P. E. Sreejith

A new variety of Musa velutina H. Wendl. & Drude (Musaceae) from Assam, North-East India

Musa velutina var. variegata, a new variety from Assam, North-East India is described and illustrated based on morphology. This extremely rare variety was found only in Makum Area of Tinsukia District in Assam. A detailed description, distribution, ecology, phenology, illustration, colour plates and relevant notes are provided. A key to the Sect. Rhodochlamys in North-East India is provided.

Notes on the rediscovery, taxonomic history and conservation of Musa mannii H. Wendl. ex Baker (Musaceae)

Musa mannii has been considered as extinct in the wild. There is no information on any collected specimen ever; the description by Baker in 1892 was based on a living specimen, and neotypification is based on a figure drawn of that living plant, published after description. Recently, M. mannii was rediscovered after a lapse of more than a century growing wild in northeastern India. Detailed description, illustration, photographs, distribution, ecological data, taxonomic history and additional notes are provided. IUCN status has been assigned here as Critically Endangered in the wild and conservation measures to be undertaken based on a field study are also provided.

A new variety of Musa sikkimensis Kurz and notes on the taxonomic identity and history of Musa sikkimensis (Musaceae) from North-East India

A new variety of Musa sikkimensis is described here as M. sikkimensis var. simmondsii. Notes on taxonomic identity and history of M. sikkimensis are provided. Isoneotype for M. sikkimensis and lectotype for Musa hookerii are designated. Detailed description, photographs and notes on distribution and ecology of both the taxa are provided for easy identification.

The identity of Musa kattuvazhana (Musaceae) with reduction of Musa acuminata subsp. burmannica and Musa banksii var. singampatti as its synonyms

Since the publication of Musa kattuvzhana K.C.Jacob, this taxon has not been recorded or included in any of the South Indian Floras. The correct identity of M. kattuvzhana is described here and Musa acuminata subsp. burmannica N.W. Simmonds and Musa banksii var. singampatti T.G. Nayar are reduced to synonymy. Detailed description, photographs and IUCN conservation status based on field studies are provided.