taxonID	type	description	language	source
03D7879A2467FFBDD4672956FEF926D2.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from December to May; fruiting from May to June. Habitat: Found in dry and moist evergreen forests between 120 and 914 m. It is also cultivated for medicinal use in gardens and nurseries. Distribution: Endemic to South India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Bangalore district, FRLHT garden, 30.03.2005, Indira Balachandran, A. B. Remasree, & Geetha S. Pillai 02322 (CMPR); Ibid., 22.04.2005, K. Ravikumar 71764 (CAL). Kerala, Malappuram district, Kottakkal, Herb Garden, 22.03.2015, K. M. Prabhukumar 7878 (CMPR); Ibid., 07.05.2013, Biju John 7043 (CMPR); Ibid., 29.06.2016, P. Soumya, Prabhukumar & P. Sunojkumar 157527 (CALI); Thiruvananthapuram district, Kollayil, 17.11.1990, P. Deepthi Das 26424 (TBGT); Palode, JNTBGRI, 12.12.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138514 (CALI); Wayanad district, MSSRF garden, 19.02.2003, Satheesh George & K. V. Thushar 1228 (CMPR). Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari district, Beyond Sengumal estate, Panagudi, 09.02.1972, B. D. Sharma 40062 (MH); South Arcot district, Gingee R. F., 22.03.1961, K. M. Sebastine & K. Ramamurthy 12360 (CAL); Ibid., 26.05.1962, K. M. Sebastine & K. Ramamurthy 17592 (MH); Tirunelveli district, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Thirukurungudi range, Dohnavur estate, 18.02.2014, Ravikumar & Umesh Kumar Tiwari 119778 (FRLH). Conservation status: Based on herbarium reference, occurrence of this species has been noticed only in nine different locations in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Four of these locations are in gardens. Among the wild populations, two are in protected areas (Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Gingee Reserve Forest) and three on the outskirts of forests (Kollayil, Panagudi and South Travancore hill). Based on natural populations, the estimated AOO is limited, measuring only 16 km 2. Given its restricted AOO, this species falls under the category Endangered [EN B 2 ab (iii, iv, v)]. Notes: Justicia beddomei closely resembles and is frequently mistaken for the widespread species J. adhatoda. They share the same habit and floral characters. However, J. beddomei can be distinguished from J. adhatoda by its flowers measuring less than 1.5 cm in length (vs. 2 – 3 cm long), ovate to lanceolate bract (vs. obovate to oblanceolate or elliptic to oblong), absence of striations on the lower lip (vs. presence of purple striations) and glabrous ovary (vs. hirsute at apex or throughout). Sebastine and Ramamurthy (1965) described a new species Justicia gingiana Sebastine & Ramam. from the Gingee Reserve Forest of Tamil Nadu and this was subsequently merged with J. beddomei by Ellis (1978). Prabhukumar et al. (2018) mentioned that the discovery of J. gingiana in the Gingee forest marked the first collection of J. beddomei since the type collection. The present study aligns with the findings.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2469FFB8D7EE289DFC322130.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from September to March; fruiting from April to May. Habitat: On the margins of evergreen forests, grasslands, plains, along roadsides at an elevation of 50 to 1000 m. Distribution: Indian Subcontinent, tropical and southern Africa; also from America (Hawai) as an introduced species. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Ananthapur district, Yadiki, 13.11.1982, P. V. Yesoda & T. Pullaiah 1108 (MH); Chittoor district, Srikalahasti, 18.01.1988, D. Ranga Charyulu 1986 (MH); Guntur district, Rajupalem, 06.05.1900, C. A. Barber 1555 (MH); Kurnool district, Chelama, 07.12.1963, J. L. Ellis 17968 (MH); Nallamala hill, 15.08.1921, C. E. C. Fischer 4668 (FRC); Ibid., 17.11.1969, J. L. Ellis 32433; Upper Ahobilam, 29.08.1965, J. L. Ellis 25553 (MH); Visakhapatnam district, Ananthagiri, 17.10.1969, G. V. Subba Rao 21717; Ibid., 26.12.1969, G. V. Subba Rao 32818 (MH); Birmisala, 13.04.1976, G. V. Subba Rao 47321 (CAL, MH); Chintapalli, way to Gudem hill, 13.11.1970, J. L. Ellis 37120 (MH); Simhachalam hill slopes, 05.05.1964, G. V. Subba Rao 19345 (MH). Karnataka, Bagalkot district, Mantur, 28.11.1902, C. A. Barber 4934 (MH); Chamarajanagar district, Bandipur R. F., 23.01.1965, B. D. Naithani 23118 (MH); Mysore district, St. Philomena’s college, 10.03.1964, K. M. Sebastine 18709 (MH); Uttara Kannada district, Sirsi, 21.12.2005, P. S. Udayan et al., 03936 (CMPR). Kerala, Alappuzha district, Kayamkulam R. S., s. d. Sunil C. N. 1398 (CALI); Ernakulam district, Malayatoor, 18.03.1913, M. M. Ram Rao 966 (FRC); Idukki district, Chinnar riverside, 16.03.1965, E. Vajravelu 23572; Kumily, 23.04.1960, B. V. Shetty 10268; Painavu, 16.12.1982, C. N. Mohanan 76153; Pulluparai-Peruvanthanam, 22.05.1965, K. Vivekananthan 23958 (MH); Kollam district, Kadambupara, 20.04.1984, E. Vajravelu 80536 (CAL); Malappuram district, Karuvarakundu to Kalikavu, 29.04.1971, N. C. Radha Krishnan 38122 (MH); Ibid., 11.03.1984, N. C. Nair 81188 (CAL, MH); Nilambur, Canoly plot, 13.12.1980, Philip Mathew 32342 (CALI); Palakkad district, Mully, 03.02.1996, A. E. Shanavas 29612 (TBGT); Valliyaparathode, 07.10.1979, M. C. Nair 65364 (CAL, MH); Ibid., 15.01.1980, M. C. Nair 65448 (MH); Pathanamthitta district, Achankovil, 19.05.1979, C. N. Mohanan 61297 (MH); Konni forest division, Thora-Mannarapara area, 19.04.1982, K. N. Subramanian 8258 (FRC); Plappally, 20.09.1988, N. Anilkumar 940; Ibid., 23.02.1979, C. N. Mohanan 61184 (MH); Thiruvananthapuram district, Nedumangad, 29.11.1905, C. A. Barber 7167 (MH); Palode, JNTBGRI garden, 12.12.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138513 (CALI); Thrissur district, Chikkali, 22.01.1919, R Rajan 72915 (CAL); Sholayar, 12.12.1988, N. Sasidharan 5235 (CALI); Vazhachal forest division, Athirapally forest area, 21.01.1988, N. Venkatasubramanian & K. R. Sasidharan 14075 (FRC); Wayanad district, Begur R. F., 03.09.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 62022 (MH); Ibid., 23.11.1983, K. N. Subramanian 9774 (FRC); Wayanad Ghat road, 3 rd to 5 th hairpin bend, 18.12.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138528 (CALI); Sulthan Bathery - Kalpatta road, 10.02.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian 13687 (FRC); Tholpetty village, 22.11.1977, V. S. Ramachandran 52283 (MH); s. loc., s. d. Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 2440 (CALI). Maharashtra, Nashik district, Igatpuri, 13.09.1962, R. S. Rao 81330 (CAL); Palghar district, Ambewadi forest, 09.10.1983, P. L. Narasimhan 166035 (BSI); Kohoj fort hilltop, 12.09.1968, K. V. Billore 116673 (BSI, CAL); Vaitarna river bank, 28.10.1967, K. V. Billore 113278 (BSI); Pune district, Bhimashankar, 12.10.1955, G. S. Puri 8452 (BSI); Ibid., 16.10.1957, Vasudeva J. A. 29051 (CAL); Hanuman talao, 10.10.1962, K. P. Janardhanan 81823; Junnar, Durga Khilla, 29.10.1964, K. Hemadevi 104234 (BSI); Khandala-Meroli road, 15.09.1957, S. D. Mahajan 16754 (CAL, BSI); Lonavala, 26.09.1964, B. Venkata Reddi 99182 (CAL); Ibid., near Valvan dam, 01.12.1964, B. Venkate Reddi 99182; Mulshi, 20.11.1956, S. K. Jain 9446 (BSI); Paud, 18.10.1956, S. K. Jain 8201 (BSI); Raigad district, Korlai fort forest area, 22.12.1963, B. Venkatta Reddi 93315 (CAL); Ratnagiri district, Khed, Koliya jungle, 07.12.1961, K. P. Janardhanan 76370 (BSI); Satara district, Mahabaleshwar, 07.01.1957, S. D. M. 13203 (BSI); Thane district, Vihigaon range, 30.08.1967, K. V. Billore 111608 (BSI). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Aliyar submergible area, 25.11.1962, K. M. Sebastine 15388 (CAL, MH); Anakkatty forest, 28.05.1994, S. K. Mundal 7117 (CAL); Andipara shola, 24.03.1969, R. Marutham 31765 (MH); Maruthaamalai near temple, 07.01.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138532 (CALI); Mettupalayam range, Kunukkumuduvu, Odanthurai, 01.03.1974, K. N. Subramanian 4762 (FRC); Noyyal riverside, 01.08.1968, M. Chandrabose 30561 (MH); Perumalmudi, 29.12.1969, M. V. Viswanathan 341; Sadivayal, 06.08.1960, A. N. Henry 72 (MH); Ibid., near nursery, 03.04.1963, K. N. Subramanian 205 (FRC); Siruvani, 28.12.1956, K. Subramanyam 1843 (CAL); Ibid., Sundakamuthur, 14.06.1968, D. B. Deb 30252; Ibid., 3.01.1978, N. C. Nair 41487 (MH); Thanipallam, 09.10.1960, A. N. Henry 680; Ibid., 25.10.1968, D. B. Deb 31097 (MH); Thekkumalai, 06.12.1956, K. M. Sebastine 1626 (CAL); Valankulam, 05.09.1968, M. Chandrabose 30663; Ibid., 04.10.1968, M. Chandrabose 31101; Waterfalls estate, 10.07.1961, J. Joseph 12810 (MH); Dharmapuri district, Buddireddipatti, 19.12.1913, s. coll. 9672 (MH); Dindigul district, Kodaikanal, Oothu village, 20.12.1988, C. Sudhesan 608 (CAL); Erode district, Hasanur, 10.03.1931, K. C. Jacob 81307 (MH); Sathy, Hasanur-Karaepalayam, 10.01.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian N. V. 61 (FRC); Ibid., Kurubithikadu, Germalam range, 23.10.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian N. V. 913 (FRC); Krishnagiri district, Anchetty, 20.02.1927, K. C. Jacob 18040 (MH); Madurai district, Alagar kovil, 20.04.1991, S. R. Srinivasan 94495 (MH); Namakkal district, Kolli hills, 04.10.1903, S. K. Nazeeruddin 24861 (CAL); Nilgiris district, Benne forest, 20.01.1961, B. V. Shetty 11954 (CAL, MH); Coonoor - Mettupalayam road, 06.09.1970, B. D. Sharma 36068; Coonoor ghat region, 01.02.1985, M. C. Lawson s. n. (MH); Kotagiri, 06.01.1957, K. Subramanyam 1951 (CAL); Kunjapani R. F., Sundapatty, 25.11.1970, E. Vajravelu 37066 (MH); Ooty, on the way to naduvattam, 24. 11.2008, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138536 (CALI); Segur bridge, 21.11.1970, G. V. Subba Rao 37292 (MH); Pudukkottai district, Cambel road, 23.06.1965, K. Ramamurthy 24913 (MH); Ramanathapuram district, Ayyanarkovil forest, 17.03.1970, E. Vajravelu 33873 (MH); Chittaru river bank, 17.02.1979, N. C. Nair 60609 (CAL); Karkathakudi, 15.01.1989, V. Balasubramanian 2095 (CAL, MH); Salem district, Yercaud Cauvery peak, 04.11.1968, D. B. Deb 31320 (MH); Sivaganga district, Piranmalai, 19.12.1964, K. Ramamurthy 22787 (MH); Tenkasi district, Chittar riverside, 17.02.1973, N. C. Nair 60909 (MH); Therkumalai road, 23.04.1957, K. Subramanyam 2856 (CAL, MH); Thanjavur district, Kumbakonam, 06.03.1987, B. Ragupathy 306 (CAL, MH); Theni district, Combai, 14.06.1961, K. M. Sebastine 12561 (CAL); Thalaiyar MHEP areas, 18.10.1986, K. Ramamurthy 51596; Ibid., 18.10.1986, J. C. Mari 51599 (MH); Tirunelveli district, Manjolai, Tiger falls, 30.06.1957, K. M. Sebastine 