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https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-024-01094-w

RESEARCH ARTICLES

Ophiorrhiza gajureliana (Rubiaceae): a new species from Arunachal

Pradesh, India
Amal Bawri1 · Daimalu Baro2 · Y. Disco Singh3 · Kuladip Sarma4

Received: 21 May 2024 / Revised: 22 October 2024 / Accepted: 24 October 2024

© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2024

Abstract
Ophiorrhiza gajureliana is described and illustrated here as a new taxon. It was discovered in the Lower Dibang Valley,
Arunachal Pradesh, India. The taxon is identified using conventional taxonomic techniques by critically examining the speci-
mens and scrutinising the relevant literature. The conservation status of the taxon is also evaluated as Critically Endangered.

Keywords Ophiorrhiza · Critically endangered · Arunachal Pradesh

Introduction 20 species are reported from Arunachal Pradesh (Hajra et al.

1996; Jeyaprakash & Balachandran 2023).
Ophiorrhiza L. is extensively dispersed over South-
east Asia's moist tropical forests and subtropical regions,
spreading to New Guinea, Australia, and the Pacific Islands Material and methods
(Gopalakrishnan et al. 2018; Hareesh and Sabu 2018). The
genus is predominantly herbaceous; however, a few species Study area
are small shrubs. The genus contains 51 taxa in India, most
of which are found in the Western Ghats and the Northeast- Lower Dibang Valley District is a treasure house of natural
ern States (Hareesh and Sabu 2018, Hareesh et al. 2020). beauty and biodiversity. It is situated in the eastern region
Later with the addition of Ophiorrhiza medogensis H. Li of Arunachal Pradesh between the 27° 30′ ‘N’ to 28° 33′ ‘N’
var. shiyomiense Hareesh & M. Sabu, the number of taxa latitude and 95° 15′ ‘E’ to 96° 30′ ‘E’ longitude (Fig. 1.).
increases to 52 taxa in India (Hareesh and Sabu 2022). The district is bordered to the north by China and Dibang
About 25 species are endemic to India (Hareesh et al. Valley District, to the east by Lohit District, to the west by
2015) and among them, 16 taxa were endemic to South East Siang and Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh,
India (Jeyaprakash and Balachandran 2023). Nine species and to the south by Sadiya Sub-Division of Tinsukia District
from the genus are found in Assam (Barooah and Ahmed of Assam.
2014; Bhuyan et al. 2021; Bhuyan and Baruah 2022) and
Methods
* Amal Bawri During field explorations in the Lower Dibang Valley district
[email protected]
in Arunachal Pradesh, we came across an Ophiorrhiza spe-
1
North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk cies, which was growing on hill slopes near a waterfall area.
Medicine Research (An Autonomous Institute The herbarium specimens were collected, processed, and
Under Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India), Pasighat, prepared using conventional taxonomic techniques (Jain &
Arunachal Pradesh 791102, India
Rao, 1977). Herbarium specimens are deposited at the North
2
Department of Botany, Tinsukia College, Tinsukia, Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research
Assam 786125, India
Herbarium (NEIAFMRH). Identification was completed by
3
College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, reviewing pertinent literature (Hooker 1880; Kanjilal et al.
Arunachal Pradesh 791102, India
4
Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati,
Assam 7861014, India

Vol.:(0123456789)
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Fig. 1  Map of the study area: Showing the location Map of Ophiorrhiza gajureliana

1939; Halford 1991; Darwin 1976) and herbarium speci- in Arc View was used to estimate the Extent of Occurrence
mens that were considered close to the newly described (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) of the populations
species. After comparison with the other species already based on the geo-coordinates recorded during the field
described under this genus and analyzing relevant literature study. A 2 × 2 km grid cell size was utilized for AOO.
(Hooker 1880; Kanjilal et al. 1939; Halford 1991; Darwin After that, the preliminary evaluations for EOO and AOO
1976) it was concluded that our species was new to science, that were generated were compared to the IUCN criteria to
and it is here described as Ophiorrhiza gajureliana. Both in determine the taxon's threat status. A comprehensive floral
the lab and during the field survey, the gathered specimens morphology, photographs, ecology, and threat status of the
underwent a thorough morphological examination. In fresh species are provided here.
condition, the specific characteristics of the inflorescence,
leaves, including its shape, size, texture, and colour; the
length of the petiole; and the nature and arrangement of the Taxonomic treatment
flowers were also noted. Using a stereo dissecting micro-
scope, all the microscopic features, such as hairs, glands, and Ophiorrhiza gajureliana Bawri and Baro sp. nov.
floral features, in particular the anther filament, were seen. A Type India, Arunachal Pradesh, Lower Dibang Val-
handheld GPS was used to record the geocoordinates. ley district, Tiwari Gaon, 1800 m a.s.l., 95°51′25.49"E,
Using criteria B (geographical range) and D (population 28°13′18.29"N, 08 Sep 2023, A. Bawri 1050 (holotype
size) from IUCN versions 3.1 and 4.0, the new species' ARUN; isotype NEIAFMRH).
regional conservation status was also evaluated (IUCN
2001; 2012). The conservation assessment tool extension
created by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Moat 2007)
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Etymology throat of the corolla; anther lobes 4–5 mm, stigma pale green
0.8–1 cm long, glabrous, lobes linear-lanceolate, located below
The species is named to honour Prof. Padma Raj Gajurel the throat of the corolla, capsule not seen (Fig. 2.).
in recognition of his noteworthy role in botanical research Flowering and Fruiting: September to February.
in the eastern Himalayan region, India. Distribution: Ophiorrhiza gajureliana is known only from
one locality.
Description Habitat: Growing in wet subtropical to sub-temperate for-
est areas in wet areas at elevations of 1800–2200 m along with
Subshrubs, annual or perennial, erect, to 40–70 cm height; a few common associated species like Ophiorrhiza harrisiana,
stems with interpetiolar stipules, persistent, acuminate O. pauciflora, and Osbeckia nepalensis. It is extremely uncom-
5–6 mm, glabrous, sparsely lenticels, above pubescent when mon and recorded with only two small populations.
young, petiole glabrous, 1–4.6 cm, bract absent; leaves oppo- Threat status: Currently recorded only from one small area
site, glabrous on both sides, adaxial glossy dark green, leath- on hill slopes in the Lower Dibang Valley District, Arunachal
ery with inconspicuous vein and abaxially silky pale green Pradesh. The total known population is estimated to consist
with prominent vein; blade ovate-lanceolate to nearly elliptic- of less than 100 mature individuals. The extent of occurrence
lanceolate 9.5–14 cm × 6–7.3 cm, base cuneate to rounded, is less than 100 k­ m2. Major threats include landslides. We
nearly oblique, apex acuminate, margin entire; secondary vein evaluate this taxon as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab (iii))
8–10 pairs. Inflorescence uniparous helicoid cyme, 6–7 cm in accordance with the IUCN's Categories and Criteria based
long, peduncle 2–3 cm long, pubescent, flowers many, termi- on the available data (IUCN 2001 and 2012). Its extinction
nal, homostylous, dark reddish, pedicels 0.2–0.3 cm, corolla can be stopped by initiating immediate conservation actions.
tube dark reddish 2–2.3 × 0.4–0.6 cm, glabrous, lobes recurved Locally the flowers are crushed and the juices are used for
ovate to nearly acute, 3–4 mm × 2–3 mm, calyx glabrous cough remedies.
2–2.2 × 2.2–2.3 mm, green with reddish; stamen 5, epipe-
talous, reddish, up to 1.7–1.9 cm long, inserted, nearby to the
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Key to the species distributed in North East India

