[Botany • 2025] Crawfurdia Minuticallyx (Gentianaceae) • A new species of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Crawfurdia MinuticallyxA new species of Crawfurdia (Gentianaceae) is described here from Arunachal Pradesh, located in the eastern part of the Indian Himalayas region (IHR). This new species is unique in its very small chalice of its allied taxa. Morphologically, it shows close affinity towards C. SPECIOSA Wall.; However, it can be differentiated by its much smaller leaves with a complete margin; minute, not sprouted, chalice; relatively shorter corolla; stamens inserted below the medium of the corolla tube, oblong anteras; Short gynophore and very short style. Here a detailed description and illustration are provided together with the comparative table of morphological characters, for easy identification.

Keyword: ARUNACHAL PRADESH, Crawfurdia MinuticallyxCrawfurdia Speciosa, Indian Himalayas Region (IHR), novel species

Illustration of Crawfurdia Minuticallyx R.Maity, Debt and SSDASH. A. TWIG PORTION, B. CALYX, C. Corolla (Open Divide), D. Stamen, E. Gynoecium, F. Fruit. Scale bar: A = 1 cm; B = 1.5 mm; C = 1 cm; D = 2 mm; E = 5 mm; F = 1 cm. (Drawn by R. MR DE DEBT 44017)

Field photography Crawfurdia Minuticallyx R.Maity, Debt and SSDASH. A. Habit, B. Flores. C. distribution map. A, photographed by Manas rank debt; B photographed by Bipankar Hajong

Crawfurdia Minuticallyx R. MAITY, DEBT AND SSDASH, Sp.nov.

Diagnosis: Crawfurdia Minuticallyx Show morphological affinity close to C. SPECIOSA Wall., But it can be differentiated by its much smaller habit; Sheets with full and petíleo margin 0.3–0.5 cm long (vs margin of crenulated leaves and terete, 0.5–0.7 cm long pectiole long); Single bract flower (vs. 2-bracteas flowers); 0.4–1.0 cm long pedicels (vs 1.0–6.0 cm long pedicels); 1–2 mm long, bracts linear to narrow lanceolate (vs 7–10 mm long, bracts lanceolate); CALYX of 0.2–0.5 cm long, limited, bell, without sprouts with lobes of 0.1–0.2 cm long, ovate to ovate or lanceolate (1.0 – 1.2 cm long, smooth, tubular chalice with division on one side, with 0.2–0.3 cm long, triangular lobes); 2.0–2.5 cm long, …

Etymology: The specific epithet “Minuticallyx“Denota wee either thorough chalice size which has been observed in the specimen during the study and makes this species unique to other allied taxa