3716 (CAL, MH); Panagudi, 04.02.1972, B. D. Sharma 39941; Sengumal estate, 10.02.1972, B. D. Sharma 40069 (MH); Virudhunagar district, Kansapuram to Srivilliputhur R. F., 18.07.1965, E. Vajravelu 24757; Ibid., way to Alagar kovil, 20.04.1991, S. R. Srinivasan 94495 (MH). Telangana, Peddapalli district, Manthani, 27.12.1986, M. R. Rajendra Prasad 192; Pakhal R. F., 27.11.1960, K. M. Sebastine 11645 (MH); Warangal urban district, Hanmkonda, 20.09.1995, R. K. Premanath 105369 (MH). Conservation status: This species is assessed as Least Concern [LC] as it is widely distributed throughout India.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A246CFFA4D46C2FBFFA9123E2.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from July to February; fruiting March. Habitat: This species grows on moist rocks, in wet humus along Ghat roadsides, hill slopes, stream banks and rock crevices in grasslands at elevations ranging from 350 to 1300 m. It can be seen as undergrowth in moist shady parts of evergreen forests. Distribution: It is distributed throughout Eritrea to Ethiopia in East Africa, southern Arabian Peninsula, Indian Subcontinent to South China, Indo-China, and Taiwan. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Chittoor district, Kakuladibba, 31.12.1975, G. V. Subba Rao 46895 (CAL); Talakona waterfall, 03.08.2018, P. Soumya, Geethika & P. Sunojkumar 157524 (CALI); East Godavari district, Devarkonda, 07.10.1920, V. Narayanaswami 473 (CAL); Kadapa district, s. loc., 07.1884, J. S. Gamble 15190; Nellore district, Inukurthi, 11.1898, T. L. Walker s. n.; Udayagiri, 28.08.1917, s. coll. 4144 (CAL); Srikakulam district, Saluru forest, 10.09.1962, N. P. Balakrishnan 1081 (CAL); Vishakhapatnam district, Sunkarametta, 29.08.1960, Subba Rao, G. V. 10929 (CAL). Karnataka, Bellary district, Sanduru, 10.01.1980, B. R. Ramesh & S. B. Manohar 10717 (CAL); Bengaluru district, Devanahalli, 30.11.1905, C. E. C. Fischer 484 (CAL); Chamarajanagar district, Bandipur, 24.08.1964, B. D. Naithani 21115; Ibid., 25.08.1964, B. D. Naithani 21190 (MH); Ibid., Gundlupet, 10.1910, A. Meebold 11435 (CAL); Haveri district, Byadgi, 12.1888, W. A. Talbot 1775 (CAL); Uduppi district, Kollur hills, 01.09.1913, M. Ram Rao 1592; s. loc., 10.1910, A. Meeblod 1140 7 (CAL). Kerala, Idukki district, Karimanal, 12.09.2016, P. Soumya, Drisya & P. Sunojkumar 138522; Kumily, 06.11.1993, Jomy Augustine 12546; Peerumade, 12. 1910, A. Meebold 12905 (CAL); Ramakkalmedu 08.08.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138511; Ibid., 18.09.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138524; Thekkady, 28.05.1995, Jomy Augustine 15312 (CALI); Kollam district, Thannithode, 10.08.1984, C. N. Mohanan 69317 (CAL); Palakkad district, Aruvanpara, 21.08.1982, Sabu, T. 10669 (CALI); Dhoni hills, 19.01.1910, C. E. C. Fischer 1596 (FRC, CAL); Ibid., 26.09.2013, Prabhukumar K. M. 07547, 07549 (CMPR); Ibid., 17.08.2018, P. Soumya, Sasikumar & P. Sunojkumar 157528 (CALI); Gudaloor road, 02.10.1981, Philip Mathew 28799 (CALI); Malampuzha, s. d., Robi A. J. 07029 (CMPR); Mannarkkad, Perumalmedu, 23.10.2011, K. A. Anilkumar 4124; Mannarkkad, 10.10.2012, K. A. Anilkumar 4605; Ibid., Varadimala, 30.04.2008, K. A. Anilkumar 3032 (CMPR); Ibid., Venthapetty, 09.10.2007, K. A. Anilkumar 2390 (CMPR); Nelliyampathy, near Pothundy dam, 19.09.2013, Prabhu kumar, K. M. 07375; Ibid., 19.09.2013, Prabhu kumar K. M. 07354 (CMPR); Ibid., way to Minnampara, 21.09.2013, Prabhu kumar, K. M. 07540 (CMPR); Ibid., 15.10.