Aeschynanthus maoi, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Aeschynanthus maoi, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. wardii and A. bracteatus, but differs from the former by its small (3–5 mm long) boat-like bracts, narrowly ovate or triangular calyx lobes, 1–8 flowered inflorescences, and turbinate staminodes. It differs from the latter by caducous green bracts, short peduncles (0.2–0.8 cm long), and narrowly ovate or triangular green calyx lobes. A detailed description of the new species with color photographs and a comparison to similar species are provided. The new species is evaluated for risk of extinction and provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.