![. 3: Habit; A-B. Flower; C. Stamen; D. Staminode [from Royle; Illus. Bot. Murdannia edulis Himal.; 403: Tab. 95; Fig. 3. 1840].](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mayur-Nandikar/publication/282356206/figure/fig2/AS:614376285417477@1523490129514/3-Habit-A-B-Flower-C-Stamen-D-Staminode-from-Royle-Illus-Bot-Murdannia_Q320.jpg)
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Mayur D. Nandikar
Rajaram V. Gurav
1,2 1
1
Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, 416 004
2
Present address: Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research, Shindewadi, Dist. Satara, Maharashtra, India 412 801
*Corresponding author e-mail: mnandikar@gmail.com
Abstract
A taxonomic revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in India is presented based on field andMurdannia
herbarium studies. Twenty-seven of the fifty-five species in the genus are recognized and it becomes the
first largest genus in Indian Commelinaceae. Detailed descriptions of all species including key,
illustrations, distributions, specimen citations, colour photoplates and SEM photographs of seeds are
provided. Lectotypifications of eight binomials, one neotypification, two new statuses and one new
variety described during this work are also dealt with.
Keywords: Commelinaceae, , taxonomy, nomenclature, IndiaMurdannia
Introduction
Family Commelinaceae comprises 41 genera and
about 650 species (Faden, 2000). The four genera
Commelina ex Aneilema CyanotisPlum. L., R. Br., D.
Don and are widespread in AfricaMurdannia royle
and Asia. is one of the largest generaMurdannia
with 55 species worldwide (Govaerts & Faden,
2014) and largely concentrated in the tropical and
subtropical regions of Asia and Africa.
Karthikeyan (1989) enumerated 23 specieset al.
for India and the number subsequently increased
to 27 with new additions (Ramana 2013).et al.
Seven species are endemic to India.
The genus was named and describedMurdannia
by Royle (1840), based on Aneilema scapiflorum
Roxb. The genus was named after Murdan Ali,
herbarium keeper at Saharanpur Botanic Garden,
India who collected many of the plants described
in Royle's work. Pichon (1946) adopted Dilasia
Raf. pointing out availability of two earlier names
of Royle's Raf. [Murdannia i.e. Dilasia Dilasia
vaginata Streptylis Streptylis(L.) Raf.] and Raf. [
bracteolata Raf.], published by Rafinesque (1836)
in his Flora Telluriana. Brenan (1952) proposed to
conserve against Raf. andMurdannia royle Dilasia
Streptylis Raf.
Brückner (1926, 1927) had made 38 combinations
under the genus . He later realizedPhaeneilema
(Brückner, 1930) that it was just a newer name for
Murdannia and also made new combinations for
many names that had been treated in R.Aneilema
Br. (Brown, 1810), Wight (1853)Dichoespermum
Phytodiversity
2015: Vol. 2 (1): 56-112
ISSN: 2349 - 7068
Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
and A. Chev. (Chevalier, 1911).Baoulia
Major contributions on Indian cameMurdannia
from Dalzell (1851), Wight (1853), Hasskarl
(1870), Clarke (1871, 1874, 1881), Hooker (1894),
Fyson (1920) and Rao & Kammathy (1963 & 1966).
Regional floristic studies and inventories
published by Graham (1839), Dalzell & Gibson
(1861), Cooke (1908), Duthie (1920), Fischer
(1931), Santapau (1951, 1955), Fernandes &
Santapau (1954), Matthew (1988), Mitra (1952),
Hara (1982), Karthikeyan (1989), Noltieet al. et al.
(1994), Dash (2010) Bandyopadhyay (2012)et al.
and Nandikar (2013) enumerated the family
Commelinaceae for India. Kammathy & Rao
(1961a, 1961b, 1964 & 1965) and Kammathy (1982)
worked extensively on taxonomy and cytology of
the family Commelinaceae in India. Their studies
on the genus and other genera dealtMurdannia
with nomenclature, taxonomy, and cytology.
Many district floras and floristic works published
during last three decades resulted in considerable
addition to collections in different Indian
herbaria.
During the last few years, new species of
Murdannia and extended distributional reports in
India have been published (Nampy & Joby 2003,
2008, Joby 2011, Nandikar & Gurav 2011,et al.
Nandikar 2011, Nampy 2012, Ancy &et al. et al.
Nampy 2012, Ramana 2013). The presentet al.
work attempts to integrate all available
information pertaining to the genus inMurdannia
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India. The genus is represented in India by 27
species of which 7 species viz. Murdannia assamica
Nampy & A. Ancy (Assam) and M. saddlepeakensis
Ramana and Nandikar (Andaman and Nicobar
Islands), Nandikar and Gurav,M. brownii M.
fadeniana M. lanceolataNampy and Joby, (Wight)
Kammathy, (Wall. C.B. Clarke) G.M. lanuginosa ex
Brückn., Joby, Nisha and Unni areM. satheesiana
endemic to Peninsular India.
Methodology
The study is based on live plant material and
herbarium specimens placed at various herbaria
in India: ASSAM, BLAT, BSI, CAL, CALI, DEV,
MH, PBL, PCM and SUK. Photographs of
herbarium sheets (types and other herbarium
specimens) were also examined digitally through
JSTOR Global Plants (http://plants.jstor.org/)
and other herbaria webpages from C, E, G, K,
LINN, NY, P, PRE, US and W.
Habitat, habit, root, and stem descriptions were
drawn up using field notes, herbarium specimens
and literature while floral characters were
illustrated from alcohol-preserved material and
from live specimens. Capsules and seeds were
drawn from dried separate collections and from
herbarium specimens. Live specimens of 23
species, 3 infraspecific taxa of out of 27Murdannia
species were studied from various states of India
during June 2008 to June 2014. The specimens
were collected from 95 populations. Wherever
possible, details of vegetative and reproductive
morphology, including phenology were recorded
in the field. The morphological characters of all
the specimens were studied critically following
available literature (Karthikeyan , 1989 &et al.
Faden, 2000). The nomenclature followed the
Melbourne Code (McNeill , 2012). Ecology,et al.
morphology and nomenclature are discussed
under each taxon. Colour photographs of the
flowers and sometimes of the inflorescence and
habit were taken using an Olympus SP 550 uz
digital camera. Digital images were edited and
assembled on plates using Adobe Photoshop 7.0
(San Jose, CA, USA). Living specimens of the
perennials are maintained in the Botanical
Garden, Shivaji University, Kolhapur from 2008
until the present and herbarium specimens were
deposited at SUK, with few duplicates sent to BSI,
BLAT, CALI, CAL and MH. All the studied
species were assessed for their IUCN Red List
Criteria and Category (Version 2013. 2).
Capsules and seeds from 27 species and 3
infraspecific taxa were studied and illustrated.
For recording the gross morphology and size, at
least 8–10 dry mature capsules and seeds of each
of the 27 taxa were examined. The sculpturing of
seed surfaces was studied by using photo-
micrographs from the Scanning Electron
Microscope JEOL-JSM-6360. Measurements and
optical observations of capsule and seed colour
were carried out using a Leica S8 APO
stereomicroscope, by mounting dry, mature
capsules.
Taxonomic treatment
Murdannia Royle, Ill. Bot. Himalayan Mts. 403, t.
95, f. 3.1840.
Aneilema pro parteR. Br., Prodr. 270. 1810,
Dichoespermum Wight, Ic. Pl. Ind. Orient.6: 31.
1853, as “ ”.Dichaespermum
Aneilema Tricarpellariasubgenus C.B. Clarke in
DC, Monogr. Phan. 3: 196. 1881, pro parte
Phaeneilema G. Brückn. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 61(Beibl.
137): 63.1926.
Baoulia A. Chev. Bull. Soc. Bot. France: Mem.
8(d):217. 1911.
Type: (Roxb.) Royle=Murdannia scapiflora M.
edulis (Stokes) Faden.