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar s. n. CU 138543 (CALI); Silent valley, 30.08.1983, S. Chand Basha 9573 (FRC); Walayar range, Varalapadi, 18.09.1975, K. N. Subramanian 5336 (FRC); Pathanamthitta district, Ranni forest division, Pamba-Kalkki dam site, 25.01.1984, N. Venkatasubramanian 10342 (FRC); Wayanad district, Periya, Gurukula, 21.07.2016, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145381 (CALI); Puthurvayal, 08.04.2001, Ratheesh Narayan M. K 2528 (CALI); Thiruvananthapuram district, s. loc., s. d. C. C. Calder & M. S. Ramaswami 1583 (CAL). Maharashtra, Buldhana district, Lonar lake area, 24.11.1983, P. G. Diwakar 171218 (BSI); Pune district, Ranipur, 10.08.1965, R. D. Pataskan 101409; Ibid., 19.08.1965, R. D. Pataskan 105844 (CAL); Shivneri hill, East Junnar, 27.01.1965, Hemadevi 89976 (CAL). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Karadimadai, 30.07.1929, S. R. Raja & Ratnavelu 1950 (MH); Siruvani, Adivaram bamboo experimental plot, 02.07.1963, K. N. Subramanian 780; Valparai road from Aliyar dam, near five miles, 24.08.1963, K. N. Subramanian 787 (FRC); Velliangiri mountains, 22.02.1957, K. M. Sebastine 2423 (CAL); Ibid., 12.08.2017, P. Soumya, Nikhil, Pradeep A. K. & P. Sunojkumar 138500 (CALI); Dharmapuri district, Harur, Sitheri hills, 12.08.1978, K. M. Matthew 16675 (CAL); Dindigul district, Kodaikanal shola, 16.07.1912, s. coll. 52 (CAL); Erode district, Kodumudy, 10.07.1959, K. M. Sebastine 8421 (CAL); Sathy Taluk, Dhimbam to BannariGhat road, 24.01.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian N. V. 235; Ibid., hairpin bends 27 - 26, 4.10.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian N. V. 842; Ibid., s. d., N. Venkatasubramanian N. V. 456 (FRC); Krishnagiri district, Denkannikotta, Thally hills, 10.09.1978, K. M. Mathew & N. Venugopal 17325 (CAL); Namakkal district, Kolli hills, 20.04.1978, A. Mohan 13218 (CAL); Rasipuram, 31.07.1978, N. Venugopal 15893; Maisor & Carnatic, Herb. Ind. Or. Hook f. & Thomson s. n. (CAL); Nilgiris district, Coonoor, 11.02.1899, D. I. Prain s. n. (CAL); Ibid., 10.1910, s. coll. 12016, 12026; Kotagiri, Aravenu, 24.10.1956, K. Subramanyan 1104 (CAL); Ibid., Mamaram, 06.01.1957, s. coll. 1972 (CAL); Ooty, Needle view point, 02.01.2017, Shinoj, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145340; Ibid., 03.09.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145361; Salem district, Yercaud, Shevareys lake side, 07.11.1978, N. Venugopal 19066 (CAL); Tenkasi district, Courtallam, 29.06.1901, C. A. Barber 3294 (CAL); Tiruchirappalli district, Pachaimalai hill top 06.08.1958, K. M. Sebastine 6165 (CAL); Tirunelveli district, Manjolai, 05.09.2018, Shinoj, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157539 (CALI); Tiruvannamalai district, Javadi hills, 22.11.1975, K. N. Subramanian 95582 (FRC); Pattarikad R. F., Polur range, 21.11.1975, K. N. Subramanian 5488 (FRC); Vellore district, On the way to Kambukudi, 08.09.1958, K. Subramanyam 6491 (CAL); Tenkasi district, Sengottai to Aryankavu, 08.09.1913, C. C. Cader & M. S. Ramaswami 661; Courtallam falls, 23.07.1957, K. M. Sebastine 3753 (CAL). Peninsula Indiae Orientalis, Herb. Wight. Propr. 