Polygala idukkiana (Polygalaceae), a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Polygala idukkiana (Polygalaceae) is described as a new species from the Idukki district of Kerala in the southern Western Ghats. Detailed description along with colour photographs, distribution map, and key to the identification of Polygala species occurring in Kerala are provided. The new species is compared with the morphologically allied P. sibirica, P. rosmarinifolia, and P. chinensis. The conservation status of the new species is assessed provisionally as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.