Description: Erect to ascending or decumbent or
prostrate or repent, annual or perennial herbs
with thin or thickened fibrous or tuberous roots;
leaf sheath glabrous or puberulous or ciliate,
overlap and form a corm like structure (M.
nimmoniana juncoidesvar. ), leaves rosette or
rosette and cauline or cauline, lamina sessile,
filiform and succulent ( ), linear toM. nimmoniana
lanceolate or ovate to elliptic; inflorescence
terminal and axillary, many flowered, lax or
reduced thyrses or axillary few flowered thyrses;
flowers usually actinomorphic (in axillary thyrses
species), while zygomorphic (in terminal lax or
reduced thyrses species), pedicellate; sepals free,
sub-equal, clawed; petals free, subequal, not
clawed, dark veined ( ) or without;M. striatipetala
filaments generally free (united in );M. nimmoniana
fertile stamens 2–3, antesepalous, filaments
glabrous or bearded; staminodes 3–4, antepetalous
(when 4, one antesepalous), antherodes 3- lobed or
hastate, white to yellow or lacking ( ,M. gigantea M.
loriformis M. nudiflora M. simplex M., , and
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 57
str
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saddlepeakensis); style erect or enantiostylus;
capsules (bi–) tri-locular, locules 1–many seeded;
seeds uni–bi-seriate, hilum punctiform, elongate
to linear or elliptic, embryotega dorsal to semi-
dorsal or semi-lateral. Chromosome number 2n =
12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 32–80 (Faden, 1998).
About 55 species worldwide (Govaerts & Faden,
2014) distributed mainly in the tropical and
subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, 27
recognized and illustrated from present
treatment.
Key to species for the genus in IndiaMurdannia
1. Leaves filiform; stamens and staminodes (both) glabrous, fused........ ...Murdannia nimmoniana
– Leaves not filiform; stamens and staminodes (atleast one of them) bearded, free…...................... 2
2. Thyrses axillary; 1–7 flowered ............................................................................................................. 3
– Thyrses terminal or terminal and axillary; >7 flowered ................................................................... 10
3. Roots tuberous; leaves ribbed, linear–lanceolate…………….............…....….…….. M. lanuginosa
– Rootsfibrous;leavesnotribbed,lanceolate,linear–lanceolateornarrowlyelliptic, linear–oblong . .......... 4
4. Seeds bi-seriate ………............………...…………......…………….………………………..……..….5
– Seeds uni-seriate………………..................……………….………………….……………....………. 6
5. Flowers white to pink or mauve…………….…………………….………….................…. M. blumei
– Flowers ochre-yellow ………………….……………………………...…….................…… M. crocea
6. Plants puberulous; seeds with ventral pit filled with farinose granule….............. M. satheeshiana
– Plants glabrous; without ventral pit……………………................…………………….……...……. 7
7. Pedicel recurved in fruit; capsule linear-ellipsoid………… …............…..……..…… M. pauciflora
– Pedicel erect in fruit; capsule ovoid–ellipsoid…………….…………...............………………...….. 8
8 Flowers pink or blue-purple coloured; seeds 3 per locule......…… ..........……….....… M. triquetra
– Flowers ochre-yellow, brick red to flesh coloured; seeds >4 per locule............................................ 9
9 Flowers brick red coloured; seeds 4–5 per locule…………...............….…..……………. M. brownii
– Flowers ochre-yellow coloured; seeds 7–9 per locule……………........…................… M. versicolor
10. Inflorescences lax thyrses; fertile stamens 3; seeds > 2 per locule…................................................ 11
– Inflorescences appressed thyrses; fertile stamens 2; seeds 1–2 per locule….....…..............…....... 21
11. Seeds bi-seriate…………………………………………...................…………...…………….…….. 12
– Seeds uni-seriate………..……………………….…..………………………..……...................…… 13
12. Seeds 10–16 per locule, embryotega in deep pit............................................................. M. fadeniana
– Seeds 18–20 per locule, embryotega raised on areolate surface….............…..……... M. lanceolata
13. Flowering scape without leaves ………………………....................……………..…...…… M. edulis
– Flowering scape with leaves ……………..................………….…………………………………… 14
14. Roots tuberous……………………..................…….…………………..……………..… M. divergens
– Roots thickened fibrous or thin fibrous………….................…………………….…..…..……...…. 15
15. Plants without definite base (with or without definite base in ) ………....................…..M. spirata 16
– Plants with definite base………………………..………………….................…………….…..…… 18
16. Prostrate herbs with erect flowering shoot; petals blue or lilac or lavender, with or without faint
to dark blue veins…………………….………………………...……..….........................… M. spirata
– Erect to ascending herbs; petals white or faint purple, without veins…………............…..…….. 17
17. Stemswithswollen nodes; capsule apiculate at apex; seed testa plane without warts …...M. hookeri
– Stemswithoutswollennodes;capsulenotapiculateatapex;seedtestawithraisedwarts.. ....M.zeylanica
18. Petals with dark contrasting veins ………………………...............……………….. M. striatipetala
– Petals without dark contrasting veins………………………................….…………………….….. 19
19. Seeds with large mid-ventral pit……………………….................………....……….… M. dimorpha
– Seeds without mid-ventral pit………………………………................………..……………….…. 20
58 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
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Species descriptions
1 Murdannia assamica. Nampy & A. Ancy,
Edinburgh J. Bot. 69 (3): 441–445. 2012.
Type: India, Assam, Goalpara District, Goalpara
town rail station, 50 m, 6 Nov. 2009, &Anna Ancy
Santhosh Nampy 2376 (holotype: DEV!; isotypes:
CALI!, L).
Description: Annual ascending herb; roots
fibrous, from lower nodes; internodes, glabrous
with a line of cilia; leaves cauline, reduced distally
on the shoot; sheath . 1 cm long, green, sparselyca
pubescent, ciliate along the fused margin; leaves
linear-lanceolate 6–15 × 0.5–0.7 cm, base rounded,
margin scabrous, apex acute to acuminate, both
surfaces glabrous to puberulent; inflorescence
terminal, a single pedunculate cincinnus;
peduncle glabrous; capsule obovate, .5×4mm,ca
glabrous, light brown, dehiscent, trilocular; seed 1
per locule, elliptic, . 2× 2 mm, testa brown,ca
smooth with raised white flaky material on the
surface, embryotega dorsal, hilum linear.
Flowering & fruiting: November.
Distribution: So far known only from Goalpara
District in Assam, apparently endemic to India
Ecology: Among woods and on wayside, in
shade, on alluvial soil.
Conservation status. The species so far collected
from a single locality in Assam. Therefore, it is
assessed here as Data Deficient (DD).
Discussion: is close toMurdannia assamica M.
nudiflora (L.) Brenan but differs in having a 2–3 cm
long, many flowered cincinni and 1-seeded
locules.
2 Murdannia blumei. (Hassk.) Brenan in Hooker's
Icon. Pl. 6(4): 1, t. 3578. 1962. Fig. 28 (A–C).
Dichoespermum blumei Hassk. in Commelin. Ind.
41. 1870.
Type: Indonesia, Java, near Bogor, Blume s.n.
(holotype: L).
Dichoespermum repens sensu C.B. Clarke, Commel.
et Cryt. Beng.42, t. 28.1874, Wight, 1853.non
Aneilema hamiltonianum Wall. ex C.B. Clarke in
DC., Mongr. Phan. 3:213. 1881.
Type: India. Gualpara, Buchanan-Hamilton in 19
Oct 1802, (lectotype: K-WALL;Wall. Cat. 5222
isolectotypes: K), designated by Faden, Revis.
Handb. Fl. Ceylon 14: 168. 2000.
Aneilema hamiltonianum minusvar. C.B. Clarke in
DC., Mongr, Phan. 3: 214.1881, as “ ” Type:minor
India,Assam, Buchanan-Hamilton (holotype:K).s.n.
Murdannia hamiltoniana (Wall. ex C.B. Clarke) G.
Brückn. in Nat. P flanzenfam., ed. 2 [Engler &
Prantl] 15a: 173. 1930.
Aneilema blumei (Hassk.) Bakh.f. in Backer,
Beknopte Flora van Java, 10A, Commelinaceae,
10. 1949.