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Fig. 2  Ophiorrhiza gajureliana sp. nov. a habit, b inflorescence c-e leaf (upper surface), f Single flower, g Calyx, h-i Dissected flower, j-l Leaf
(lower surface), m Gynocium, n Stamen
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Table 1  Comparison of morphological characters between Ophiorrhiza gajureliana Bawri and Baro O. ripicola and O. ochroleuca

Characters Ophiorrhiza gajureliana Ophiorrhiza ripicola Ophiorrhiza ochroleuca

Leaves Leaves ovate-lanceolate to nearly elliptic- Leaves ovate or lanceolate -elliptic, Lanceolate, elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate
lanceolate 9.5–14 cm × 6–7.3 cm 9–15 cm × 3–5 cm 2.54–3.81 × 7.62 cm
Petiole 1–4.6 cm long 1–3 cm long 2–3 cm long
stipules Acuminate 5–6 mm long, persistence Triangular, 2–3 mm long, caducous Stipules lanceolate, caducous 4–7 cm
Lateral veins 8–10 pairs 5–8 pairs 10–15 pairs
Inflorescence Cymes uniparous helicoid cyme, pedun- Cymes terminal, peduncle upto 2 cm Cymes, cyme branch spreading, terminal
cle 2–3 cm long, pubescent long, glabrous and sometimes axillary 4–7 cm long,
pubescent
Corolla Dark reddish 2–2.3 cm long, glabrous on White to purplish red, up to 1.8 cm long, Corolla primrose-yellow orange or green,
both sides adaxially and abaxially pubescent up to 2.5 cm long, adaxially glabrous,
abaxially densely pubescent
Corolla lobes Ovate- nearly acute, glabrous, 3–4 mm Triangular-ovate, 3–5 mm long, slightly Linear, oblong 1.8–3 long, short recurve
long, wholly recurved incurved
Stamen Filament 1.7–1.9 cm long, located near Filament 4 mm long, located in the tube Filaments 0.4–0.5 cm long; located near
the throat of the tube center the throat of the tube
Style Stigma lobes linear-lanceolate, 8–10 mm, Stigma lobes lanceolate, about 3 mm Stigma bilobed, 3 mm long, located below
located below the throat of the corolla long, located at flower throat the tube center
tube

Discussion Conclusion

The proposed new species Ophiorrhiza gajureliana sp. nov. The results of the present study showed that the species is
is a distinct species. Although the species is morphologically extremely uncommon, and a small population was recorded,
resembles with Ophiorrhiza ripicola and O. ochroleuca in limited to one location. Previous years' explorations were
having glabrous petioles, adaxially glabrous corolla, curve unable to find the species in any other part of the North-
of corolla lobes, but differs in having sparsely lenticels in eastern States. Due to its habitat restriction, this calls for
stem, persistent interpetiolar stipules, uniparous helicoids immediate and targeted conservation actions to ensure the
cyme, dark reddish colour of corolla and stamen, abaxi- survival of the species.
ally and adaxially glabrous nature of corolla and stamen,
Acknowledgements We sincerely thank the Department of Environ-
wholly recurved of corolla lobes, absent of bracts; present ment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh,
of style below the neck of the corolla tube (Hooker 1880; for the help and support. The first author sincerely acknowledges
Jeyaprakash & Balachandran 2023). The morphological the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, for support of this study.
evaluation of the three species is provided in Table 1. Ophi-
orrhiza meenachilarensis, a new species, is also described Declarations
from the southern Western Ghats, India (Balan et al. 2020). Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of
The species is similar to the presently reported species in interest.
having broad, elliptic, acuminate leaves but differs due to its
herbaceous habit, densely villous-hirsute stem and persistent
bracts. Recently, Ophiorrhiza medogensis which was con-
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