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Issue: Vol. 769 No. 1: 7 Aug. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-08-07
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.769.1.7
Page range: 87-96
Abstract views: 23
PDF downloaded: 1

Leucas droupadiae (Lamiaceae), a new species from Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, India

Department of Botany; Annamalai University; Chidambaram; Cuddalore; Tamil Nadu; India
Department of Botany; Annamalai University; Chidambaram; Cuddalore; Tamil Nadu; India
Department of Botany; Annamalai University; Chidambaram; Cuddalore; Tamil Nadu; India
Department of Botany; Annamalai University; Chidambaram; Cuddalore; Tamil Nadu; India; Department of Medicinal Botany; Government Siddha Medical College; Palayamkottai; Tirunelveli; Tamil Nadu; India
Eudicots Lamioideae endemic species nomenclature Cuddalore District

Abstract

Leucas droupadiae sp. nov. is described from the Coromandel Coast of Cuddalore district (India). The species is compared with morphologically allied species, namely L. diffusa, L. aspera, L. zeylanica, L. lavandulifolia, L. mathewiana and L. stricta, but differs in being an erect, unbranched herb up to 15 cm tall with fibrous roots; stem terete. Leaves ovate–lanceolate and lanceolate, margins entire to shallowly crenate with short petioles. Inflorescence solitary terminal, forming a lax verticillaster; bracteoles acicular, 2.5–3 mm long; flowers 1–6(–8) per verticillaster. Calyx mouth transversely truncate, teeth 8 equal in size, with short anterior teeth. Corolla 0.8–1.2 cm long. Stigma unlobed. Nutlets oblong–ellipsoid, golden yellow with irregular dark brown spots. A detailed morphological description, colour photograph, line illustrations, comparison table, conservation status, phenology, and a study area map are presented.

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How to Cite

Akash, S., Manikandan, K., Srikanth, S. & Rajesh, A. (2026) Leucas droupadiae (Lamiaceae), a new species from Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Phytotaxa 769 (1): 87–96. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.1.7