Description: Erect to decumbent, sparingly
branched annual herb, 35 cm tall; stemca.
creeping to erect, rooting at lower nodes,
glabrous; leaves distichous or spirally arranged,
sheaths 3–6 cm long, glabrous to variously
pubescent, linear– lanceolate or narrowly elliptic,
linear– oblong, glabrous, 1–6×0.5–1 cm, sessile,
acute to acuminate, base rounded–cuneate, margin
undulate, glabrous–scabrous; inflorescence
axillary, 1–4 flowered thyrses, not exceeding more
20. Leaves oblong to ensiform; petals clawed…………………................………………… M. japonica
– Leaves elliptic to oblong or lanceolate; petals not clawed……...............…..…………. M. esculenta
21. Seed 1 per locule, ellipsoid, embryotega dorsal………………………………...............…....……. 22
– Seeds 2 per locule, ovoid to ellipsoid, embryotega semidorsal…………..…..............….…..…… 24
22. Flowers enclosed in prominently ribbed bracts..…. …………………..............…...….. M. vaginata
– Flowers not enclosed in prominently ribbed bracts.… ……………………...............…………..... 23
23. Perennial herb; roots thickened fibrous; leaves rosette …………..................... M. saddlepeakensis
– Annual herb; root fibrous; leaves cauline…………………………..……...................... M. assamica
24. Plants with cauline leaves……………………………………………..................……... M. nudiflora
– Plants with basal rosette …………..………………………....…..................………………………. 25
25. Flowering shoots terminal in rosette; seeds ovoid to ellipsoid, 2.5–4×2–2.5 mm ......... M. gigantea
– Flowering shoots lateral in rosette; seeds ovoid to obovoid, 1.6–2 × 1.5 mm ……................ …… 26
2
6. Pedicels3–5mmlong;flowers12–15mmwide;capsuleovoidtosub-globbose,5×3.5mm…..M.simplex
– Pedicels 2–3 mm long; flowers 9–12 mm wide; capsule ovoid, 4–5 × 2.5 mm .......…. M. loriformis
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 59
yp
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y
.
ype
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ect
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nd
es
e
d,
th
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us
from the leaf sheaths; flowers with 1–3 cm long
pedicel, glabrous; sepals 2–5 mm long, green,
narrowly elliptic; petals elliptic to obovate elliptic,
white to pink or mauve; stamens 3, filaments
bearded (rarely glabrous); staminodes 3,
filaments glabrous, antherodes tri-lobed, white;
capsule linear–oblong or ovoid–ellipsoid, 6–8 ×
2.5 mm, brown, glabrous; seeds 10 (Masters
488269 Jenkins 488276)–16 ( ) per locule, bi-seriate,
more or less pyramidal–plano-convex in shape,
polygonal to cuboid in outline, 0.5 × 0.3–0.5 mm,
testa grey to brown, reticulate–foveate or
alveolate, ruminate (under SEM), hilum elliptic–
discoid, embryotega dorsal raised in deep pit.
Flowering & fruiting: September to February;
flowers open by ±10 am and fade by ±1.30 pm.
Distribution: Northeast India: Assam, West
Bengal (Banerjee, 1993); rare in Sri Lanka (Faden,
2000). However, besides India it occurs in East
Africa: Kenya.
Ecology: In moist soils and along the forests.
Conservation status: The species is occasionally
known from northeastern parts of India, no
threats have been found and is considered here as
Least Concern.
Discussion: This species is very similar to
Murdannia lanuginosa but easily distinguished by
more glabrous habit, linear–oblong and glabrous
leaves, pink or mauve to white coloured small
flowers and oblong–ellipsoid capsule. Faden
(2000) described the seed testa as grey and
radiating low brown warts and ridges, but seeds
from the Indian (from ) specimensMasters 488269
show no warts on dorsal surface; however, some
warty appearance was observed on ventral
surface. Furthermore, embryotega is also found
inserted deeply in pit. Staminodes were bearded,
glabrous in some flowers while staminodes from
Indian specimens were always with glabrous
filaments. On the specimen from South African
National Biodiversity Institute (PRE), Kenya,
Witu District, Mambasasa, Utwani Forest Reserve
18 Oct. 1957 by (labeledGreenway & Rawlins 9374
as Brenan at PRE), they haveMurdannia axillaris
written staminal filaments are very hairy.
Filamental hairyness is not a constant character in
M. blumei and it needs further study to conclude
the taxonomic status of and .M. axillaris M. blumei
Specimens examined: INDIA. Assam: ex. Herb.
Jenkins Jenkins 488271 488273 488276, Yr. 1847, , & ;
s.loc. Masters 488269, (CAL); Dibru Reserve Forest,
20 Oct. 1960, ; Sonapur, KamrupG. Panigrahi 21621
district, 16 Nov. 1956, (ASSAM).G. Panigrahi 4476
3. Murdannia brownii Nandikar & Gurav in
Taiwania 56(3): 227 (–229; Fig. 1). 2011. Fig. 1; 28
(D–F) & 33 A.
Type. India, Maharashtra, Kolhapur District,
Gaganbawda Tahsil, Borbet, Morjai plateau, 970
m, 62 (holotype: BSI!; isotypes:M. D. Nandikar
SUK!).
Description: Annual herb with erect to ascending
shoots; internodes green to purple, puberulous;
leaves cauline, basal distichous; sheath green,
0.4–0.5 cm long, with a line of cilia along the fused
edges, mouth ciliate; lamina lanceolate, 1–5×0.5–1.5
cm, pubescent, base cordate, margin undulate,
apex acute; flowers 2–4 in axillary thyrses; pedicel
1–1.8 cm long, ciliate; sepals 3, pale green with
purple tinge, elliptic, 5×1.2 mm, entire; petals
brick red in colour, obovate, 6×4 mm, margin
undulate; stamens 3, antisepalous, filaments free,
3 mm long, purple, bearded; anthers whitish
yellow, dorsifixed, connective deep to faint blue;
pollens monosulcate, elliptic to bean shaped;
staminodes 3, antipetalous, filaments purple,
sparsely bearded; antherode light yellow,
trilobed; ovary elliptic, 1mm long, glabrous, pale
green; capsule trilocular, trivalved, ellipsoid,
apiculate, 3.5–4×2–3 mm, shiny brown; seeds 4–5
per locule, uni-seriate, various in shape,
trapezoidal–triangular in outline, 1.2×1 mm, testa
yellowish-brown to grey, falsifoveate–glebulate
or alveolate; hilum elliptic; embryotega lateral.
Flowering & fruiting: September to November,
flowers open between ±10 a.m. to ±12 noon.
Distribution: Endemic to the northern Western
Ghats of India: Karnataka and Maharashtra,
Ecology: Locally endemic annual herb, adapted to
high altitude lateritic plateaus.
Conservation status: The species is so far
collected from two locations of northern Western
Ghats. Additional distribution studies are
warranted to determine the conservation status
and therefore, it is considered here as Data
Deficient (DD).
Specimens examined: INDIA. Karnataka:
Kankumbi, Belgaum district, 27 Sept. 2009, M.D.
Nandikar 117; Jamboti, on the way of Kankumbi
lateritic slope 27 Sept. 2009, M.D. Nandikar 118
(SUK).
60 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
ious
1.2
ove
ul
a
oc
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owi
l
n
d
, var
utline
fa
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lar in
4×2–3
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Discussion: is closely relatedMurdannia brownii
to . However, in the fieldM. versicolor M. brownii
plants are quite distinct and recognizable by
characters like brick red to flesh coloured, obovate
petals. Fruiting specimens have generally fewer
seeds per locule than and aM. versicolor
distinctive testa. In addition, isM. brownii
restricted to high altitude lateritic plateaus
whereas is widespread from low toM. versicolor
high altitude plateaus.
4. Murdannia crocea (Griff.) Faden, Kew Bull.32:
188. 1977.
Type: Myanmar [Burma], South Myanmar,
Mergui [Myeik] (K)Griffith 5497
subsp. (Dalzell) Faden, Kew Bull. 32: 188.ochracea
1977. Fig. 2 & 3; 27(B & F); 28(G–I) & 33B.
Aneilema ochraceum Dalzell in Hooker's J. Bot. Kew
Gard. Misc. 3: 135 (May 185I).
Type: India, Konkan, (isotypes:s.d., Dalzell 749
GH).
Dichaespermum repens Wight, Ic. Pl. Ind. Orient. 6:
t. 2078 (3). 1853.
Type: India. Kollam, 1835, Wight Robert 1174
(isosyntype: E).
Description: Annual, ascending to erect herb,
10–25 cm tall; root fibrous, sometimes rooting at
Fig. 1. : A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Stamen; D. Staminode; E. Pistil; F. Capsule G–H.Murdannia brownii
Seed lateral view. All drawn from . Illustration by Shrikant P. Sutar.Nandikar M.D. 62
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 61
apsul
St
t
io
ta
.
; F. C
Sutar.
