Range extension of two poorly known endemic species of the genus Orophea Blume (Annonaceae)

• Main Authors: K. Sankararao, N.V. Page, A.N. Sringeswara, R. Arun Singh, Imran Baig, Sahana Vishwanath
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society 2015-03-01
• Series: Journal of Threatened Taxa
• Subjects: Endemic, Karnataka, Makutta Ghat, Orophea, range extension, Western Ghats.
• Online Access: http://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/1896
• ISSN: 0974-7893; 0974-7907

<p><em>Orophea malabarica</em> Sasidh. &amp; Sivar. and <em>Orophea sivarajanii</em> Sasidh., of the family Annonaceae were found growing in close proximity as undergrowth with restricted distribution in the evergreen forest of Makutta Ghat, Kodagu District, Karnataka State, India.  Earlier reports suggest that these are endemic to Kerala state of the Western Ghats and found distributed only in their type localities viz., Thrissur and Wayanad districts respectively. However, the present article reports extension of their range to new locations in Karnataka state and therefore become addition to the floral wealth of the state, as they were neither previously collected nor recorded from this region. The updated nomenclature, detailed description, flowering-fruiting seasons, distribution map, scanned herbarium specimens, field photographs, proposed conservation status and other relevant notes are provided in this communication.</p><div> </div>