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Issue: Vol. 742 No. 3: 24 Feb. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-02-24
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.3
Page range: 208-216
Abstract views: 53
PDF downloaded: 12

On the identity and lectotypification of Rauvolfia hookeri (Apocynaceae) and notes on R. micrantha, two endemic species of Western Ghats

Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India; (Present address): Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Plant Diversity, Systematics and Herbarium Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow – 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India
Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India
Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India
Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India
Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India
Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram –676503, Kerala, India
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Kerala Rauvolfia beddomei Eudicots

Abstract

Rauvolfia hookeri (Apocynaceae), a critically endangered species of the Western Ghats, is closely allied with R. micrantha in several morphological attributes. Owing to this similarity, the taxonomic identity of the species has remained uncertain. Since its original publication, distinguishing the two taxa solely on morphological grounds has proven challenging. Traditionally, peduncle length and the number of lateral nerves has been employed as the primary diagnostic characters to separate R. hookeri from R. micrantha. The present study provides a revised description of R. hookeri, supplemented with colour photographs, illustrations, and a detailed comparative account of diagnostic characters between the two species. In addition, the lectotypification of the name R. hookeri is discussed herein.

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How to Cite

Prabhukumar, K.M., Keerthana, P.N., Jagadeesan, R., Harinarayanan, C.M., Sulaiman, C., Prakash, P.M.B. & Balachandran, I. (2026) On the identity and lectotypification of Rauvolfia hookeri (Apocynaceae) and notes on R. micrantha, two endemic species of Western Ghats. Phytotaxa 742 (3): 208–216. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.3