. Pist
i
nt P.
od
Shrik
a
en; D
lustr
Flowe
k
H
rom
A
rawn
; C. S
it; B.
m
b
w. All
d
the lower nodes; stem erect, internodes glabrous
except a fine line in the ridge and along the fused
edges; sheaths very short . 0.5 mm long, fused,ca
edges ciliate; leaves 1–5(–6)×0.5–1.3 cm, ovate–
lanceolate, margin entire, apex acute–acuminate,
glabrous; inflorescence axillary and terminal
composed of 2–7 fascicled cymes; flowers
pedicellate, pedicel 0.5–1.5 cm long, minutely
hispid, articulate at middle; bracteolate, bracteole
minute; sepals green, elliptic, obtuse, glabrous;
petals ochre-yellow, ovate–obovate; stamens 3,
filaments densely bearded, anther lobe black to
purple; connective off-white; staminodes 3,
filaments sparsely bearded (rarely glabrous),
antherode trilobed; ovary green, ovate; style
enantiostylus, stigma minutely capitate; capsule
ovoid–ellipsoid, 0.3–4×2–2.5 mm, brown,
glabrous; seeds 6–9 per locule, bi-seriate,
ovate–triangular in outline, 0.2(–0.4)–1×0.5
(–0.7)–1(–1.2) mm, testa dark brown, foveolate–
foveate, reticulate, hilum linear–elliptic,
embryotega dorsal–semidorsal. Flowering &
fruiting: July to October; flowers open by ±9.30
a.m. and fade by ±1.30 p.m..
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Ghats of
Peninsular India: Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu.
Ecology: The species grows luxuriantly during
August to September all over in Konkan. It grows
in sandy soils of seacoast, along seasonal streams
and in wayside ditches, marshy places, and
waterlogged areas, often exposed or in partial
shade.
Conservation status:subsp.Murdannia crocea
ochracea is fairly common in the Western Ghats of
India and evaluated here as Least Concern.
Discussion:subsp.Murdannia crocea ochracea
shows distinguishable differences from M.
versicolor in the field. There is difference in
phenology of few populations from medium
elevated plateau that bloom in between 8 to 10 a.m.
while many other populations from medium to
high altitude plateau open their flowers after 10
Fig. 2. subsp. : A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Stamen D. Staminode; E. Pistil; F.Murdannia crocea ochracea
Capsule; G. Dehisced capsule with biseriate seeds; H–I. Dorsal & ventral view of seed. All drawn
from . Illustration by Mayur NandikarNandikar MD 0909
62 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
op
eed. A
g: J
we
or
fr
t; B
ds;
nd
ow
wofs
l vie
ventr
H–I.
kar
seria
yM
ay
ul
ew
st
a
ps
dc
.I
ll
ese
e
ur
with b
tion b
hisce
a.m. It needs thorough observation to clarify
complex within the species. In short, this species
looks like a reduced version of Murdannia versicolor
with biseriate seeds. (SUK) fromNandikar 0917
Kitiwade, Kolhapur district and Nandikar 1121
(SUK) from Karjat, Raigad district resemble M.
versicolor in habit and lanceolate leaves, but lack
uniseriate arrangement of seeds. Dwarf individual
plants (Fig. 2) occur in high altitude lateritic
plateau, while taller plants (Fig. 3) occur in medium
to low altitutde region.
It is different from subspecies (Griff.) Fadencrocea
in having ovate to lanceolate leaves, glabrous
sepals and ovoid to ellipsoid capsule. Morever,
the type subspecies is widely spread from
Myanmar to Indian Islands of Andaman and
Nicobar, while subspecies is restricted toochracea
the Western Ghats of India.
Fig. 3. subsp. : A. Habit; B–C. Terminal & lateral view of flower; D. StamenMurdannia crocea ochracea
E. Staminode; F. Pistil; G. Dehisced capsule with biseriate seeds; H–I. Dorsal & ventral view of seeds.
All drawn from . Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.Nandikar MD 0917
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 63
view
rmin
ed
nd
B–C
ise
M
entra
l
al & v
ateral
.D
iate s
y
ur N
sule w
strati
p
p
ehisc
D
G
k
with b
on b
h
ed ca
. Illu
.
.
Pisti
m
d
Specimens examined: INDIA. Goa: Netaravali,
South Goa, 9 Dec. 2013 (SUK).M.D. Nandikar 1543
Karnataka: Megarvalle, Agumbe, Fl. of Mysore, 1
Nov. 1960, ; Devraidurg, TumkurR.S. Rao 68025
district, 19 Sept. 1974, (BSI).N.P. Singh 133173
Kerala: Kollam district, without date, Herb Wight
1180 R. Ansari(CAL); Payyanur, 25 Sept. 1982,
73993 (MH). Maharashtra: old Mahableshwar
road, Satara district, 11 Oct. 1960, ;R.S. Rao 67575
Ramghat, Bhedshi, Ratnagiri district, 2 Nov. 1969,
s. coll. 86743 (BSI); Patgaon, Bhudargad Tehsil,
Kolhapur, 17 Aug. 2008, ;M.D. Nandikar 0822
Shelap plateau, Radhanagari Tehsil, Kolhapur, 13
Aug. 2009, ; Achirne,M.D. Nandikar 0901
Vaibhavwadi, 17 Sept. 2009, ;M.D. Nandikar 0909
Kitwade, Ajara tehsil, 03 Oct. 2009, M.D. Nandikar
0917; Durgwadi Temple, Junnar, Pune, 7 Oct.
2011, & ; Karjat,M.D. Nandikar R.V. Gurav 1119
Thane, 8 Oct. 2011, (SUK).M.D. Nandikar 1121
5. (Dalzell) G. Brückn. inMurdannia dimorpha
Nat. Pflanzen fam., ed. 2 [Engler & Prantl] 15a:173.
Fig. 4. : A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Stamen D. Staminode; E. Pistil; F. DehiscedMurdannia dimorpha
capsule; G. Row of uniseriate seeds; H–I. Dorsal & ventral view of seeds. All drawn from Nandikar
MD 1225. Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.
64 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
1930. Fig. 4; 27 (E & G); 28 (J–L) & 33 C.
Aneilema dimorphum Dalzell in Hooker's J. Bot.
Kew Gard. Misc. 138. 1851.
Type: India, Dalzell 1470 (isotype: GH).
Aneilema paniculatum Wight, Ic. Pl. Ind. Orient. 6: t.
2075. 1853 as ' '.paniculata
: India, Wight (isosyntype: EType s.loc. s.n. sh. no.
E00179410).
Description. Tufted annual, erect herb with
definite base, 10–40 cm tall; root fibrous; stem
branched from the base, branches erect and
striate; leaves 2–6 × 0.8–1.3 cm, linear–oblong to
ovate–lanceolate, glabrous, obtuse or acute, base
rounded or cordate, margin entire; sheath
green–purple, not more than 1 cm long, mouth
ciliate; inflorescence terminal and axillary,
composed of 2–4 alternate cincinni, peduncles 1–4
cm long, glabrous, cincinni 3–4 cm long, few
flowered; bracteoles spaced, 1–2 mm; flowers
pedicellate, pedicel 3–7 mm long, glabrous; sepals
elliptic, green to purple; petals obovate to
orbicular, obtuse, lilac to lavender; stamens 3,
bent outwardly from middle of the filaments,
filaments purple and densely bearded, anthers
elliptic; staminodes 3, filament sparsely bearded
(rarely glabrous), antherode white; ovary green,
ovoid, style lilac, stigma minute, white; capsule
oblong–ellipsoid, 3–4×2 mm, brown, glabrous;
seeds uniseriate, 3–4 per locule, cuboid–
rectangular, obovoid in outline, 0.6–1.2×1.2–1.4
mm, testa light–dark brown, lightly rugose–
ruminate, with raised ridges, hilum punctiform–
oblong, one side of a large mid-ventral pit with a
central transverse ridge, embryotega dorsal to
semi-dorsal. Flowering & fruiting: July to
October; flowers open by ±10.30 am and fade by
±1.30 pm.
Distribution: Apparently endemic to India:
Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu.
Ecology: Common in moist deciduous forests,
roadside ditches, marshy places.
Conservation status:isMurdannia dimorpha
assessed here as Least Concern as the species is
widely distributed, common and without any
threats.
Discussion: One of the common annual, erect
herbs with definite base. isMurdannia dimorpha
similar to the Sri Lankan , becauseM. dimorphoides
of pitted seeds, but can be easily distinguished by
its broader leaves and white coloured antherodes.
M. dimorphoides perennisvar. from Sri Lanka is also
somewhat similar in its inflorescence but differs
in having perennial, indefinite, erect to ascending
habit and dark veined petals.
Specimens examined: INDIA. Goa: Goa University
Campus, North Goa, Oct 2013, M.D. Nandikar s.n.
(SUK). Karnataka: Karwar, North Kanara, Oct.
1919 (plants up to 1 m high?), &Hall McCann
77359 (BLAT); Sullia, South Canara, 25 Oct. 1900,
C.A. Barber 52313; Sampagi Road, South Canara 10
Nov. 1900, (MH); Gudga,C.A. Barber 52315, 52316
Karwar, North Karnataka, 20 Aug. 2012, R.V.
