Sonerila species

Key to the species of caulescent tuberous Sonerila species in India

1. Stems pubescent only at nodes; leaves sessile to sub-sessile.................................. 1. S. malabarica View in CoL

1. Stems sparsely to densely pubescent throughout; leaves distinctly petiolate ................................... 2

2. Anthers ovate, acute at apex.............................. 3

2. Anthers lanceolate, acuminate to rostrate at apex .... 4

3. Leaves more or less fascicled; petioles 0.5–1 cm long; peduncles 3–7 cm long .... 2. S. sahyadrica View in CoL

3. Leaves decussate; petioles 5–9 cm long; peduncles 10–16 cm long .............. 3. S. longipedunculata View in CoL

4. Laminae ovate to elliptic ................................... 5

4. Laminae ovate or lanceolate.............................. 6

5. Laminae acute to acuminate at apex; bracts leaf-like, ovate to elliptic, persistent; petals ovate to oblong .................................... 4. S. konkanensis View in CoL

5. Laminae acute at apex; bracts apparently absent; petals ovate to elliptic .................... 5. S. rheedei View in CoL

6. Laminae ovate, 1–2 cm long, cordate at base, obtuse to rounded at apex .......... 6. S. lateritica View in CoL

6. Laminae lanceolate, 4–7 cm long, acute to sub-rounded at base, acute to acuminate at apex ..... ............................................................ 7. S. talbotii View in CoL

1. Sonerila malabarica Robi, Dantas & Sujanapal, Webbia View in CoL 72(1): 93. 2016. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Kozhikode district, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, way to Kakkayam Damsite , 950 m, 19.07.2013, A.J. Robi & K.J. Dantas 23302 (holo KFRI!). FiG. 1 View FiG

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, succulent, erect or procumbent herbs, 20–53 cm tall. Tubers up to 1.5 cm in diam. Stems quadrangular, 0.2–0.6 cm thick, green or vinaceous or claret, fleshy, simple or branched, glabrous; internodes 2–5 cm long; with prominent leaf scars and gland-tipped trichomes sparsely at nodes, less so with age. Leaves decussate, sessile or sub-sessile; petiole to 0.2 cm long; laminae ovate to lanceolate, 2.5– 3.5 × 1.2–1.9 cm, green, coriaceous, glabrous, cordate or rounded at base with non-overlapping margins, acute at apex, serrate at margins; veins pinnate, 3 pairs from the base, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous abaxially. Cymes scorpioid, unbranched, usually 1 from the distal node, sometimes two, 5–13-flowered, terminal; peduncles quadrangular, 2–4 × 0.15–0.2 cm, green, longer than the petiole, glabrous; bracts caducous or apparently absent. Flowers trimerous, 1.5–2 × 1.5–2 cm; pedicels quadrangular, 3–5 × 0.1–0.15 mm, longer in fruit, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge, sparsely covered with glandular trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 5–6 × 2–3 mm, 3-lobed, 3-ribbed, green with vinaceous or claret tinge towards the lobes, sparsely covered with glandular trichomes; lobes triangular, 1–1.5 × 1–1.5 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, ovate to obovate, 9–10 × 6–9 mm, dark pink, obtuse to rounded at base, mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, glandular pubescent abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 5–6.5 mm long, pink, pale towards apex, glabrous; anthers lanceolate, 5–6 mm long, yellow, acuminate at apex. Ovary 4–5 × 3–3.5 mm; style 9–10 mm long, pink, pale towards apex, as long as the stamens; stigma capitate, pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 6–10 × 3–4 mm, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge when young and brown at maturity, 3-ribbed, glabrous. Seeds numerous, obovoid, 0.45–0.6 × 0.2–0.3 mm, dark brown.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from July to August and fruiting from August to September.

Habitat: Sonerila malabarica grows on soil pockets of dripping rocks at the margins of evergreen forests, at elevations 600–1100 m above sea level. It is found in association with Sonerila wallichii Benn. ( Melastomataceae ), Henckelia humboldtiana (Gardner) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt ( Gesneriaceae ), Chlorophytum malabaricum Baker ( Asparagaceae ), Impatiens scapiflora B.Heyne ( Balsaminaceae ), Eriocaulon eurypeplon Korn. ( Eriocaulaceae ), Kleinia grandiflora (Wall. ex DC) N.Rani ( Asteraceae ), Themeda triandra Forssk. , Tripogon malabarica Thoiba & Pradeep , Panicum sp. (all Poaceae ) and many bryophytes.

Distribution: Endemic to southern Western Ghats, India ( Fig. 4 View FiG ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Kozhikode district, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary , Kakkayam, s.d., A . J . Robi 27921 ( KFRI); way to Kakkayam dam, on rocks, 10.09.2016, S . Resmi , Manu Philip & K . Jithin 143881; Ibid. , 03.10.2016, S . Resmi & A . P . Janeesha 143886; Ibid. , 28.07.2018, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 151280 ( CALI); Vayalada , 08.07.2019, S . Jaismon , S . Resmi & S . Nampy 168293 ( CALI) .

Conservation status: The species occurs only in two populations in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. Hence it is not possible to calculate the Extent of Occurrence. The species has a calculated Area of Occupancy of 8 km 2. We studied the individuals in the two locations, where we found in total 100 mature plants. One population is located in the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary with less threat, while the plants in the other location, Vayalada, are vulnerable to tourism activities, a decline in plant number is likely. Considering these facts and the small size of the populations, the species is thus assessed here as Critically Endangered (CR), B2ab(ii,iii,v) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022).

Notes: Sonerila malabarica is a delicate tuberous plant with sessile or sub-sessile leaves and is morphologically allied to S. kanniyakumariana Gopalan & A.N.Henry. It differs from the latter by its tubers, quadrangular, glabrous stems (pubescent at nodes), small, ovate to lanceolate leaves, quadrangular peduncles, 3-ribbed sparsely pubescent hypanthia and the abaxially glandular pubescent petals.

