Abstract
A new species of Symplocos (Symplocaceae), Symplocos mohananii of S. sect. Lodhra, is described on the basis of material collected from the Ponmudi Hills in the Western Ghats region of India. The species is distinguished from all other species of S. sect. Lodhra by the presence of 9–12 corolla lobes arranged in two whorls. It is otherwise similar morphologically to S. complanata, S. macrophylla, S. pyrifolia and S. racemosa but differs by having shallowly crenate-serrate leaf margins, two unequal bracteoles and a pubescent style from the base to the apex. Information on the phenology, distribution and conservation status of the new species is provided, along with colour photographs and illustrations.