662 (CAL). Conservation status: This species is distributed across all Indian states; thus, it is assessed here as Least Concern (LC). Notes: This highly variable species exhibits significant morphological diversity across altitudes. The height ranges from 30 – 90 cm, with sessile to petiolate leaves that vary in shape from linear to ovate or orbicular. Occasionally, white flowers were also observed. At high altitudes (above 1000 m), the plants are shorter and grow from a woody rootstock with compact internodes and smaller leaves. When grown in a greenhouse at lower altitudes, these plants’ shorter habit, internodal length and leaf size gradually mature into the typical herbaceous form, after a few flowering seasons. Clarke (1885) treated Rostellaria hedyotidifolia Nees as Justicia diffusa var. hedyotidifolia (Nees) C. B. Clarke distinguishing it by its woody stems, petiolate and ovate leaves, short and dense spikes with ciliate sepal tips. However, these characters are observed in the typical variety J. diffusa. The same situation applies to J. diffusa var. orbiculata C. B. Clarke characterised by ovate, petiolate leaves with dense hairs. A woody nature, along with more or less ovate, petiolate leaves and short dense spikes can be observed in J. diffusa from high-altitude regions. Considering the degree of fluctuation in morphological characters linked to altitudinal differences (below 350 & 1300 m), all these varieties were treated as synonyms of J. diffusa.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2471FFA1D7EE2A95FD362727.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering towards the end of June to September; fruiting from September to October. Habitat: Grows in humus on wet lateritic rocks at an elevation of around 45 m. Distribution: Endemic to South India, hitherto known only from its type locality. Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Kannur district, Madayippara, near Madayikkavu., 25.07.2011, A. K. Pradeep & C. Pramod 126698; Ibid., near KSEB, 01.08.2010, s. coll. 126509; Ibid., near Joothakulam, 05.07.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138542; Ibid., 12.07.2018, P. Soumya, Adhitya & P. Sunojkumar 145390; Ibid., on rocks near Madayi College, 02.08.2019, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157531 (CALI). Conservation status: Justicia ekakusuma is known from the type locality Madayippara in Kannur district (earlier as ‘ Cannanore district’). During the present field study, first author observed about 30 mature individuals from the lateritic plateau near Joothakulam. The calculated AOO is 8 km 2. The type locality faces challenges as a tourist destination with its lateritic habitat adversely affected by waste dumping and use as a playground. Consequently, the population of this species has declined over the last three years. Considering these factors, this species is assessed here as Critically Endangered [CR B 2 ab (ii, iii, iv, v), D].	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2471FFA1D7EE2A95FD362727.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from November to April; fruiting from May to June. Habitat: Found on the margins of evergreen forests and Ghat roadsides at an elevation of 50 to 1300 m. This species is commonly cultivated as medicinal plant and often as hedges and thickets on roadsides. Distribution: It is native to South and Southeast Asia, but is widely cultivated and naturalized. Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Bengaluru district, s. loc., 01.1988, W. Cameroon 85 (MH). Kerala, Alappuzha district, Kayamkulam, s. d., C. N. Sunil 1431 (CALI); Idukki district, Chinnar, 26.09.1910, C. E. C. Fischer 2233 (FRC); Rajakkad roadside, 28.08.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138510 (CALI); Kasaragod district, Peradala, 07.05.1982, V. J. Nair 71045 (MH); Kollam district, Munroe Island, 26.12.1978, C. N. Mohanan 59666 (MH); Palakkad district, Ottapalam, Ananganadi, 20.03.