Gurav M.D. Nandikar 1213& (SUK). Kerala:
Calicult University Campus, 20 July 1978, Mitha
Krishnan 24835 (CALI); Idukki district, 1200 m, 12
March 1907, (x2); Walayar,C.A. Barber 72950
Palakkad district, 28 July. 1929, S.R. Raju
Ratnavelu 78084; Ranni, Pathanamthitta district,
28 Nov. 1976, ; Near KannurM. Chardrabose 95257
Collector office, Kannur district, 15 Nov. 1977, V.
S. Ramchandran 127022 (MH); Calicut University
campus, Kozhikode, 2 Sept. 2012, M.D. Nandikar
1225 (SUK). Maharashtra: Amba Ghat, Ratnagiri
district, 10 Sept. 2008, ; Patgaon,M.D. Nandikar 026
Bhudargad tehsil, 12 Oct. 2009, M.D. Nandikar
0921 M.D. Nandikar; Dukanwadi, Kudal tehsil,
1117; Kallammawadi–Rajapur Road, Kolhapur,
16 Feb. 2010, (SUK). TamilM.D. Nandikar 1002
Nadu: Mani Hills, around Courtallum, Tirunelveli
district, 2 Oct. 1975, (CALI).K.K.N. Nair s.n.
6. Murdannia divergens (C.B. Clarke) G. Brückn
in Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2 [Engler & Prantl] 15a:
173. 1930. Fig. 5 & 28 (M–O).
Aneilema herbaceum divergensvar. C.B.Clarke in J.
Linn. Soc., Bot. 11: 448. 1870.
Aneilema divergens (C.B.
Clarke) C.B. Clarke,
Commelin. & Cyrt. Bengal. 28. 1874.
Type: INDIA. Khasia 18 Sept. 1950, 4000–5000 ft,
Herb. Ind. Or. & (lectotype:Hooker. f. Thomson s.n.
CAL!, ; isolectotypes: Psh. no. 487932 sh. no.
P00752551 sh. no. E00393357 sh. no.0041697,E ,L ),
designated here.
Description: Annual or perennial, tufted herb;
roots tuberous; stems up to 35 cm long, erect;
leaves rosette ( ), sessile, linear–Joseph 43694
lanceolate, 4–5×1–1.5 cm, acute at apex, base
rounded, minutely red spotted above; leaf sheaths
1–2 cm long, whitish ciliate at margin and mouth;
cauline leaves elliptic to lanceolate, 5–8 ×1.5–2 cm;
inflorescence in terminal thyrses, 3–8 cm long,
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 65
Court
al
16
Na
dis
brou
bo
.2–
gos
ound C
lls, a
r
975
,
00,
ani H
Oct. 1
d–
.4
ocule
e, 0.6
4×2
3–
in
iate,
bovoi
d
g
,cu
1
.2
mm
per
o
ut
li
n
llip
unise
gu
la
,
ob
cincinni numerous, opposite or whorled, several
flowered, 2–4 cm, glabrous throughout; bracts
ovate, persistent; bracteoles . 5×2.5 mm,ca
clasping, membranous; flowers pedicellate;
pedicel 0.5–1.5 cm; sepals linear-oblong, 2×1ca.
mm, glabrous; petals obovate, 8–10×5–7 mm,ca.
rosy to white; stamens 3, filaments 3–4 mm long,
bearded with purplish hairs; anther lobes oblong,
ca. ca1×0.5 mm; staminodes 3, filament . 3 mm
long, sparsely bearded; styles 2–4 mm long;
capsule ellipsoid–obovoid, brown–light brown,
6.5–8× 0.5 mm, glabrous; seeds 4–6 per locule,
uniseriate, trapezoidal–quadrate in outline,
1.2–1.5×0.4–0.6 mm, testa light brown or
brown–grey, foveolate– alveolate, or glebulate,
hilum elliptic, embryotega dorsal. Flowering &
Fig. 5. : A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Capsule; D–E. Dorsal & ventral view of seeds. AllMurdannia divergens
drawn from . Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.Arora CM 49510
66 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
fruiting: June to September.
Distribution: Eastern India: Assam, Himachal
Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Uttarakhand;
Myanmar, Bhutan.
Ecology: Common among open bushes, hilly
moist slopes, 1000–2000 m.
Conservation status:isMurdannia divergens
assessed here as Least Concern as the species is
widely distributed in north Eastern India and is
without any threats.
Discussion: The plant is similar to Murdannia
japonica, but differs by characters such as linear
leaves, more branched panicle, 4–6 seeds per
locule. Occurrence of this species is from eastern
India to eastward countries of Asia. Four
herbarium sheets of var.Aneilema herbaceum
divergens collected by Hooker f. & Thomson are
placed at CAL, E, P and L. Specimen placed at
CAL perfectly matches with protologues and
therefore designated as lectotype, remaining
three duplicates are isolectotypes.
Specimens examined: INDIA. Arunachal
Pradesh: Salari Forest, Kameng Forest Division
(NEFA), 15 Sept. 1964, (ASSAM).J. Joseph 40001
Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, s.d, E.R. Johnson
487920 (CAL). Manipur: Imphal, 21 Sept. 1937,
N L. Bor 22214. (ASSAM). Meghalaya: Nongstoin,
21 June 1958, (ASSAM);G. Panigrahi 16527
Shillong, (NEHUs.date. Myrthong 1081
Herbarium); Kullong, 5600 mts, Khasi Hills, 23
Aug. 1885, ; Nongstoin, WestC.B. Clarke 40039c
Khasi Hills district, 21 June 1958, G. Panigrahi
16527; Joksi, between Garampani and Rahang,
Khasi and Jantia hills, 22 Aug. 1968, N.P.
Balakrishnan 46967 (CAL); Khasi hills, on hill
slopes, 9 Sept. 2009, (DEV).Ancy Antony 2384
Nagaland: Kohima, for Fl. of Naga Hills, Aug.
1886, (CAL); Kohima,D. Prain 487928, 487929
Naga Hills, June 1935, (ASSAM).N.L. Bor 21230
Uttrakhand: Askot, Pithoragarh district Kumaon
Himalaya, very common species, 31 Aug. 1971,
C.M. Arora 45451; Nag Tibba, Tehari Gharwal, 27
July 1964, ; Dafia Dhura,U.C. Bhattacharya 33762
Maitly, Pithoragarh district, 31 July 1972, C.M.
Arora 49510 (CAL).
5. Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden in Taxon 29:
77. 1980. Fig. 6–7; 28 (P–R) & 33D.
Commelina edulis Stokes, Bot. Materia Med. 1: 184.
1812.
Type: Neotype (Figure 3) Laos/Vietnam,
Mekong-Hue, September 1877, D. Harmand 1887
(P), designated by Faden (1980).
Aneilema loureiroi Hance, J. Bot. 6: 250. 1868.
Murdannia loureiroi (Hance) Rolla Rao &
Kammathy [" " in Ind. Kew., Suppl. 14:loureiroi
89. 1970], Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 25: 184.
1964.
Commelina scapiflora Roxb., Fl. Ind. 1: 178. 1820.
Aneilema scapiflorum (Roxb.) Kostel., Allg. Med.-
Pharm. Fl. 1: 127. 1831.
Murdannia scapiflora (Roxb.) Royle, Illus.
Bot.Himal., 403, Tab. 95, Fig. 3. 1840.
Murdannia tuberosa C.B. Clarke in DC., Monogr.
Phan. 3: 201. 1881.
Commelina tuberosa Lour., Fl. Cochinch. 1: 40. 1790,
nom. illeg C. tuberosa C. tuberosa., non L. (1753), nec
Forssk. (1775).
Type: Roxburgh Plate 1521 (K).
Aneilema tuberosum exBuch.-Ham. Wall., (Wallich
1831–32: 5207), nom. nud.
Description: Perennial, tufted herb; roots
elongated thick to fusiform tuberous; leaves in a
basal
rosette, linear-oblong or linear-lanceolate to
linear, 20–55×3–4 cm, glabrous or sparsely
puberulous, apex finely acuminate, margin
undulate to entire, scabrid towards apex;
flowering scapes lateral, 20–45 cm long, erect,
without leaves, inflorescence terminal; flowers in
lax thyrses with alternate, erect to ascending
cincinni; 5 cm foliaceous sheaths holding theca.
flowering scape, sheaths finely acuminate with a
oblique mouth; cincinnus bracts ovate,
amplexicaul, perfoliate, glabrous, dotted with
maroon; cincinni very short to elongate, to 3 cmca.
long, few to many flowered; bracteoles like in
bract; flowers pedicellate, pedicels erect to
ascending, 7 mm long, glabrous; sepalsca.
elliptic–oblong, acute glabrous, purple–green.
