v5i2.110

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v5i2.110

Submitted date: 8 May 2013
Accepted date: 31 October 2013
Published date: 25 December 2013
Pp. 138–139, Pl. 3.

Rediscovery of Henckelia macrostachya (Gesneriaceae) from Kerala, India

T. Shaju, M. Rajendraprasad, S.M. Shareef, A.R. Beegam & A.G. Pandurangan
*Corresponding author. E-mail:

During the recent floristic exploration to Anaimudi and its surroundings, the highest peak in southern India, one of the authors collected a gesneriad herb from Pettimudi at an altitude of 2000 m in the Idukki District of Kerala State. The taxonomic identity of the specimen has been determined as Henckelia macrostachya (E. Barnes) A. Weber & B. L. Burtt (Didymocarpus macrostachya E. Barnes). Subsequent perusal of the literature and consultation of different herbaria (CAL, K, MH, TBGT), the present collection proved to be a rediscovery of the species after a lapses of 75 years from its original collection. The species was collected at Ottaparai Ridge at an altitude of 5500 feet near Munnar, the foothills of the Anaimudi Range. The species could not be located although the area has been well explored by various authors and therefore was treated recently as possibly extinct. The rediscovery of the species confirmed its existence in the wild and hence assumes significance from conservation point of view. Based on the field observation, morphological assessment, and a nomenclatural review, a detailed description is provided with illustration and photographs to facilitate its identification.

Section Editor: James L. Reveal