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145362; Silent valley, 16.02.1983. K. S. Prasannan 11135 (CALI); Pathanamthitta district, Kodumon 12.12.1979, C. N. Mohanan 63735 (MH); Thiruvananthapuram district, Palode, JNTBGRI campus, 14.12.2011, Glasmin Syrin 71224 (TBGT); Thrissur district, Vazhani Dam, 10.04.1977, K. Ramamurthy 49288 (MH); Wayanad district, Puthoorvayal, 13.01.2000, Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 1184; Vythiri veterinary collage, 13.02.2019, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138525 (CALI). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, IFGTB forest campus, 25. 09. 2001, N. Venkatasubramanian & R. Tamilarasi s. n. (FRC); Cuddalore district, Annamalai Nagar, 31.01.1958, K. M. Sebastine 5236 (MH); Krishnagiri district, Kottur R. F., 16.03.1978, M. Mohanan 54651 (MH); Madurai district, s. loc., 09.11.1911, C. E. C. Fischer 3161 (FRC); Mayiladuthurai district, Sirkazhi, 17.04.1987, S. Ragupathy 392 (MH); Nilgiris district, Gudalur to Kollur, 23.02.1973, E. Vajravelu 43693 (MH); Sivaganga district, Karaikudi, 30.11.1977, N. C. Nair 52985 (MH); Thanjavur district, Pattukottai, 16.09.1977, K. Ramamurthy 51270 (MH); Tirunelveli district, s. loc., 09.11.1959, K. M. Sebastine 9600; Manimuthar Tiger falls, 11.10.1957, K. M. Sebastine 4359 (MH); Vellore district, Nellipattu, 03.04.1987, M. B. Viswanathan 1400 (MH); Mysore & Carnatic, Herb. Ind. Or. Hook. f. & Thomson, G. Thomson s. n. (MH). Conservation status: This species is assessed here as Least Concern (LC) as it is widely distributed and cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2475FFACD7EE2F46FDEE2088.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to February; fruiting March. Habitat: Grows in deciduous forests, on rocky hill slopes, along forest margins and roadsides at an elevation of 190 to 980 m. Distribution: Peninsular India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur district, Penna Ahobilum, 17.09.1981, T. Pullaiah & Yesoda 336 (MH); Chittoor district, Gurramkonda, s. d., K. Subramanyam 6347 (MH); Srikalahasti, 18.01.1988, D. Ranga Charyulu 2001 (MH); Ibid., 19.09.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157520 (CALI); East Godavari district, Devipatnam & Rampachodavaram, 19.09.1980, G. V. Subba Rao 67556; Maredumilli near Tiger Camp, 21.09.1980, G. V. Subba Rao 67583; Ibid., 17.02.1994, M. Mohanan 101269 (MH); Rachapalli, 20.07.1964, G. V. subba Rao 20150 (MH); Kurnool district, Chelama-Nallamali hills, 12.08.1921, C. E. C. Fischer 4674 (FRC); Ibid., 05.07.1963, J. L. Ellis 16748; Ibid., Mahanandi, 22.08.1972, J. L. Ellis 25456; Ibid., 22.08.1972, J. L. Ellis 42321; Srisailam, 06.12.1969, J. L. Ellis 32711 (MH); Srikakulam district, Lakshmipuram, 06.1900, C. A. Barber 1806 (MH); Visakhapatnam district, Chintapalli, 30.08.1966, G. V. Subba Rao 28196; Ibid., 12.11.1970, J. L. Ellis 37100; Circuit house, 04.10.1964, G. V. Subba Rao 21435 (MH); Vizianagaram district, Srungavarapukota, 04.09.1960, N. P. Balakrishnan 11030 (MH); West Godavari district, Devarapalli, 20.12.1993, M. Mohanan 100795 (MH). Karnataka, Bagalkot district, Badami, 25.10.