2. Sonerila sahyadrica G.S.Giri & M.P.Nayar, Bull. Bot. Surv. India 26(3–4): 175. 1986; Sasidh., Biodiv. Doc. Kerala Part 6: Fl. Pl. 186. 2004; T.S. Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 1: 418. 2006, Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 636. 2014; G.V.S. Murthy & V.J. Nair, Fl. Kerala 2: 416. 2016. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Kollam district , Pamba to Anathode, 1050 m, 30.09.1976, Vivekananthan 48344 (holo CAL [ CAL0000015620 About CAL !]; iso MH [ MH00000415 !]). FiGS. 2 View FiG & 3 View FiG

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, erect herbs, 5–10 cm tall. Tubers globose, 0.3–0.5 cm thick, pale green to white. Stems quadrangular, 0.2–0.3 cm thick, green or vinaceous or claret, fleshy, simple, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; internodes 0.5–1 cm long, short towards apex. Leaves more or less fascicled; petioles adaxially grooved or canaliculated, 0.5–2 × 0.1–0.2 cm, green to vinaceous or claret or with white dots or patches, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; laminae ovate, 2–7 × 1–3 cm, pale to dark green or purple or vinaceous or claret adaxially and abaxially or with white dots or patches adaxially, rounded at base with overlapping or non-overlapping margins, acute at apex, membranous, sparsely to densely eglandular pubescent adaxially but only on veins abaxially, finely serrate at margins with each tooth ending in a terminal eglandular trichome; veins pinnate, 1–2 pairs from the base and 2–3 pairs from the midrib above, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous and green or vinaceous or claret abaxially. Cymes unbranched, scorpioid, 3–8-flowered, terminal; peduncles quadrangular, 3–7 × 0.1–0.2 cm, longer than petiole, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland tipped trichomes; bracts apparently absent. Flowers trimerous (occasionally tetramerous), 1–1.7 × 1–1.5 cm; pedicels quadrangular, 3–4 × 1–1.5 mm, longer in fruit, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 3-lobed, obscurely 3-ribbed, 2.5–3.5 × 2–3 mm, green or vinaceous or claret, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; lobes triangular, 0.5–0.75 × 0.5–0.75 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, elliptic to ovate, 5–6 × 2–2.5 mm, pale rose, rarely white with a pinkish tinge, rounded at base, acute to mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, with gland-tipped trichomes on midrib abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 2–3 mm long, pale pink or white, glabrous; anthers narrowly ovate, 1–2.5 mm long, yellow, acute at apex with prolonged connective. Ovary 2–3 × 2–3 mm; style 4–5 mm long, dark pink, pale towards apex; stigma capitate, dark pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 3–4 × 3–4 mm, green to vinaceous or claret when young and brown at maturity, 3-ribbed, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age. Seeds many, ellipsoid, 0.5–0.6 × 0.2–0.3 mm, blackish brown; raphe prominent, excurrent; testa sparsely tuberculate at dorsal angle.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to September and fruiting from September to November.

Habitat: This species grows on wet humus in moist rock crevices in grassland and moist hill slopes, at 200–1000 m elevation above sea level. It is found in association with Sonerila brunonis Wight & Arn. , S. tinnevelliensis C.E.C.Fisch. ( Melastomataceae ), Henckelia repens (Bedd.) A.Weber & B.L.Burtt ( Gesneriaceae ), Justicia brittonica Wall. ex J.Agardh ( Acanthaceae ), Arachniodes aristata (G.Forst) Tindale ( Dryopteridaceae ) and many bryophytes.

Distribution: Endemic to southern Western Ghats, India ( Fig. 4 View FiG ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Coorg district, Kadamakkal Reserve Forest, Sambaje, 300 m, 30.10.1981, Srinivasan 68085 (MH). Kerala, Idukki district, Pachakkanam, 1000 m, 09.11.1993, Jomy Augustin 12660 (KFRI); Periyar Tiger Reserve, Koruthode, 07.09.1994, N. Sasidharan & Jomy Augustin 14092 (MH); Kannur district, Tellichery (Thalasseri), November 1910, Meebold 12117 (MH); Kollam district, Below Moozhiyar, 1000 m, 03.09.1977, Nair 50868 (MH); Moozhiyar, 1700 m, 03.09.1977, Nair 50872 (MH); Mukkadavu (Travancore), 24.08.1917, Rama Rao 1415 , 1416 (MH); Kottayam, Ibid., Rama Rao 1416 (MH); Kottayam district, Bharananganam, V.T. Antony 599 (JCB); Palakkad district, Attappadi hills (South Malabar), c. 850 m, 28.10.1910, Fischer 2263 (MH). Thiruvananthapuram district, Attayar, 700 m, 26.08.1990, N. Mohanan 8186 (CALI); between Palode and Kulathupuzha, November 1984, s.coll. s.n. (CALI); Kallar, c. 200 m, 22.11.1979, Mohanan 69241; Ibid., Mohanan 65171 (CALI); Ponmudi, c. 400 m, 04.12.1977, Mohanan 52800 (CALI); Ponmudi estate, 950 m, 14.09.1977, Nair 51086; Ibid., s.d., Nair 51087 (CALI); way to Ponmudi hill top, near Kallar checkpost, 10.10.2019, S. Resmi & S. Nampy 164427 (CALI).

Conservation status: The species occurs as fragmented populations in a narrow band of distribution over 800 km in Kerala and Karnataka with twelve locations. The estimated Extent of Occurrence is c. 16,433 km 2 and the calculated Area of Occupancy 52 km 2. The areas might be subjected to tourist pressure and microclimate changes due to surrounding agricultural activities. It does not qualify for any of the ‘threatened’ categories presently but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. Thus it is assessed here as Near Threatened (NT) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022).

