part of southern Western Ghats

Arisaema sarracenioides Barnes & C.E.C. Fisch.,has been recollected after a lapse of about 78 years since its type collection from Achankovil forests, outside the type locality. Detailed description and colour images are provided here for its easy identification.

Seidenfadeniella salimii (Orchidaceae): a new plant species from South Western Ghats, India

An epiphytic orchid species, Seidenfadeniella salimii, is described as a new taxon from Kerala, part of South Western Ghats, India.

Christisonia tomentosa (Orobanchaceae): a new plant species from southern Western Ghats, India

A root parasitic plant species Christisonia tomentosa (Orobanchaceae) is described as a new taxon from Kerala, part of southern Western Ghats, India.