AJBM Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid Anal. Jard. Bot. Madr. 0211-1322 1988-3196 Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas ajbm.2591 10.3989/ajbm.2591 Artículos Kalanchoe dineshii (Crassulaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats, India Kalanchoe dineshii (Crassulaceae), una nueva especie del sur de los Ghats occidentales, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5697-6972 Sasi Syam Radh Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala 673635, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5744-7522 Nampy Santhosh santhoshnampy2019@gmail.com Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala 673635, India Cardiel José María 04 11 2022 12 2022 79 2 e127 26 02 2022 21 07 2022 25 01 2023 © 2022 CSIC 2022 This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. Abstract

A new species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae), K. dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, is described and illustrated. The new species occurs in the Mathikettan Shola National Park in southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India, and it is only known from the Idukki district. It is morphologically most similar to K. bhidei, but distinguished from the latter by its small stature (30-40 cm high), obovate to obtrullate sessile leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼th, and widely ovate calyx lobes. Information is also given on the distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status of the new taxon.

 Resumen

Se describe e ilustra una nueva especie de Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae), K. dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy. La nueva especie se encuentra en el Parque Nacional Mathikettan Shola, en el sur de los Ghats occidentales, Kerala, India, y solo se conoce del distrito de Idukki. Es similar en su morfología a K. bhidei, pero puede distinguirse de ésta por su menor tamaño (30-40 cm de altura), hojas sésiles, de obovadas a obtruladas, adnatas al tallo en 1/4 de su longitud, y lóbulos del cáliz anchamente ovados. Se aporta también información sobre la distribución, hábitat, fenología y estatus de conservación de este nuevo taxón.

 Idukki district Mathikettan Shola National Park Western Ghats taxonomy Distrito de Idukki Ghats occidentales Parque Nacional Mathikettan Shola taxonomía KSCSTE 126/2016/KSCSTE Authors are thankful to the Head of the Department of Botany, University of Calicut, for facilities; the Curators and staffs of K and P for the virtual images of type specimens and CALI for permitting to consult the specimens; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden (Kerala), Range officer (Munnar Wildlife Division) and Forester (MSNP) for providing permission to explore the Park; Forest guard and watchers (MSNP) for helping collections. SRS is thankful to the University Grant commission for Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (No. 17.1/2014-15/RGNF-2014-15-SC-KER-63372/ (SA-III/Website) dated, 28-Feb-2015) and SN is thankful to KSCSTE for financial assistance (Council (P) Order No. 126/2016/KSCSTE). Introduction

Kalanchoe Adans. (Crassulaceae) sensu lato includes about 150 species worldwide, with its centre of diversity in Madagascar (Smith & Figueiredo 2018, 2019). Kalanchoe is the fourth species-rich genus in Crassulaceae after Sedum L. (463 spp.), Crassula L. (205 spp.), and Echeveria DC. (197 spp.) (POWO 2022).

Hamet (1907) treated Kalanchoe, Bulbophyllum Thouars, and Kitchingia Baker as a single genus, while Boiteau (1947) proposed to divide Kalanchoe into three sections: Kalanchoe sect. Eukalanchoe, K. sect. Kitchingia (Baker) Boiteau, and K. sect. Bryophyllum (Salisb.) Boiteau. POWO (2022) included 160 species in Kalanchoe, with its native range in tropical and subtropical Old World. The most recent species level treatment of Kalanchoe was published by Descoings (2003, 2006) who provided an infrageneric classification for Kalanchoe, recognizing three subgenera: Kalanchoe subgen. Kalanchoe, K. subgen. Bulbophyllum (Salisb.) Koorders, and K. subgen. Calophygia Descoings. Smith & Figueiredo (2018) also recognized three subgenera, but replacing the subgen. Calophygia by K. subgen. Kitchingia (Baker) Gideon F.Sm. & Fiqueiredo.

Clarke (1878) reported six species of Kalanchoe in the Flora of British India, while Singh & al. (2011) included nine species from India. Gamble (1919) recorded six species in Flora of Presidency of Madras, which include two endemic species: K. olivacea Dalzell and K. bhidei T.Cooke, which were not discussed by Clarke (1878). Nandikar & al. (2019) provided a detailed analysis of the above species, including their typification. Scientific surveys between 2014 and 2018, as a part of documenting the flowering plant diversity of Mathikettan Shola National Park, resulted in collecting a few specimens of Kalanchoe. Detailed studies in consultation with type/protologue of the related species and relevant literature (Wight 1846; Cooke 1903; Hamet 1907; Gamble 1919; Boiteau 1947; Gandhi 1976; Srinivasan 1983; Deshpande & Sharma 1984; Rao 1984; Sharma & al. 1984; Godbole & Das 2000; Descoings 2003, 2006; Chernetskyy 2011; Singh & al. 2011; Sasidharan 2012; Chorghe & al. 2017; Smith & Figueiredo 2018, 2019; Nandikar & al. 2019) revealed that the collected specimens represent a hitherto undescribed species, which is established here as new to science.