Notes: Sonerila sahyadrica is closely allied to S. rheedei Wall. ex Wight & Arn. , but can be easily distinguished by its short erect stems, more or less fascicled leaves, 0.5–2 cm long petioles, very short ( 2–3 mm long) filaments and 1–2.5 mm long narrowly ovate anthers with acute apices. The species shows notable variations in size, colour, pubescence and variegation of leaves; green to purple, vinaceous or claret leaves, sometimes with white dots or patches are observed in the same population. It sometimes produces tetramerous flowers. The ciliate margins of the petals are one of the key characters used by Giri and Nayar (1986) to distinguish S. sahyadrica from S. rheedei and S. wallichii . However, we could not see this character either in type material or in live specimens. Moreover, ciliate petals are so far recorded only in S. anaimudica Lundin & B.Nord. and is very rare in this genus.

3. Sonerila longipedunculata Resmi & Nampy, Eur. J. Taxon. 733: 161, figs 1–3, 4 A1 – G1 . 2021. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Wayanad district, Banasura hills, Kattukunnu , c. 1000 m, 13.08.2017, S. Resmi & S. Nampy 151222 (holo CALI!; iso MH!). FiG. 5 View FiG

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, erect or decumbent herbs, 10–30 cm tall. Tubers globose, 1–1.5 cm in diam., white to pale green, covered by tufts of roots. Stems sub-terete with shallow grooves on both sides arising from the axil of each pair of leaves, 0.3–0.5 cm thick, vinaceous or claret, fleshy, simple or with 2 or 3 branches occasionally from the distal nodes, sparsely covered with gland-tipped or eglandular bristles, less so with age; internodes 2–4 cm long, short towards apex; nodes with densely glandular or eglandular bristles. Leaves decussate; petioles adaxially grooved or canaliculate, 5–9 × 0.1– 0.2 cm, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped or eglandular bristles, less so with age; laminae ovate, basal ones cordate to broadly ovate, 3–6 × 3–6 cm, dark green adaxially, vinaceous or claret abaxially, cordate to sub-rounded at base with overlapping or non-overlapping margins (basal ones), obtuse or rounded at apex, serrate at margins with each tooth ending in a terminal eglandular trichome, membranous, bullate when mature, densely eglandular bristly adaxially but only on veins abaxially; veins pinnate, 1–2 pairs from the base and 2–3 pairs from the midrib above, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous and vinaceous or claret abaxially. Cymes scorpioid, unbranched, 6–14-flowered, terminal; peduncles quadrangular, 10–16 × 0.15–0.2 cm, longer than petiole, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland tipped bristles; bracts caducous or apparently absent. Flowers trimerous, 1–1.6 × 1–1.5 cm; pedicels terete, 4–5 × 1–2 mm, longer in fruit, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 5–6 × 2–3 mm, 3-lobed, 3-ribbed, vinaceous or claret with a greenish tinge distally, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; lobes triangular, 1–2 × 1–2 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, ovate to elliptic, 7–8 × 4–5 mm, pale pink with darker midrib, obtuse to rounded at base, acute to mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, with gland-tipped trichomes on midrib abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 4–5 mm long, pale pink, glabrous, slightly dilated and twisted downwards; anthers narrowly ovate, 4–5 mm long, yellow, acute at apex. Ovary 2–2.5 × 2–3 mm; style 8–9 mm long, pale pink, dark towards apex, longer than stamen; stigma capitate, dark pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 5–7 × 3–3.5 mm, green or vinaceous or claret, when young and brown at maturity, 3-ribbed, sparsely covered with gland-tipped bristles, less so with age. Seeds numerous, obovoid, 0.5–0.6 × 0.2–0.3 mm, pale brown.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to September and fruiting from September to October.

Habitat: It grows on wet rocks in grassy slopes at 1000 m elevation above sea level. Although no detailed ecological studies have been undertaken, S. longipedunculata appears to be restricted to shaded rocky outcrops and is likely to occur in areas where a specific combination of light intensity and moisture prevails, such as vertical, mosscovered rocks or rock crevices, as is the case for many species of Sonerila . It is found in association with S. raghaviana Ratheesh, Sunil, Nandakumar & Shaju ( Melastomataceae ), species of grass ( Poaceae ), Mitracarpus sp. ( Rubiaceae ), Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ) and several mosses.

Distribution: Endemic to southern Western Ghats, India ( Fig. 4 View FiG ).

Conservation status: Sonerila longipedunculata is known only from a single population at the type locality with about 60 mature individuals. The calculated Area of Occupancy is 4 km 2. No anthropogenic threat was detected as the area falls in a wildlife sanctuary. However , this area is prone to landslides due to heavy rain, which has occurred in previous years. The habitat has been affected by climate-induced draught after the unexpected floods in 2018 and 2019. We suggest the status of S. longipedunculata as Critically Endangered ( CR) B2 ab(ii,iii,v) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022) .

Notes: Sonerila longipedunculata is characterised by long peduncles ( 10–16 cm long) and petioles ( 5–9 cm long), and these traits are not described in any other herbaceous caulescent tuberous species, other than the suffrutescent or woody species of Indian Sonerila . Sonerila longipedunculata has fleshy, simple stems, occasionally branched at distal nodes. Sonerila longipedunculata is also similar to S. raghaviana , which grow sympatrically and share similar hair patterns and floral features, but differs by its caulescent habit ( vs. acaulescent), 10–16 cm long peduncles ( vs. 4–11 cm long) and 6–14-flowered cymes ( vs. 3–6-flowered in S. raghaviana ).

