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Phytotaxa 364 (3): 283–288
http://www.mapress.com/j/pt/
Copyright © 2018 Magnolia Press Article PHYTOTAXA
ISSN 1179-3155 (print edition)
ISSN 1179-3163 (online edition)
Accepted by Marie-Stéphanie Samain: 14 Jul. 2018; published: 14 Aug. 2018
https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.364.3.8
283
Peperomia ekakesara: A new species of Piperaceae from Mathikettan shola
National Park, Kerala, India
S. SYAM RADH & *SANTHOSH NAMPY
Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram District, Kerala, India-673 635
*santhoshnampy5@gmail.com, syamradh30@gmail.com
Abstract
Peperomia ekakesara (Piperaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Mathikettan shola National Park in
southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Information is given on the distribution, ecology, phenology, and conservation status
of this new species. A key for the identification of south Indian species is provided.
Keywords: Peperomia, Piperaceae, southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India
Introduction
Mathikettan shola National Park (MSNP) is part of the floristically rich Idukki district in Kerala and situated in the
hillocks of southern Western Ghats. The park lies between 9o 57’ to 10o 01’ N latitude and 76o 14’ to 76o 16’ E longitude
and has an area of 1281.7419 hectares. During a scientific survey, as a part of documenting the angiosperm diversity
of this park, an interesting specimen of the genus Peperomia Ruiz & Pav. (1794: 8) was collected. Peperomia is
the second most species-rich genus of the pepper family (Piperaceae), with an estimated number of 1,600 species
worldwide (Wanke et al. 2006). The genus includes annual or perennial herbs of terrestrial, epipetric or epiphytic
habitat (Guimaraes et al. 2015). The genus shows a pantropical distribution with the highest diversity in the Neotropics
(Wanke et al. 2006; Mathieu et al. 2015). Hooker (1890) reported ten species in his Flora of British India, distributed
in subtropical Himalaya, Deccan Peninsula, Congan, Malabar, Nilghiris and Travancore mountains while Gamble
(1921) reported 7 species in the Flora of Presidency of Madras.
The genus is easily distinguished by the presence of bisexual flowers on the spike, two dithecous stamens,
confluent anther cells, single carpel and unitegmic ovule (Ruiz & Pavón, 1794). Detailed studies in consultation with
type/ protologue and relevant literature (Wight 1840; Notoatmodjo 1967; Frenzke et al. 2015; Mai et al. 2016; Melo
et al. 2016) revealed that the collected specimen is a hitherto undescribed species, which is described here as new to
science.
Materials and methods
Specimens were collected through extensive field trips in different parts of the Mathikettan shola National Park in
different seasons during the period 2014–2017. Fresh specimens were collected and pickled in 4% formalin and
70% ethanol for detailed laboratory study. Photographs of habitat and habit were taken with a Sony α A55 DSLR
Camera and floral details were studied with a stereo microscope (Leica EZ4HD). Illustrations were drawn by using a
stereomicroscope with Camera Lucida attached. Herbarium sheets were prepared by conventional methods (Bridson
& Forman 1991). The identity of the species was confirmed with type material/protologues and a description was
prepared after proper diagnosis by examining a wide range of specimens. The specimens of related taxa in CALI and
MH were also examined. Drupe micromorphology was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (Zeiss Gemini
SEM 300 Microscope). The samples were fixed in FAA and dehydrated by passing through an ethanol series. The
dehydrated specimens were critical point dried and were mounted onto stubs and coated with gold and palladium.
NAMPY & RADH
284 • Phytotaxa 364 (3) © 2018 Magnolia Press
Taxonomic treatment
Peperomia ekakesara Syam & S. Nampy sp. nov. (Figs 1 & 2)
The new taxon is morphologically close to P. heyneana Miq. (1846: 548) but can be easily distinguished by its glabrous, procumbent habit
and having one stamen in each flower contrasting with pubescent, erect habit and two stamens in the latter.
Type:—INDIA. Kerala: Idukki district, Santhanpara, Mathikettan shola National Park, Sivanpara, ±1610 m, 16 August 2016, S. Syam
Radh & Santhosh Nampy 151707 (holotype CALI!).
FIGURE 1. Peperomia ekakesara Syam & S. Nampy A. Habit; B. & C. Leaves; D. Spike: Portion enlarged; E. Bract:
see the clawed nature; F. Androecium & Gynoecium; G. Stamen; H. Fruit (A–H from S. Syam Radh & Santhosh
Nampy 151707).
A NEW SPECIES OF PEPEROMIA EKAKESARA Phytotaxa 364 (3) © 2018 Magnolia Press • 285
FIGURE 2. Peperomia ekakesara Syam & S. Nampy A. Habit; B. Flowering twig; C. Leaves: Adaxial view;
D. Leaves: Abaxial view; E. Young spike enlarged; F. Mature spikes; G. Flower; H. Bract; I. Androecium & Gynoecium;
J. Stamen: Dorsal view; K. Stamen: Ventral view; L. Ovary; M. Fruits: see fruiting axis showing fruits and pits of
fallen fruits; N. Mature fruits (A–N from S. Syam Radh & Santhosh Nampy 151707).
NAMPY & RADH
286 • Phytotaxa 364 (3) © 2018 Magnolia Press
FIGURE 3. SEM of fruits of Peperomia ekakesara Syam & S. Nampy A. View from upper side; B. View from lower
side; C–F. Surface view in different magnifications (A–F from S. Syam Radh & Santhosh Nampy 151707).
