M. K. Ratheesh Narayanan

A new species of Fimbristylis (Cyperaceae) from India

Abstract Fimbristylis pokkudaniana, a new species of Cyperaceae from the laterite hillocks of Kannur District, Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It closely resembles Fimbristylis bispicula, but differs in having larger spikelets with 13–17 flowers, three yellow coloured stamens, larger style and stigma, and regularly tuberculate white nuts with epidermal cells in 18–26 rows on each face.

Eriocaulon govindiana sp. nov. (Eriocaulaceae), from southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India

A new species, Eriocaulon govindiana Sunil & Ratheesh, from marshy areas in the Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to E. nepalense but differs mainly in having well developed root stock, rounded and involute leaf apex, lobed limb of sheath, and usually a single hoary male petal. Information on habitat, distribution, phenology, and conservation status are provided.