 Materials and methods

More than 20 specimens that represented a new taxon were collected from four adjoining populations in Mathikettan Shola National Park. The flowers were pickled in 4% formalin and 70% ethanol for further study. The herbarium specimens were prepared by conventional methods (Bridson & Forman 1991). The description was prepared after examining all available specimens of the new taxon. The specimens of related taxa in CALI herbarium, and digital images of types of other Kalanchoe species at K and P herbaria were also examined. The conservation status of the new species was assessed as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2022). Photographs of habitat and habit were taken with an α A55 DSLR camera (Sony, Japan) and floral details with a Stemi 508 stereo microscope (Zeiss, Germany) outfitted with an Axiocam 105 color camera (Zeiss). Illustrations were drawn by camera lucida attached to a Stemi 508 stereomicroscope.

 Result and discussion Taxonomic treatment

Kalanchoe dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, sp. nov. Type: India, Kerala: Idukki district, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Near Aduvizhunthankudi, c. 1590 m, 22 Nov. 2014, S.S. Radh & S. Nampy 137816 (holotype: CALI!; isotype CAL!). Figs. 1 & 2 .

<italic>Kalanchoe dineshii</italic> Syam Radh & Nampy, sp. nov.

a, stem basally showing leaf scars and new shoots; b, flowering twig; c, leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼th; d, involucral bract; e, floral bract; f, flower; g, calyx lobe; h, corolla lobe showing a caudate apex; i, corolla cut opened; j, gynoecium; k, nectar scale

[from: S. Syam Radh & S. Nampy 137816; illustration: S. Syam Radh] <italic>Kalanchoe dineshii</italic> Syam Radh & Nampy, sp. nov.

a, flowering branch; b & c, leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼th and the undulate to incised margins distally; d, branch of the inflorescence; e, bract; f, flower; g, calyx split opened; h, corolla lobe showing the caudate apex; i, corolla cut opened; j, gynoecium showing the nectar scales at the base; k, carpel; l, stigma; m, nectar scale.

[from: S. Syam Radh & S. Nampy 137816; photos: S. Syam Radh]

Diagnosis.-Kalanchoe dineshii is morphologically close to K. bhidei but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its smaller size (up to 40 vs. up to 100 cm tall in K. bhidei), sessile obovate to obtrullate leaves (vs. petiolate ovate to elliptic or oblanceolate), smaller bracts (1.5 vs. 5 mm long), and widely ovate calyx lobes (vs. narrowly ovate or trigonous).

Description.-Erect to decumbent, perennial, succulent herbs, 30-40 cm tall, glabrous, reddish white throughout. Stems woody at base, glabrous, with prominent leaf scars on lower part. Leaves sessile, basal 1/4th adnate to the stem; lamina obovate to obtrullate, 3-4.5 × 2-2.5 cm, obtuse to rounded at apex, both surfaces glabrous, margins undulate to incised at distal half, entire at basal half; veins pinnate-netted, lateral veins obscure. Inflorescences terminal, trichotomous corymbs, not spreading; peduncles 6-8 cm long, glabrous; involucral bracts leafy, obtrullate, 2.5-3 × 1.5-2 cm, margins incised, reddish white; pedicels 3-5 mm long, glabrous. Bracts lanceolate, 1.5 × 0.5 mm, glabrous. Flowers hermaphrodite, 9-13 × 4-6 mm, glabrous, closely packed. Calyx lobes 4, basally fused, widely ovate, pale green, 2-3 × 1.5-2 mm, glabrous, persistent in fruit. Corolla tube 4-angular, bulged at base, 8-1 × 2 mm, fleshy, glabrous; lobes 4, 3-5 × 2-3 mm, widely ovate, wavy at margins, caudate at apex, pinkish-white, glabrous. Stamens 8, outer whorl arising from the base of corolla lobes and inner whorl from the middle of corolla tube; filaments unequal, 1-2 mm long, glabrous, white; anthers 0.75 × 0.75 mm, elliptic, basifixed, yellow, dehiscing longitudinally. Nectar scales 4, subulate, adnate to each carpel, 2.5-3 mm long, glabrous. Carpels 4, bottle shaped, free; ovary 3 × 1 mm, glabrous; ovules numerous; style 3-5 mm long, cylindrical, glabrous; stigma capitate. Follicles 6 × 3 mm, glabrous; seeds many.