4. Sonerila konkanensis Resmi & Nampy, Candollea View in CoL 76(1): 140. 2021. Type: INDIA, Goa, South Goa district, Salcete taluk, Chandreshwar   GoogleMaps hills, way to Chandreshwar   GoogleMaps temple, ghat road cuttings, N 15°13’15.6”, E 74°01’59.6”, c. 220 m, 03.09.2019, S. Resmi & P.F. Akshatra 164408 (holo CALI!). FiGS. 6 View FiG & 7 View FiG

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, erect herbs, 5–30 cm tall. Tubers globose, 0.5–1.5 cm in diam., white to pale green, covered by tufts of roots. Stems quadrangular, sub-angular at the base, 0.2–0.6 cm thick, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge, corners distinctly marked dark pink or vinaceous, fleshy, simple or branched, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; internodes 2–5 cm long, short towards apex; nodes with prominent leaf scars and densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Leaves decussate, sometimes clustered at the distal nodes; petioles adaxially grooved or canaliculate, 2–3.5 × 0.2–0.27 cm, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; laminae ovate to elliptic, 3–8 × 1.5–4 cm, lime green adaxially, pale green abaxially, cordate or sub-rounded at base with non-overlapping margins, acute to acuminate at apex, membranous, densely glandular pubescent adaxially but only on veins abaxially, serrate to dentate at margins with each tooth ending in a terminal glandular trichome; veins pinnate, 2 pairs from the base and 2–3 pairs from midrib above, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous abaxially. Cymes scorpioid, unbranched, usually 1–2 cymes arising from the distal node of the stem and branches (sometimes 3–5); 6–20-flowered, terminal; peduncles quadrangular, 4–7 × 0.15– 0.2 cm, longer than petioles, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland tipped bristles; bracts leaf-like, ovate to elliptic, 0.5–2.5 × 0.5–1.5 cm, densely glandular pubescent adaxially but only on veins abaxially, persistent. Flowers trimerous (occasionally tetramerous), 1–1.6 × 1–1.5 cm, rarely tetramerous and the word rarely pedicels sub-angular, 4–10 × 1–1.8 mm, longer in fruit, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 4–5 × 1.5–2.7 mm, 3-lobed, obscurely 3-ribbed, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge distally, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; lobes triangular, 1–2 × 1–2 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, ovate to oblong, 8–12 × 4–5 mm, pale pink with darker midrib, obtuse at base, mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, with gland-tipped trichomes on midrib abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 5–6 mm long, dark pink, pale towards apex, glabrous; anthers lanceolate, 5–6 mm long, yellow, acuminate to rostrate at apex. Ovary 2–2.5 × 2–3 mm; style 8–10 mm long, dark pink, shorter or as long as the stamen; stigma capitate, dark pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 4–5 × 3–4 mm, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge distally when young and brown at maturity, obscurely 3-ribbed, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age. Seeds many, obovoid, 0.4–0.5 × 0.2–0.25 mm, pale brown.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to September and fruiting from September to October.

Habitat: It grows in wet humus and on damp rocks along the ghat road cuttings, between 210–280 m elevations above sea level. It is found in association with Adiantum lunulatum Burm.f. ( Adiantaceae ), Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. ( Lygodiaceae ), Athyrium sp. ( Athyriaceae ), Cheilanthus sp. ( Pteridaceae ), Pteris scabripes Wall. ex J.Agardh ( Pteridaceae ), Arachniodes aristata (G.Forst) Tindale ( Dryopteridaceae ), Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ), Ixora sp. ( Rubiaceae ), Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale ( Vitaceae ), Exacum petiolare Griseb. ( Gentianaceae ) and Begonia integrifolia Dalzell ( Begoniaceae ).

Distribution: Endemic to Konkan, India ( Fig. 4 View FiG ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Goa, South Goa district, Salcete taluk, Chandreshwar hills, Chandranath , 16.09.1997, Vaishali C. Joshi &

S. Rajkumar 962 (Goa University Herbarium); Near Bhoothnath temple, 09.09.2007 , P. Ashish 532 (Goa University Herbarium); on the way to Chandreshwar temple, 273 m, 03.09.2019 , S. Resmi & P.F. Akshatra 164409 (CALI).

Conservation status: Sonerila konkanensis is known only from one location with two sub populations in an unprotected area, separated by a distance of 200–300 m. The calculated Area of Occupancy is c. 8 km 2 and 90 mature individuals were observed. Since the type locality is a tourist destination, and considering the observed ecological disturbances, we provisionally assess the species as Critically Endangered ( CR), B2 ab(ii,iii,v) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022) .

Notes: Sonerila konkanensis is a pretty, tuberous species with quadrangular stems, lime green leaves, pale pink flowers and acuminate to rostrate anthers. This species is further characterised by its large, leaf-like, persistent bracts, not seen in any other Sonerila species from India. The stems are sometimes sparsely branched and occasionally with a solitary flower. It frequently produces 4-merous flowers within natural populations as well as in cultivation.

5. Sonerila rheedei Wall. ex Wight & Arn., Prodr. Fl. Ind. Orient. 321. 1834; Stapf, Ann. Bot. (Oxford) 6: 307. 1892; Gamble, Fl. Madras 1: 500. 1919; Vivek. in N.C. Nair & A.N.Henry, Fl. Tamil Nadu Ind., Ser I: Analysis 1: 164. 1983; B.D.Sharma et al., Fl. Karnataka: analysis 2: 106. 1984; M.Ahmedullah & M.P.Nayar, Endemic Pl. Indian Region 1: 111. 1987; V.S.Ramach. & V.J. Nair, Fl. Cannanore 189. 1988; M.Mohanan & A.N.Henry, Fl. Thiruvananthapuram 200. 1994; Sasidh. & Sivar., Fl. Pl. Thrissur For. 193. 1996; C.J. Saldanha & B.R.Ramesh in C.J. Saldanha, Fl. Karnataka 2: 44. 1996; M.Mohanan & Sivad., Fl. Agasthyamala 283. 2002; Sasidh., Biodiv. Doc. Kerala Part 6: Fl. Pl.: 186. 2004; Anil Kumar et al., Fl. Pathanamthitta 224. 2005; T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Kerala 1: 418. 2006 T.S.Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 637. 2014; G.V.S.Murthy & V.J. Nair, Fl. Kerala 2: 413. 2016. Lectotype (designated by Giri & Nayar, 1986): Rheede. Hort. Malab. 9. t. 65. FiGS. 8 View FiG & 9 View FiG

Sonerila wallichii sensu C.B.Clarke View in CoL in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 2: 538. 1879 p.p., non Benn.

Sonerila pedunculosa sensu Yoganarasimhan et al. View in CoL , in Curr. Sci. 45(14): 527. 1976, non Thwaites.

