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Type: Article
Published: 2014-10-10
Page range: 293–300
Abstract views: 32
PDF downloaded: 1

Amaranthus bengalense (Amaranthaceae) a new species from India, with taxonomical notes on A. blitum aggregate

Department of Botany, Taki Govt. College (Affiliated to West Bengal State University) Taki, North 24-Parganas, Pin–743429, West Bengal, India
Laboratory of Phytogeography and Applied Geobotany, Section Environment and Landscape, Department PDTA, University of Rome Sapienza, 00196 Roma, Italy
Amaranthus emarginatus infraspecific taxa new species subgen. Albersia

Abstract

Amaranthus bengalense from lower Gangetic plain of West Bengal (India) is proposed and described as new species for science. It belongs to Amaranthus subgen. Albersia, and is part of the A. blitum aggregate (also including A. blitum s.l., and A. emarginatus s.l.). A morphometric analysis of specimens collected in Europe and India is performed. The new species is clearly distinct from the others being characterized by the following combination of characters: leaves with apex obtuse or slightly emarginate, bracts long as well as the tepals (ratio bract/tepal about 1), tepals acuminate, seed with diameter 0.7–1.0 mm. Finally, a key of the taxa belonging to the Amaranthus blitum aggregate is provided.