Phenology.-Kalanchoe dineshii was collected with flowers and fruits during November to January.

Distribution and habitat.-The new species is only known from four adjoining populations in the type locality, Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district of Kerala; on rocks in grasslands, between 1550-1600 m elevation. It is associated, among other species, with Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B.Clarke (Commelinaceae), Tripogon bromoides Roth ex Roem. & Schult. (Poaceae).

Provisional conservation status.-The total area of Mathikettan Shola National Park is 12.81 km2. The area was earlier exposed to severe anthropogenic activities, which caused serious habitat destruction. However, considering the unique nature of the shola forests and its importance as an elephant corridor, the area was declared as a National Park in 2003. The new taxon was collected in one location in the park from four adjoining populations. The lack of number of locations precludes estimation of Extent of Occurrence. The Area of Occupancy is below 10 km2 and the number of mature individuals recorded was 20. There are cardamom and coffee plantations adjoining to the National Park, where human activities are frequent. Since the area belongs to a national park, current threats are minimal. Despite this, the species is provisionally classified here as Critically Endangered (CR, D), based on restricted populations and number of mature individuals.

Etymology.-The epithet ‘dineshii’ honours Dr. Dinesh Raj (Assistant Professor, Department of Botany & Biotechnology, Bishop Moore College, Mavelikkara), who introduced the first author to the field of angiosperm taxonomy.

Notes.-Apart from sexual reproduction, some Kalanchoe species show pronounced asexual reproductive strategies (Smith & al. 2022), but this feature is not found in K. dineshii. Several populations of this new species were observed continuously in the natural habitat for three years and it was showed that the diagnostic characters remain unchanged. Kalanchoe dineshii appears to be most closely related to K. bhidei and K. olivacea (Table 1).

Comparison of <italic>Kalanchoe dineshii</italic> with morphologically allied <italic>K. bhidei</italic> and <italic>K. olivacea</italic> (the characters for <italic>K. bhidei</italic> and <italic>K. olivacea</italic> were taken from <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">Nandikar & al. 2019</xref>).
Characters K. dineshii K. bhidei K. olivacea
Height (cm) 30-40 30-100 15-63
Leaves Obovate to obtrullate, 3-4.5 × 2-2.5 cm, margins undulate to incised at distal half, entire at basal half Ovate to elliptic or oblanceolate, 2-12 × 2-5 cm, margins crenate, distal leaves dentate to entire Ovate to lanceolate or oblanceolate, 1-10 × 0.5-4 cm, margins usually crenate, distal leaves crenate to dentate to entire
Petioles Absent Subsessile Subsessile
Inflorescence Not spreading Widely spreading Not spreading
Bracts 1.5 mm long, glabrous ca. 5 mm long, glabrous c. 2 mm long, glandular hairy
Pedicels 3-5 mm long, glabrous 3-7 mm long, glabrous 5-7-(10) mm long, glandular hairy
Calyx lobes Widely ovate, 2-3 mm long, glabrous Narrowly ovate or trigonous, c. 4 mm long, glabrous Lanceolate, 4.7-6.4 mm long, densely glandular hairy
Corolla Tube glabrous; lobes widely ovate, apex caudate, glabrous Tube glabrous; lobes white, narrowly ovate to lanceolate, apex acute to acuminate, glabrous Tube glandular hairy out, lobes white, lanceolate, apex acuminate to caudate, densely to sparsely glandular hairy out
Anthers Elliptic Ellipsoid Ellipsoid
Nectar scale Subulate Linear to ensiform Linear

Additional specimens studied.-INDIA. Kerala: Idukki district, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Choondal, ± 1550 m, 4 Nov. 2015, S.S. Radh & K.M. Manudev 145081 (CALI); way to Perattakkalam, ± 1590 m, 4 Jan. 2017, S.S. Radh & D. Francis 151529 (CALI); way to Sivanpara check post, ± 1600 m, 3 Dec. 2018, S.S. Radh & T.K. Sreekutty 151789 (CALI).

 Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to the Head of the Department of Botany, University of Calicut, for facilities; the Curators and staffs of K and P for the virtual images of type specimens and CALI for permitting to consult the specimens; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden (Kerala), Range officer (Munnar Wildlife Division) and Forester (MSNP) for providing permission to explore the Park; Forest guard and watchers (MSNP) for helping collections. SRS is thankful to the University Grant commission for Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (No. 17.1/2014-15/RGNF-2014-15-SC-KER-63372/ (SA-III/Website) dated, 28-Feb-2015) and SN is thankful to KSCSTE for financial assistance (Council (P) Order No. 126/2016/KSCSTE).

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