Petals blue to pink, obovate; stamens 3, equal,
filaments bearded, anthers elliptic, blue;
staminodes 3, subequal, filaments bearded,
antherodes trilobed, yellow; capsule obovoid,
5–6×3 mm across; seeds 4–7 per locule, uniseriate,
trapezoidal–deltoid, or ovoid in outline, 1.3–2
×1.3–1.5 mm, testa grey-brown to brown,
foveolate–scrobiculate, hilum punctiform,
embryotega dorsal. Flowering & fruiting: June to
September; flowers open ±9.30 a.m. and fade by
±2 p.m..
Distribution: India: Assam, Goa, Karnataka,
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 67
cabrid
20–
ence
u
f
w
t. 1
n
g
S
S
NE
re, sc
ateral
ores
oent
apes
lous
ate t
ing sc
oin,
M)
;
hala
y
nip
SA
M
(
AS
4
8
,
a: N
o
(
ur:
). Me
(C
A
r 222
une 195
Fig. 6. . 3: Habit; A–B. Flower; C. Stamen; D. Staminode [from Royle; Illus. Bot.Murdannia edulis
Himal.; 403: Tab. 95; Fig. 3. 1840].
68 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu;
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New
Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam.
Ecology: Frequently distributed along forest
margins, undergrowth of forest, along the
running water bodies.
Conservation status: is assessedMurdannia edulis
here as Least Concern as the species is
occasionally reported from various parts of India
and no threat has been reported.
Discussion: is distributed inMurdannia edulis
temperate and tropical parts of India, the species
is treated under various names since 1790. Seeds
vary from 4–7 per locule, but four seeds were
common in the studied specimens.
Specimens examined: INDIA. Assam: Trunk
Road, Goalpara, 1 April 1915, U. Kanjilal 5409
(ASSAM). Goa: Netravali, Sanguem tehsil, South
Goa, 30 Sept. 2010, 1014 (SUK).M.D. Nandikar
Karnataka: Dharwad, May 1951, A.R. Braganza
77464; Dandeli, in deciduous forest, 30 May 1954,
H. Santapau 77478 (BLAT). Kerala: Muthunga,
Waynad district, 10 April 1985, Balkrishnan 40943
(CALI). Maharashtra: Sanjay Gandhi National
Park, Borivali, Mumbai district, 27June 1953, R.R.
Fernandez 77465 G. King(BLAT). Sikkim: Sikkim,
487888 (CAL).
6. Murdannia esculenta (Wall. C.B. Clarke)ex
Rolla Rao & Kammathy, Bull. Bot. Surv. India 3:
394. 1961. Fig. 8 & 29 (A–C).
Fig. 7. : A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Stamen; D.Staminode; E.Pistil; F. Dehisced capsule; E–F.Murdannia edulis
Dorsal & ventralview of seeds. All drawn from . Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.NandikarM.D. 1014
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 69
a
m
Ka
ns
G
o
.
Sp
Roa
A.
A
5
y
IND
ined
ation b
ec
im
Nad
m
All d
Sikk
u;
Tami
drawn
as
ht
ra
ew o
Aneilema esculentum exWall. C.B. Clarke in DC.,
Monogr. Phan.3: 206. 1881.
Type: India, Wall. Cat. 5208A (lectotype: K;
isolectotypes: K- WALL) cited by Faden, Revis.
Handb. Fl. Ceylon 14: 147 (2000).
Aneilema pulneyensis Fyson, Bull. Misc. Inform.
Kew 1914: 332. 1914. as “ ”.pulneyense
Type: India, Pulney Hills (Pullneys), near
Perumalmalai, 27 May 1897, Bourne 144
(lectotype: K) designated by Faden (2000).
Description: Annual to perennial, erect to
ascending herb with definite base, up to 45–50 cm
tall; roots thick, but fibrous; leaves strongly
reduced distally on the flowering shoot, sheaths
ca. 2 cm long, glabrous, ciliate at the leaf base,
lamina elliptic–oblong or lanceolate, 1.3–8×
0.5–1.5 cm, apex acute–acuminate, base rounded,
both surfaces glabrous, margins undulate.
Inflorescence terminal, in lax to dense thyrses
composed of several cincinni; peduncle 1–6 cm
long, glabrous, cincinni many-flowered,
bracteoles spaced and cup shaped; sepals elliptic,
green; petals obovate, blue; stamens 3, filament
bearded; staminodes 3, glabrous; capsules
oblong–ellipsoid, 5–7×3 mm, brown, glabrous;
seeds 3–6 per locule, uniseriate, trapezoidal,
ovate–quadrate in outline, 1–1.5 × 0.8-1.5 mm,
testa dark brown, rugose–scorbiculate with raised,
flattish, lighter brown warts and ridges on all
Fig. 8. : A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Stamen; D. Staminode; E–G. Dorsal, lateral &Murdannia esculenta
ventral view of seeds. All drawn from . 1014. Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.Nandikar M.D
70 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
surfaces, hilum elliptic to linear-oblong,
embryotega dorsal. Flowering & fruiting:
September to December; flowers open by ±9 a.m.,
fade by ±2.30 p.m.
Distribution: India: Kerala and Tamil Nadu; Sri
Lanka and Thiland (Grant, 1912).
Ecology: Along evergreen forest margins, as
undergrowth in hilly grasslands and slopes.
Conservation status:isMurdannia esculenta
assessed in IUCN Categories & Criteria (version
3.1) as Least Concern (Mani, 2011) as it is widely
distributed in southern India.
Discussion: More than 10 Indian collections from
various localities were screened to conclude
proper identity of the species. Hooker (1894) and
Fischer (1931) erroneously stated that this species
has tuberous roots. No Indian specimens have
been seen with tuberous roots. However, Indian
plants have more thickened roots compared to Sri
Lankan plants [ ]. In addition, IndianC.P. 3314
plants [ ; Madras Herb.E. Vajravelu 39379 s.coll.
72944] are more robust in all parts, basal leaves are
also apparently in rosettes while few collections
[Madras Herb. ; Madras Herb. s.coll.s.coll. 52303
72941; ] are with cauline leavesA.N. Henry 488221
and conspecific with Sri Lankan plants [C.P.
3314].
Specimens examined: INDIA. Kerala: Aruvampara,
Palghat district (habit up to 60 cm), common semi-
prostrate herb, without date, N.C. Nair 64467
(CAL); Karuvarakundu, Periyar, 16 June 1982,
Mathew 333343 (CALI). Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal,
Palani Hills, Dindigul districts, Sept. 1912, P.F.
Fyson 2135; Shevaroy, Salem district, Jan. 1931,
P.F. Fyson 7068 [x2] (PCM); Kavayi, Upper Pulney
Hills, Dindigul district, 6400 ft, 21 Sept. 1911, C.E.C.
Fischer 3039; Thekkumalai Hills, Coimbatore
district, 12 Dec. 1956, ;K.M. Sebastine 1734
Kannikatti, Triuneveli district, 10 Nov. 1959, K.M.
Sebastine 9630; Veerapuli Reserved Forests,
Kalakad, 4 Sept. 1976, (CAL);A.N. Henry 488221
Kodaikanal, Pillair Rock, 1800 m, without date,
Ashok Kumar 25 (CALI); Pulney Hills, Dindigul
district, July, 1884, Madras Herb. ;s. coll. 72941
Mudaliaruttu, Srividriputtur, Triuneveli district,
21 Sept. 1917, Madras Herb. ; Naterikal,s.n. 52303
Triuneveli district, 21 Sept. 1914? 1917? Madras
Herb. ; Way to Virusadi, Mudaliaruthu,s.n. 72944
Ramnad district, 12 Dec. 1971, 1000 m, E. Vajravelu
39379 (MH).
7. Murdannia fadeniana Nampy & Joby in
Candollea 58: 79. 2003. Fig. 29 (D–F).
Type. India, Vagamon hills, Kerala, Nampy 431
(holotype: K; isotypes: CALI!, DEV!).