Sonerila keralensis Deepthikum. & Pandur., Taprobanica View in CoL 6(2): 73. 2014, syn. nov. Type:- INDIA, Kerala, Wayanad district, Thirunelli , c. 1000 m, 30.06.2009, K.P. Deepthikumary & A. G . Pandurangan 60590 (holo TBGT!) .

Sonerila kanjilasseriensis Arunraj, R.Reshma & Vishnupr., Kew Bull. View in CoL 76(1): 77. 2021, syn. nov. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Kozhikkod district, Chemanchery, Kanjilasseri   GoogleMaps , N 11°24’17”, E 75°43’53”, 13 m, 01.08.2018, P.T. Arunraj & C. P . Vishnuprasad 15362 (holo TBGT n.v.; iso TBGT, KFRI n.v.) .

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, erect or decumbent herbs, 5–30 cm tall. Tubers globose, 0.5–1 cm in diam., pale green to white. Stems quadrangular or sub-terete with shallow grooves, 0.1–0.4 cm thick, green or vinaceous or claret, fleshy, simple or repeatedly branched towards apex, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; internodes 1–3 cm long, short towards apex. Leaves, decussate; petioles adaxially grooved or canaliculated, 0.5–3.5 × 0.1–0.2 cm, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; laminae ovate to elliptic, 3–13 × 2–6.8 cm, pale to dark green or purple to vinaceous or claret adaxially and abaxially or with white dots or patches adaxially, unequal and rounded at base with overlapping or non-overlapping margins, acute at apex, membranous, sparsely to densely eglandular pubescent adaxially but only on veins abaxially, finely serrate at margins with each tooth ending in a terminal eglandular trichome; veins pinnate, 1–2 pairs from the base and 2–3 pairs from the midrib above, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous and green or vinaceous or claret abaxially. Cymes scorpioid, unbranched, 3–16-flowered, terminal and upper axillary; peduncles quadrangular, 4–10 × 0.1–0.2 cm, longer than petiole, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland tipped trichomes; bracts apparently absent. Flowers trimerous, 1–1.7 × 1–1.5 cm; pedicels quadrangular, 3–5 × 1–2 mm, longer in fruit, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 3-lobed, obscurely 3-ribbed, 3–5 × 2–4 mm, green or vinaceous or claret, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; lobes triangular, 1–2 × 1–1.5 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, ovate to elliptic, 5–8 × 3–4 mm, dark pink, obtuse or sub-rounded at base, acute to mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, with gland-tipped trichomes on midrib abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 3–4 mm long, pale pink, glabrous; anthers lanceolate, 3–4 mm long, yellow, acuminate to rostrate at apex. Ovary 3–4 × 2–3 mm; style 5–6 mm long, dark pink, pale towards apex; stigma capitate, dark pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 5–6 × 3–4 mm, green to vinaceous or claret when young and brown at maturity, 3-ribbed, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age. Seeds numerous, obovoid, 0.5–0.65 × 0.2–0.3 mm, pale brown to dark brown.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to September and fruiting from October to November.

Habitat: This species occurs in exposed lateritic rock crevices, between 13–1200 m elevations above sea level. It is found in association with Sonerila wallichii , S. janakiana , S. sahyadrica ( Melastomataceae ), Utricularia striatula Sm. (Lentibulariacae) , Elatostemma sp. ( Urticaceae ), Canscora pauciflora Dalzell ( Gentianaceae ), Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler. ( Poaceae ), Eriocaulon eurypeplon Korn. ( Eriocaulaceae ), Polycarpaea corymbosa (L.) Lam. ( Caryophyllaceae ), Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ), Christella sp. ( Thelypteridaceae ) and many bryophytes.