A NEW SPECIES OF PEPEROMIA EKAKESARA Phytotaxa 364 (3) © 2018 Magnolia Press • 287
Annual, epipetric, glabrous herb, 8–15 cm tall. Stem procumbent, branched dichotomously in zigzag manner, transparent,
succulent, swollen at nodes. Leaves simple, alternate at the base, opposite or whorled towards apex, ovate to elliptic,
2.5–3 × 1.3–1.7 cm, with entire margins, obtuse to rounded at apex, cuneate to obtuse at base, both surfaces glabrous,
rarely hairy at apex, adaxial surface dark green, with pellucid dots, abaxial surface pale green, fleshy; petioles 0.3–0.5
cm long, geniculate, glabrous; veins acrodromous, imperfect, basally 3-nerved; stipules absent. Flowers in terminal
and axillary spikes; peduncles 1.5–4 cm long, glabrous, green; bracts peltate, margin wavy, 0.5 × 0.5 mm, glabrous,
green, with a claw of 1.5 mm length at the base, glabrous, persistent. Flowers bisexual, inserted in the grooves on
inflorescence axis, 0.75 × 1 mm, green. Stamens 1 in each flower, oriented towards left side; filaments 0.15 mm long,
glabrous, white; anthers 0.25 × 0.25 mm, dithecous, dorsifixed, elliptic, white, dehiscing longitudinally, pollen white.
Ovary green, superior, 0.5 × 0.25 mm, elliptic, glabrous; style absent; stigma forming a tuft of hyaline threads, arising
from a groove, laterally, just below the top of ovary. Fruits globose to ovoid, attached in the pits of the infructescence,
brownish, 1 × 1 mm, with sticky papillae on the surface. Seeds 1, adherent to the endocarp, albumen floury.
Etymology:—The epithet ‘ekakesara’ is derived from Sanskrit, ‘eka’ means one and ‘kesara’ refers to stamen, the
whole referring to the monandrous condition.
Notes:—The presence of monandrous flowers distinguishes this species from all other species of Peperomia. To
ascertain the distinctiveness of the monandrous condition, thirty plants belonging to three populations were critically
examined and all flowers possessed only one stamen which arises from the basal part of the ovary, projecting towards
the left side of each flower and arranged alternately on the inflorescence. The one stamen condition might be a derived
character (apomorphic character) in this genus. Based on its morphology, Peperomia ekakesara can be classified in
Peperomia subgenus Micropiper (Miq.) Miq. (1843: 45, 76), to which the morphologically similar species, P. heyneana
Miq. also belongs.
Distribution & ecology:—Hitherto known only from the type locality. On wet rocks in the shola (stunted forests
in valleys amid rolling grasslands), at an elevation about 1600 m.
Flowering & fruiting:—July to December.
Additional specimens examined (Paratypes):—INDIA. Kerala, Idukki district, Santhanpara, Mathikettan shola
National Park, Sivanpara, ±1610 m elevation, 16 August 2015, S. Syam Radh & Santhosh Nampy 149196 (CALI!);
way to Mannakkudy, 10 October 2016, Santhosh Nampy & S. Syam Radh 191101 (CALI!).
Conservation status:—More than 100 individuals in three populations are found in the park and the species falls
under the category Near Threatened (NT) based on IUCN criteria (IUCN 2001 & 2010).
Key to the species of Peperomia in South India
1a. Leaves in whorls of four, veins invisible in leaves, rachis pubescent ............................................................................ P. tetraphylla
1b. Leaves not in whorls of four, veins visible in leaves, rachis glabrous ...............................................................................................2
2a. Leaves thin, cordate; drupes ribbed .................................................................................................................................. P. pellucida
2b. Leaves fleshy, not cordate; drupes not ribbed ....................................................................................................................................3
3a. Plants tomentose ....................................................................................................................................................................P. blanda
3b. Plants not tomentose ...........................................................................................................................................................................4
4a. Leaves mostly alternate, prominently 5-ribbed from base ............................................................................................... P. thomsonii
4b. Leaves mostly opposite or apically whorled, 3-ribbed from base ......................................................................................................5
5a. Creeping herbs; spikes stout; drupes scaly .................................................................................................................P. portulacoides
5b. Erect or procumbent herbs; spikes slender; drupes not scaly .............................................................................................................6
6a. Erect pubescent herbs; stamens 2 ..................................................................................................................................... P. heyneana
6b. Procumbent glabrous herbs; stamens 1 ............................................................................................................................P. ekakesara
Acknowledgements
We are thankful to the Head, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, for facilities; Dr. Marie-Stéphanie Samain
(Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Michoacán, Mexico) for helpful discussions on conforming the novelty of the specimen;
Dr. Stefan Wanke (Technische Universitat Dresden) for correspondence; the Curators and staffs of K for the virtual
images of type specimens and CALI and MH for permitting to consult the specimens; the Director, CSIF, University
of Calicut for providing SEM facilities. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden
(Kerala), Range officer (Munnar Wildlife Division) and Forester (MSNP) for providing permission to explore the park;
Ms. Dani Francis, Ms. Divya K.Venugopal (Research Fellows, Calicut University), Forest guard and watchers (MSNP)
NAMPY & RADH
288 • Phytotaxa 364 (3) © 2018 Magnolia Press
for helping collections; SRS is thankful to the University Grant commission for Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship and
SN to KSCSTE for financial assistance (Council (P) Order No. 126/2016/KSCSTE).
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