Aneilema glaucum exThwaites C.B. Clarke in DC.,
Monogr. Phan. 3: 200. 1881 .pro parte
Description: Tufted, rosette, perennial herb with
thickened fibrous roots; leaf lamina oblong-
elliptic to oblanceolate, 4–20×1.5–4 cm, apex acute
to acuminate, base rounded–amplexicaul, surface
glabrous, margin undulate to entire; inflorescence
terminal scapose, peduncles 4–8 cm long,
bracteate, bract 8 mm, bracteole minute,
persistent; flowers pedicellate, pedicel 1.3–1.5
mm long, glabrous; sepals 3, pale green, 3–4 mm
long; petals 3, pale pinkish to purple, violet, ovate
to lanceolate, margin entire, 5 × 5 mm; stamens 3,
filaments bearded; staminodes 2–3, filaments
bearded, antherode yellow; ovary ellipsoid,
stigma capitate with long papillose; capsule
oblong–ellipsoid, 6.5–8×3.5 mm; seeds 10–16 per
locule, bi-seriate, angular in outline, 1×1.2–1.5
mm, testa ruminate–reticulate, with white flaky
material along the margin and surface, hilum
punctiform–elliptic, embryotega dorsal in deep
pit. Flowering & fruiting: September to May;
flowers open in morning, fade by afternoon.
Distribution: Apparently endemic to the
southern Western Ghats of India: Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
Ecology: Extremely rare, on moist rocks along
stream banks.
Conservation status: The species has so far been
collected from the Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and no
threat has been seen. Therefore, it is accessed here
as Least Concern.
Discussion: This species is very similar to the Sri
Lankan (Thwaites ex C.B.Murdannia glauca
Clarke) G. Brückn. in habit and other vegetative
characters but differs by having 3 staminodes
(rarely two) and biseriate seed arrangement.
However, from a single specimen, Bhavgavan
92067, from Idduki district placed at Madras
Herbarium a capsule was dissected to determine
seed arrangement and surprisingly locules were
with
uniseriate seeds. Therefore, we could not
contradict the occurrence of inMurdannia glauca
India. More field work is needed before any
conclusions can be reached.
Specimens examined: INDIA. Kerala: Peermade
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 71
otega
S
ep
d
ma
u
n
pi
t.
fl
.co
l
ea
v
[
C
ma
rg
in
mbry
iti
ng
he
ptic,
&
fr
alon
g
m–e
er
in
g
s
th cau
a
np
Sr
i
y
c
wi
th
ine l
a
nt
;Ma
are
w
i Lan
k
Her
b
nspec
if
i
Ghat, alt. 1200 m, Travancore, Dec. 1910, A.
Meebold 13344 (CAL); Agasthyamalai, Athirumala,
5 Dec. 1988, (CALI); Forest nearN. Mohanan 8990
Bonaccord Estate, alt. 875 m. Trivandrum District,
2 Oct. 1973, ; Darbhakram toJ. Joseph 44521
Ponamudi, Trivandrum district, 15 Sept. 1977,
N.C. Nair 49848; Agasthyarkoodam, alt 500 m,
Trivendrum district, 5 March 1980, M. Mohanan
66073; Tholanda to Pooyamkutty, Idduki district,
2 Oct. 1990, (MH). TamilP. Bhavgavan 92067
Nadu: Kollar river bank, Tirunelveli district, 16
Oct. 1989, ; Kollar toR. Gopalan 165444
Sangamithirai way, 23 Feb. 1990, R. Gopalan
165573; Agasthyamalai, alt. 1200–1500 m., 22 May,
1901, (MH).C.A. Barber 2890
8. Murdannia gigantea (Vahl) G. Brückn. in Nat.
Pflanzenfam., ed. 2 [Engler & Prantl] 15a. 173.
1930. Fig. 9; 29 (G–I) & 33 E.
Commelina gigantea Vahl. in Enum. Pl. 2: 177.
1805–06.
Type: India, (lectotype Herb. Vahl C)Röttler s.n.
cited by Faden, Revis. Handb. Fl. Ceylon 14: 147
(2000).
Aneilema giganteum (Vahl) R. Br. Prodr. 271. 1810.
Aneilema ensifolium Wight, Ic. Pl. Ind. Orient. 6: 30,
t. 2074. 1853.
Type: India, Courtallum, Herb. Wight s.n.
(syntypes: K).
Description: Tufted, perennial herb; roots
thickened but not tuberous; stem 25–60 cm high,
glabrous, or puberulous, with long internodes;
rosette leaves linear, 25–60×0.5–1 cm, apex
acuminate to finely acuminate, base narrowed,
sheath 1–7(–8) cm long; flowering shoots terminal
in the rosette, erect, . 1 m tall, leafy with longca
internodes, leaves on flowering shoot gradually
reduced; inflorescences terminal with many-
flowered cincinni; bracteoles . 5 mm long;ca
Fig. 9. A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Stamen; D. Staminode; E. Pistil; F. Capsule; G. DorsalMurdannia gigantea:
& ventral view of seeds. All drawn from . Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.Nandikar M.D. 1102a
72 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
flowers many, pedicellate; pedicel erect, 6 mm
long, glabrous; sepals elliptic, 5–8 mm long; petals
ovate to obovate, pale lavender to blue; stamens 2,
filaments bearded, anthers ellipsoid; staminodes
4, filaments sparsely bearded, antherodes
trilobed, yellow; ovary green, ovoid; capsules
ellipsoid– ovoid, 0.6–10×5–6 mm, brown,
glabrous; seeds 2 per locule, uniseriate,
ovoid–ellipsoid in outline, 2.5–4×2–2.5 mm, testa
rugose–ruminate, glebulate–foveolate or
alveolate with warts and ridges in line radiating
from the embryotega, hilum linear, embryotega
dorsal. Flowering & fruiting: August to January;
flowers open by ±10.30 a.m. and fade by ±3 p.m.
Distribution: India: Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu; Sri Lanka,
Australia and Madagascar.
Ecology: Medium to high elevated rocky
outcrops.
Conservation status:isMurdannia gigantea
moderately distributed in India, and no threat has
been seen so far and it is accessed here as Least
Concern.
Discussion: Faden (2000) cited that the species
ranges between 30–200 m elevations in Sri Lanka,
but Indian plants are reported only from high
altitude peaks or plateaus. This species resembles
Murdannia simplex, but differs in terminal rosette
of flowering shoots. In addition, the species is also
similar to , but significantM. saddlepeakensis
differences are forming offset rosettes, thick,
fibrous roots, broad leaves and seeds with dorsal
embryotega.
Specimens examined Kerala:INDIA. :Onthe
way to Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram district, 4
July 2011, (SUK).M.D. Nandikar 1102a
Mundomurhi, Travancore district, 26 Aug. 1913,
C.C. Clader M.S. Ramaswami 210& (CAL);
Agasthyamalai, Kappukadu, 28 May 1991, N.
Mohanan 10674 (CALI); Kottar Reserved Forest,
Trivandrum, 27 Aug. 1973, ;J. Joseph 85741
Ponmudi, 10 Aug. 1977, ;N.C. Nair 108855
Ponmudi, 29 July, 1978, (MH).M. Mohan 115456
Meghalaya: Cherapunji, East Khasi Hills district,
June 1911, & (CAL);E.H. Burkill S.C. Banerjee 162
Laitlyngkot, Khasi Hills, 11 Sept. 1938, R.N. De
16919 N.L.; Cherra Road, Khasi Hills, 21 Aug. 1937,
Bor 16516 (ASSAM). : KumaramperurTamil Nadu
Reserve Forest, Kollam District, 13 Nov. 1976, M.
Chandrabose 94859; Old Courtallum, Aryankavu,
19 Dec. 1978, (MH).C. N. Mohanan 134164
9. Murdannia hookeri (C.B. Clarke) G. Brückn. in
Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2 [Engler & Prantl] 15a:173.
1930. Fig. 10 & 29 (J–L).
Phaeneilema hookeri (C.B. Clarke) G. Brückn. in
Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem, 10: 56. 1927.
Aneilema hookeri C.B. Clarke in Commel. Cryt.
Beng. t. 17. 1874.
Type: India. Khasi hills, 6,000 feet alt., Herb.
Hooker f. Thomson, s.n. sh. no& (lectotype: P, .
P1740295 sh. no. K854010 sh.; isolectotypes: K , GH
no. 415459), designated here.
Aneilema bodinieri H. Lév. & Vaniot, Mém. Soc. Sci.
Nat. Math. Cherbourg 35: 389. 1906.
Type: China, Kweichow, Pin-Fa, Cavalerie, J. 1070
(E).