Distribution: Endemic to southern Western Ghats, India ( Fig. 11 View FiG ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Chikkmagaluru district , Karadikhan Kolakhan, on shaded vertical road cuttings, 760 m, C . J . Saldanha KFP 12056 ( JCB); Kudramugha National Park , S . Resmi, T . Priyanka & S . Nampy 168222 ( CALI); Dakshina Kannada district, Charmadi , 10.11.1962, R . K . Arora 1091 ( CAL); Jog falls, 10.1919, Hallberg & McCanei 36188 ( BLAT); Ibid. , 14.11.1900, C . A . Barber 2351; Sullia, 25.10.1900, C . A . Barber 2059 ( MH); Ibid. , S . Resmi, T . Priyanka & S . Nampy 168230 ( CALI); Hassan district, Byakarhalli , 21.08.1969, C . J . Saldanha 14551 ( E); Kodagu district, Bhagamandala , 15.09.1934, E . Barnes 920 ( MH); Mysore district, Hullahalli , 04.09.1969, C . J . Saldanha 17804 ( JCB); Shimoga district, Agumbe , ghat route, 13.10.1962, R . Sundara Raghavan 83166 ( BSI); Ibid. , 28.10.1980, M . R . Almeida 927 ( BLAT); Agumbe to Koppa road, 30.10.1960, R . Sundara Raghavan 67947 ( BSI); Hulical to Nilakal route, 25.08.1963, R . Sundara Raghavan 90213 ( BSI); Ranagalgudda-Tirthahalli , 19.08.1963, R . Sundara Raghavan 90023 ( BSI); Tirthahalli , 30.09.1962, R . Sundara Raghavan 82841 ( BSI); Varahi forest , 08.10.1962, R . Sundara Raghavan 83045 ( BSI); Yedur , 17.10.1964, R . Sundara Raghavan 90479, 90479 A ( BSI) ; Udupi district, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Goli forest , 21.07.2009, P . G . Diwakar & R . Kr. Singh 185124 ( BSI); Mavinakatte forest , 14.10.2008, P . G . Diwakar & R . Kr. Singh 184460 ( BSI); Uttara Kannada district, near Ankola , 20 m, 16.09.2018, S . Resmi, T . Priyanka & S . Nampy 168231 ( CALI) . Kerala, Ernakulam district , Kothamangalam, 23.07.2015, S . Resmi & V . Drishya 143804 ( CALI); Neriamangalam to Valara forest , 20.08.1965, K . M . Sebastine 25082 ( MH); Pindimedu , 10.09.1985, K . K .N. Nair 3506 ( KFRI); Idukki district, Kalverymount , 1200 m, 11.11.1981, B . Ramanujan 72462 ( CAL, MH); Kulamav , 700 m, 23.09.1984, C . N . Mohanan 80158 ( CAL, MH); Meenmutti , 800 m, 27.09.1981, C . N . Mohanan & B . Ramanujan 72129; Ibid., 02.10.1983, C . N . Mohanan 79912, 79913 ( CAL, MH); Kuttikkanam to Peermade , 21.09.1964, K . Vivekananthan 20307 ( MH); On the hill between Cheruthoni & Idukki dam, 24.08.1981, V . S . Raju 71171 ( MH); Pachakanam , 22.09.1972, B . D. Sharma 40834; Peermade, s.d., s.coll., s.n. ( MH); Periyar Tiger Reserve , 13.10.2017, S . Resmi, Dani Francis, Divya Venugopal & S . Nampy 151240 ( CALI); Way side, Neriamangalam, 110 m, 11.09.2018, Vishnu Mohan & S. Nampy 159467 ( CALI); Kannur district , Chandanathode , 12.07.1978, V . S . Ramachandran 57564 ( MH); Chandanathode- way to Mananthavady , 24.06.1965, J . L . Ellis 25103 ( MH); Kalliasseri , 20.07.1981, R . Ansari 70955 ( MH); way to Chandanathode , 800 m, 14.08.1979, V . S . Ramachandran 63949 ( MH); Panathur , 500 m, 10.10.1929, R . Ansari 64857 ( MH); Kasaragod district, Konnakadu , 700 m, 30.09.1982, R . Ansari 74386 ( CAL, MH); Kozhikode district, Kakkayam , 10.09.2016, S . Resmi, A . P . Janeesha & S . Nampy 143885 ( CALI); Kuttyadi, 11.10.19984, Jolly Jacob 3812 ( MH); Kuttyadi irrigation project, 25.06.1965, B . D. Naithani 24616 ( MH); Ibid. , 13.10.1984, K . Leela 4228; Ibid., 15.07.1984, A . R . Sheela 3484 ( CALI); Olichuchattam , 760 m, 19.09.1997, A . K . Pradeep 56014 ( CALI); Peruvannamuzhi dam site, 24.08.2015, S . Resmi & V . Veena 143819, 143821 ( CALI); Vellarimala , 1500 m, 20.09.1997, E . J . Josekutty 47541 ( CALI); Kollam district, Thenmala , near Kallada dam, 18.08.2016, S . Resmi, A . P . Janeesha & S . Nampy 143868, 143869 ( CALI); Malappuram district, Calicut University beauty spot, 23.07.2015, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 143804; Ibid., 04.08.2015, S . Resmi & V . Veena 143809 ( CALI); Chettiarmadu , 04.07.1991, T . P . Sheeja 3218 ( CALI); Kannoth, 24.09.1913, s.coll., 9389 ( CALI); Olipramkadavu , 15.08.1985, M . P . Anitha 5195; Ibid., 15.08.1986, A . K . Valsa 7124; Ibid., 30.08.1991, C . G . Solly 4277; Ibid., 26.06.1992, V . T . Smitha 3973 ( CALI); Thiruvangad , 02.09.1970, V . V . Sivarajan 487 ( CALI); Ibid . , 03.09.1983, A . Babu 37441 ( CAL); Palakkad district, Silent Valley , 1000 m, 26.09.1977, R . Ansari 51490 ( MH); Pathanamthitta district, Moozhiyar , 250 m, 10.09.1987, N . Anilkumar 26 ( CAL, MH); way to Angamoozhy , R . Chandrasekaran 88579 ( MH); Thrissur district, Vazhachal , 24.08.2016, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 143873, 143874 ( CALI); Wayanad district, Near Lakkidi , 20.08.2015, S . Resmi & P . K . Dilna 143815, 143816 ( CALI); Near Meenmutti waterfalls, 13.08.2017, S . Resmi & P . B . Athira 151217; Pakramthalam ghat, 14.10.2019, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 164422 ( CALI); Thirunelly , 16.10.2015, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 143848, 143851 ( CALI); Wayanad, s.d., s.coll., s.n. ( MH) . Tamil Nadu, Nilgiris district , Cherambadi, 820 m, 27.07.1972, E . Vajravelu 41863 ( MH); Gudalur , 20.09.1928, G . V . Narayana & S . R . Raju 18485 ( MH); Gudalur to Devala forest , E . Vajravelu 42815 ( MH); Nadukani ghat, 11.09.2015, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 143838, 143839, 143840 ( CALI) .

Conservation status: This species is widely distributed in low to midlands of Kerala and in a few locations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Extend of Occurrence is estimated to be c. 57,247 km 2 and it is greater than the limits of any of the ‘threatened’ categories. Thus the species is assessed here as Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022).

Notes: Wight and Arnott (1834) described Sonerila rheedei and cited Wallich No. 4096 and Rheede’s illustration (1689: t. 65). Since Wallich No. 4096 and Rheede’s t. 65 are taxonomically different, Bennett (1844) described S. wallichii based on Wallich 4096. Giri and Nayar (1986) also considered S. rheedei (as S. rheedii ) and S. wallichii as quite distinct and lectotypified the former name with Rheede’s illustration.

Sonerila rheedei is an erect or decumbent herb with a wide range of morphological variation. Green to purple or vinaceous or claret leaves, sometimes with white dots or patches are observed among the same population. Perusal of specimens at different herbaria and in the field revealed that the tuberous root stock of this plant did not get much attention during the collection and processing of specimens. The tuberous roots might have been lost during specimen preparation, or specimens with poorly developed tuberous roots were deposited at many Indian herbaria (BSI, BLAT, CAL, CALI, JCB, KFRI, MH and TBGT). Critical examination of the protologue and the illustration (Rheede. Hort. Malab. 9. t. 65) substantiates the above observations, and this lead to the proliferation of taxa numbers. Sonerila rheedei is morphologically close to S. sahyadrica and S. pedunculosa Thwaites but can be easily distinguished by its 1–4 cm long petioles, 4–10 cm long peduncles and 5–7 mm long, lanceolate acuminate or rostrate anthers.