Description: Tufted perennial, diffuse herb; roots
fibrous from the lower ascending branches; stem
erect to ascending, dichotomously branched,
nodes swollen, 60 cm, with a line of dense hairsca.
along its margin; leaf sheaths sparsely ciliate at
margins, leaves lanceolate, 10–12×1–2.2 cm,
glabrous, base clasping, apex acute–acuminate;
inflorescences in terminal thyrses composed of
several cincinni, 2–4 cm long, glabrous
throughout; flowers bisexual, bracteate, bracts
leaflike, 0.2–5 cm; pedicel glabrous, erect; sepals
elliptic, green; petals obovate–orbicular, pale
purple to nearly white; stamens 3, filaments
densely bearded, anthers elliptic; staminodes 3,
filaments sparsely bearded, antherodes trilobed;
capsule narrowly ellipsoid, trigonous, 6×1–2 mm,
apiculate at apex; seeds uni-seriate, 3 per locule,
rectangular–quadrate in outline, 1–1.2×0.8–1.3
mm, testa reticulate–foveate, or ruminate,
light–dark brown or grey, hilum punctiform to
linear, embryotega dorsal in large cavity.
Flowering & fruiting: June to October.
Distribution: India: Meghalaya; East Asia.
Ecology: Occasionally on edges of ponds, forest
borders, shaded roadside ditches.
Conservation status:isMurdannia hookeri
assessed in IUCN Categories & Criteria (version
3.1) as Least Concern as it is moderately
distributed in northeastern India.
Discussion: The species is distinguished by
lanceolate, 10–12×1–2.2 cm leaves, terminal
thyrses and 3-seeded locules. The original
specimen was collected by J.D. Hooker and
Thomson from Khasi hills as Aneilema scapiflorum
Wight ( Kostel. 1831). Clarke in 1874 made anon
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 73
m,
cm
nate
e
d
n; le
la
as
n
t
ts m
ns,
us
,
cen
y
×1–2.2
acum
omp
p
10–12
acute
eaths
la
apex
g
eav
e
base
t
m
g
g
oth
r
re
, and n
sed h
g
argi
labr
nte
eat ha
s Lea
u
r
Indi
s acce
Fig. 10. : A. Habit; B. Rooting basal nodes. All drawn from .Murdannia hookerii Deka G.K. 11089
Illustration by Mayur Nandikar.
74 Revision of the genus (Commelinaceae) in IndiaMurdannia
new species , and he stated thatAneilema hookeri
the species is similar to [=Aneilema lineolatum M.
japonica Deka] in capsule and seed characters.
11089 (CAL) from Meghalaya has oblong to
oblanceolate leaves, branches from the base and
rooting from the base. This plant appears to be
annual. More live specimens need to be studied to
conclude whether the plant is annual or perennial.
Multiple herbarium sheets of type collection
placed at K, P and GH warrant lectotypification.
The specimen placed at P matches with
illustration and protologue is designated here as
lectotype, while duplicate placed at K and GH as
isolectotypes.
Specimens examined Meghalaya: INDIA. : Law
Lyngdoh, Khasi Hills, 7 Aug. 1937, ;N.L. Bor 16514
on the margins of Mawphlang forest, East Khasi
hills district,, 5 July 1902, (BSI);s.coll. 81237
Mawphlang, East Khasi hills district, 23 Sept.
1959, (ASSAM; CAL);G.K. Deka 11089
Bhitarkanika? 6 Feb. 1961, G. Panigrahi 23746
(CAL); s.loc. from Meghalaya, 19 Sept. 2009, Anna
Ancy Antony 2381 (DEV).
10. Murdannia japonica (Thunb.) Faden in Taxon
26: 142. 1977. Fi. 11; 29 (M–O) & 33 F.
Commelina japonica Thunb., Trans. Linn. Soc. 2:
332. 1794.
Aneilema japonicum (Thunb.) Kunth, Enum. 4: 70.
1843.
Type: Thunberg Herb. 1857? (holotype: UPS).
Aneilema elatum (Vahl) Kunth, Enum. 4: 70. 1843.
Murdannia elata (Vahl) G. Brückn. in Nat.
Pflanzenfam., ed. 2 [Engler & Prantl] 15a: 173. 1930.
Commelina elata Vahl, Enum. 2: 178.1805–6.
Type: India, ex Herb. Jussieu s.n. (P microfiche)
Commelina herbacea Roxb., Fl. Ind. I: 179. 1820.
Type: s. loc, Probably from India, Roxburgh s.n.
(BM )sh. no. BM000958461
Aneilema herbaceum (Roxb.) Wall., Cat. 5223, 182.
1831.
Aneilema latifolium Wight, Ic. Pl. Ind. Orient.6: 30,
t. 2072. 1853.
Type: India. Malabar, Nilgherries, June 1836,
Herb (holotype CAL!; isotypesWight 1169
CAL!,MH!)
Description: Tufted perennial herb, robust,
rosette-forming, glabrous, 60–120 cm tall; roots
slender, linear–oblong tuberous or thick
cylindrical; stem stout, glabrous with long
internodes; rosette leaves sessile, narrowly
oblong–ensiform, 20–30×2–5 cm, cauline leaves
10–18×1.5–3 cm, both the leaves are glabrous,
apex acuminate, base cuneate, rounded or
cordate, margin undulate; sheaths 2–3 cm,
glabrous; inflorescences few-flowered, branched
thyrses, entirely glabrous; cincinni widely spaced,
10–12 cm long; cincinnus peduncles reduced
apically, 1 cm long; cincinnus bracts minute,ca.
caducous; bracteoles spaced, ovate to amplexicaul;
flowers pedicellate; pedicel c. 7 mm long, glabrous;
sepals 0.5 (–0.6) cm long, elliptic–oblong, concave,
persistent, marked with brown lines or dots;
petals rosy white–blue, obovate–suborbicular;
stamens 3, with bearded filaments, clawed;
staminodes 3, antherodes trilobed, yellow,
filament sparsely bearded; ovary green, ovoid;
style enantiostylus, stigma simple; capsule
broadly ellipsoid, trigonous, 5×4 mm, obtuse at
both ends; seeds 2–4 per locule, uni-seriate,
obovoid–ovoid or trapezoidal, 0.5–1× 1.5–1.8 mm,
testa brown-grey, reticulate, tuberculate–
verrucose, hilum punctiform– elliptic;
embryotega dorsal. Flowering & fruiting: July to
January; flowers open by ±10 a.m., fade by ±2 p.m.
Distribution: India: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Orissa, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,
Jharkhand; East Asia.
Ecology: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forest
margins, moist shady slope, in bamboo
plantation, along the watercourses.
Conservation status:isMurdannia japonica
assessed Least Concern as it is widely distributedas
in India and so far no threat has been reported.
Discussion: This is a very robust and distinct
perennial species of , distinguished byMurdannia
its rosette, thick fibrous to tuberous roots, broadly
ovate–lanceolate cauline leaves, large panicle
with white to blue rose coloured flowers,
persistent sepals, broadly ovoid capsules and
typical moist habitat. However, its rosettes are
similar to but it differs in floweringM. glauca
characters. Four herbarium sheets from Robert
Wight's collection of his placedAneilema latifolium
at CAL, mixed with other specimens, from
Malabar in June 1836 [ =Aneilema latifolium M.
japonica
] are selected here as type.
Mayur D. Nandikar & Rajaram V. Gurav 75
u, We
-
ev
har
sa
,
h
a
log
Nad
u
s
e
Tamil
a.
kim,
T
ast As
Ori
Jha
pe: UP
7? (h
rb. 1
8
S).
Ku
holoty
berg He
Specimens examined Arunachal: INDIA.
Pradesh: Aka Hills, July 1934, N.L. Bor 19016
(ASSAM). Halflong near Lake, DimaAssam:
Hasao District (Fl. of North Cachar), 30 Aug. 1908,
W.G. Craib 11 (CAL). : Chota Nagpur (Fl. ofBihar
Chota Nagpur), 12 Sept. 1896, D. Prain 487972
(CAL). Ponda, 7 Oct. 1964,Goa: R.S. Raghavan
103367 R.S.; Butpal–Nadguem, 10 Oct. 1964,
Raghavan 103477 (CAL). PrashanthJharkhand:
Wildlife Sanctuary, Giridih district, 20 Sept. 2002,
Vinay Ranjan K.L. Maity 31809& (CAL).
Karnataka: Jambhoti–Kankumbi road, Khanapur
tehsil, 26 Sept. 2009, (SUK).M.D. Nandikar 0914
Guddahalli, Uttara Kannada, without date, Hall
and ; Gund, Uttara Kannada,Mc Cann 77371
without date, ; Devimane Ghat,P.V. Bole 77366
Uttara Kannada, 400 m, Oct. 1919, Hall & McCann
77369 (BLAT); Sampaje, Uttar Kannada, 22 July
1978, ; Shiradi Ghat, HassanS.R. Ramesh 1899
district, 19Sept. 1979, &K.P. Sreenath C.J. Saldanha