Deepthikumari and Pandurangan (2014) described Sonerila keralensis based on their collections from Tirunelli in Wayanad district. According to them, S. keralensis differs from S. rheedei by having a tuberous root stock, erect apically branched stems, 3–7-flowered cymes, sparsely glandular hairy petal margins with a glabrous midrib, non-beaked anthers and sparsely hairy capsules. They also mentioned “petals glandular hairy marginally and on midrib” in S. sahyadrica and “petals glandular hairy marginally and midrib glandular hairy only dorsally” in S. rheedei . However, the illustration used for depicting the species is rather different from the description (non-beaked anthers and petals with sparsely hairy margins) and the characters given for S. keralensis overlap with the circumscription of S. rheedei .

Similarly, Arunraj et al. (2021) described Sonerila kanjilasseriensis from Kozhikode district of Kerala where they mentioned that it differs from S. rheedei by having a subterranean tuber, cylindrical to subquadrangular stems, (10–)12–24(–29)-flowered cymes, petals with acuminate apex, 4–6-ribbed hypanthia and capsules. Recently Santhosh Kumar and Filimban (2021) synonymised S. kanjilasseriensis under S. sahyadrica without noticing its overlapping characters with S. rheedei and their comparison of S. kanjilasseriensis with S. sahyadrica is untenable especially in the pattern of phyllotaxy, size and shape of leaves, length of petioles and peduncles, number of flowers per cymes, shape and size of anthers, and nature of hypanthia and capsules. According to them, the plants grown on exposed vertical cuttings have short petioles, whereas longer petioles are seen on plants grown in shady humus rich soil. They also reported shorter filaments and anthers in smaller specimens from exposed vertical cuttings, but the robust plants from humus-rich soil possess longer filaments and anthers. Both S. sahyadrica and S. rheedei show considerable infraspecific variations which is very prevalent in Sonerila . However, the length of the peduncles, number of flowers per cymes, shape and size of anthers, and nature of hypanthia and capsules are useful characters for delimiting S. sahyadrica from its allied taxa if the populations are continuously observed. Overall, the critical examination of specimens and protologues of S. rheedei , S. keralensis and S. kanjilasseriensis revealed that the characters outlined for separating S. keralensis and S. kanjilasseriensis are intergrading with the circumscription of S. rheedei , and hence both are reduced to synonymy of S. rheedei .

6. Sonerila lateritica Resmi, Manudev & Nampy, Phytotaxa View in CoL 333(2): 236. 2018. Type: INDIA, Kerala, Kozhikode district, Kakkoor, Ponkunnu hills, lateritic rock crevices, c. 200 m, 20.10.2015, S. Resmi & K.M. Manudev 143853 (holo CALI!; iso MH!). FiG. 10 View FiG

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, erect herbs, 5–10(–13) cm tall. Tubers globose, 0.5–1 cm diam., white to pale green, fleshy, covered by tufts of roots. Stems quadrangular, 0.1–0.2 cm thick, green or vinaceous or claret, fleshy, simple or branched, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; internodes 0.5–1 cm long. Leaves decussate; petioles adaxially grooved or canaliculate, 0.3–0.5 × 0.1–0.2 cm, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; laminae ovate, 1–2 × 0.5–1.5 cm, dark green adaxially, purple or vinaceous or claret abaxially, cordate at base with non-overlapping margins, obtuse to rounded at apex, membranous, bullate when mature, densely eglandular pubescent adaxially but only on veins abaxially, serrate at margins with each tooth ending in a terminal eglandular trichome; veins pinnate, 2 pairs from the base and 1 pair from the midrib above, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous and vinaceous or claret abaxially. Cymes scorpioid, unbranched, 3–12(–14)-flowered, terminal; peduncles quadrangular, 2–7 × 0.1–0.2 cm, longer than petiole, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge, sparsely covered with gland tipped trichomes; bracts apparently absent. Flowers 0.7– 1.2 × 1–1.2 cm; pedicels narrowly angular, 1.5–6 × 1–2 mm, longer in fruit, green with a vinaceous or claret tinge, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 4–5 × 2–3 mm, 3-lobed, obscurely 3-ribbed, green to vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; lobes triangular, 2–3.5 × 2–3 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, elliptic to broadly obovate, 3–5 × 3–4 mm, pale pink with darker midrib, cuneate to rounded at base, mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, with gland-tipped trichomes on midrib abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 2–5 mm long, dark pink, glabrous; anthers lanceolate, 3–4 mm long, yellow, acuminate at apex. Ovary 2–3 × 1.8–2.5 mm; style 4–5 mm long, dark pink, pale pink towards apex; stigma capitate, dark pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 3–5 × 3–4 mm, green to vinaceous or claret when young and brown at maturity, 3-ribbed, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age. Seeds numerous, ellipsoid to obovoid, 0.5–0.7 × 0.2–0.3 mm, dark brown.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from September to October and fruiting from October to November.

Habitat: This species occurs in exposed lateritic rock crevices at 200 m elevation above sea level. It is found in association with Canscora pauciflora Dalzell ( Gentianaceae ), Ceropegia nampyana Manudev, Kambale & Pramod ( Apocynaceae ), Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler ( Poaceae ), Polycarpaea corymbosa (L.) Lam. ( Caryophyllaceae ), Eriocaulon eurypeplon Korn. ( Eriocaulaceae ), Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ) and many bryophytes.

Distribution: Endemic to southern Western Ghats, India ( Fig. 11 View FiG ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Kozhikode district, Kakkoor, Ponkunnu hills, lateritic rock crevices, c. 200 m, 24.09.2015, S . Resmi & K. M . Manudev 143841; Ibid . , 08.10.2015, S . Resmi & S . Nampy 151210; Ibid . , 05.10.2019, S . Resmi & M. P . Krishnapriya 164410 ( CAL) .

Conservation status: It is known from two subpopulations at the type locality with about 100 mature individuals. The Area of Occupancy is calculated with 4 km 2. The lateritic habitat has been affected by mining which lead to the removal of soil, vegetation and microhabitats. Thus, the status of the species is assessed here as Critically Endangered ( CR), B2 ab(ii,iii,v) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022) .

Notes: Sonerila lateritica is a small caulescent herb with stems initially unbranched but later producing short branches from the basal or apical nodes. The number of flowers varies from 3 to 12 (rarely up to 14) which are produced in terminal scorpioid cymes. The leaf apex is usually obtuse but sometimes rounded. The species is very similar to S. anaimudica in having a caulescent habit, glandular trichomes, ovate leaves, subulate bracts and campanulate hypanthia, but is readily distinguished by its tuberous rootstocks ( vs. stem with a bulbous base), quadrangular delicate stems ( vs. terete robust stems), decussate leaves ( vs. whorled leaves), many flowered cymes ( vs. solitary or 2- or 3-flowered cymes) and mucronate petals with glabrous margins ( vs. rounded or retuse petals with glandular-ciliate margins).

7. Sonerila talbotii G.S.Giri & M.P.Nayar, J. Jap. Bot. View in CoL 61(11): 344. 1986; T.S. Nayar et al., Fl. Pl. Western Ghats 1: 637. 2014. Type: INDIA, Karnataka, Uttara Kannada district, North Canara , 04.08.1883, W.A. Talbot 561 (holo CAL [ CAL0000015623 About CAL !]). FiG. 12 View FiG

Perennating, tuberous, caulescent, erect herbs, 15– 30 cm tall. Tubers small, globose, 0.5–0.7 cm diam., pale green to white. Stems sub-terete with shallow grooves or quadrangular, 0.2–0.3 cm thick, green or vinaceous or claret, fleshy, woody when mature, simple or repeatedly branched towards apex, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; internodes 2–3 cm long, short towards apex. Leaves decussate; petioles adaxially grooved or canaliculate, 1–3 × 0.1–0.2 cm, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age; laminae lanceolate, 4–7 × 1.5–2.5 cm, pale to dark green or purple or vinaceous or claret, unequal and sub-rounded at base with non-overlapping margins, acute to acuminate at apex, membranous, sparsely glandular pubescent adaxially but only on veins abaxially, finely serrate at margins with each tooth ending in a terminal eglandular trichome; veins pinnate, 1–2 pairs from the base and 3–4 pairs from the midrib above, less branched, impressed adaxially, conspicuous and vinaceous or claret abaxially. Cymes scorpioid, unbranched, 3–8-flowered, terminal and axillary; peduncles quadrangular, 3–5 × 0.1–0.2 cm, longer than petiole, green or vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland tipped trichomes; bracts subulate, 0.3–1.8 × 0.3–1 cm, caducous. Flowers trimerous (occasionally tetramerous), 1.2–1.4 × 1–1.2 cm; pedicels quadrangular, 4–5 × 1–2 mm, longer in fruit, vinaceous or claret, densely covered with gland-tipped trichomes. Hypanthia campanulate, 3-lobed, obscurely 3-ribbed, 4–5 × 2–3 mm, vinaceous or claret, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes; lobes triangular, 1–2 × 1–1.5 mm, acute at apex. Petals 3, elliptic to oblong, 7–8 × 3–4 mm, pale pink, obtuse or sub-rounded at base, acute to mucronate at apex, glabrous adaxially, with gland-tipped trichomes on midrib abaxially. Stamens 3; filaments 5–6 mm long, pale pink, glabrous; anthers lanceolate, 5–6 mm long, yellow, acuminate to rostrate at apex. Ovary 3–4 × 2–3 mm; style 10–12 mm long, dark pink, pale towards apex; stigma capitate, dark pink, rugose, glabrous. Capsules campanulate, 4–5 × 3–3.5 mm, green to vinaceous or claret when young and brown at maturity, 3-ribbed, sparsely covered with gland-tipped trichomes, less so with age. Seeds ellipsoid to obovoid, 0.5–0.65 × 0.2–0.3 mm, dark brown.

Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to September and fruiting from September to November.

Habitat: This species occurs in exposed lateritic rock crevices, at c. 20 m elevation above sea level. It is found in association with Utricularia striatula Sm. ( Lentibulariaceae ), Elatostemma sp. ( Urticaceae ), Murdannia sp. ( Commelinaceae ), Selaginella sp. ( Selaginellaceae ) and many bryophytes.

Distribution: Endemic to southern Western Ghats, India ( Fig. 11 View FiG ).

Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Uttara Kannada district, Ankola, Navagadde , Near Naga temple, on dripping rocks near stream, 20 m, 17.09.2018, S . Resmi , T . Priyanka & S . Nampy 168232 ( CALI); Karwar , 20.08.1883, W. A . Talbot s.n. ( BSI); Ibid. , 25.06.1885, W. A . Talbot 1257 ( DD) .

Conservation status: It is known from two locations in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The Area of Occupancy is calculated as 8 km 2. We were able to observe only a single location at Ankola, where we found around 400 mature individuals that are growing just about 100 m from the main road. The status of the species is assessed here as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN Red List Categories and criteria ( IUCN, 2012; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022).

Notes: Sonerila talbotii is an interesting plant with quadrangular stems, lanceolate leaves, oblong petals and acuminate to rostrate anthers. The recently described S. konkanensis is morphologically close to S. talbotii in having dense glandular trichomes on its stems, branches, petioles, laminae, peduncles, pedicels and hypanthia. However, S. talbotii differs from S. konkanensis by having 1–2 cm long petioles, elliptic to lanceolate laminae, 3–5 cm long peduncles, 3–12-flowered cymes, subulate bracts and elliptic to oblong petals. Tetramerous flowers are also noticed in the same population.