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138545 (CALI). Kerala, Idukki district, Chinnar, 06.08.1986, K. Ramamurthy 78354 (MH); Ibid., 14.05.2018, P. Soumya, Dilsha, Manu & P. Sunojkumar 145334; Ibid., 05.06.2019, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145395 (CALI); Kumily lower camp, 26.12.1974, K. Vivekananthan 45706 (MH); Marayoor to Chinnar, 29.05.2003, P. S. Udayan et al. 01550 (CMPR); Kasaragod district, Perdala, 07.05.1982, V. J. Ansari 71039 (MH); Malappuram district, Nadukani Ghat road, 05.09.1969, B. V. Shetty 32245 (MH); Thiruvananthapuram district, Neyyatinkara, 08.10.2019, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157538; NIIST campus, 18.09.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157542 (CALI); s. loc., s. d., K. Narayana Iyer s. n. (TBGT). Tamil Nadu, Chengalpattu district, Thambaram, 24.08.1982, K. N. Subramanian 8458 (FRC); Dharmapuri district, Hogenakkal, 24.11.1964, E. Vajravelu 21917 (MH); Dindigul district, Kodaikanal Ghat, 17.11.1897, s. coll. s. n.; Sirumalai, 31.07.1920, s. coll. 16693 (MH); Erode district, Sathy Taluk, Bhavanisagar, 03.10.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian 740 (FRC); Nilgiris district, Thengumarahada, 06.12.1970, G. V. Subba Rao 37467 (MH); Pudukkottai district, Adhanankkottai, 20.09.1977, K. Ramamurthy 51333; Melakadu-Sivaganga, 17.12.1964, K. Ramamurthy 22749; Okkur forest, Sivaganga, 19.08.1964, K. Ramamurthy 20974 (MH); Ramanathapuram district, Ayyanar Kovil, 24.09.1971, E. Vajravelu 38732 (MH); Sivaganga district, Piranmalai, 29.11.1977, N. C. Nair 52908 (MH); Srivilliputhur district, Muthaliaroothu, 19.09.1917, s. coll. 15019 (MH); Thanjavur district, Pattukottai, 16.09.1977, K. Ramamurthy 51275 (MH); Theni district, Suranganur waterfalls, 23.06.1959, K. Subramanyam 8157; Thalaiyar MHEP area, 18.10.1986, K. Ramamurthy 84403; Vannathiparai 17.10.1959, K. Subramanyam 9407 (MH); Tiruchirappalli district, Palakarai, 20.09.1957, K. Subramanyam 4273 (MH); Sengattupatti, 27.10.1958, K. M. Sebastine 6996 (MH); Tirunelveli district, Kalakkad R. F., 09.11.1962, J. Joseph 15221 (MH); Ibid., on roadsides, 08.06.1964, K. N. Subramanian 1434 (FRC); Manimuthar riverside, 24.06.1957, K. M. Sebastine 3537; Papanasam lower dam side, 05.1959, K. M. Sebastine 8299; Thirukkurungudi, 16.04.1916, s. coll. 13119 (MH); Tiger falls, 04.03.1988, K. M. Sebastine 5505 (MH); Virudhunagar district, Thulukkamottai, 28.02.1999, E. S Santhosh & P. C. Suresh 40848 (TBGT); Tiruvallur district, Ennore, 14.09.1985, D. Narasimhan 924 (MH); Tiruvannamalai district, Mamandur, 05.03.1914, s. coll. 10231; Sathanur Dam forest, 26.01.1977, E. Vajravelu 52090 (MH); Villupuram district, Gingee forest, Pakkamalai R. F., 22.01.1978, K. Ramamurthy 53517; Gomuki-Vellimala Ghat, 06.02.1983, K. Ramamurthy 77356; Parigam R. F., 07.09.1977, K. Ramamurthy 50656 (MH); Virudhunagar district, Seithur hills, 08.11.1989, K. R. Srinivasam 86906 (MH). Telangana, Medak district, Pettagutta, 26.09.1958, K. M. Sebastine 6768 (MH); Nalgonda district, Nagurjuna Sagar, 12.12.1959, K. M. Sebastine 9721 (MH); Warangal district, Western bridge of Pakhal lake, 08.08.1961, K. M. Sebastine 13130 (MH). Conservation status: The species is widely distributed in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, with a few populations in Karnataka. Hence it is classified as Least Concern (LC). Notes: Justicia glauca is very similar to J. tranquebariensis but differs by its taller habit reaching up to 70 cm (vs. up to 40 cm) ovate to elliptic leaves, rarely orbicular, with an apex that is acute or obtuse (vs. orbicular to obovate or spathulate leaves with apex rounded to emarginate). Typification: Roxburgh (1820) validated the nomen nudum, Justicia orixensis Roxburgh (1814) with a brief description and type locality as “ in the vicinity of Samulcota ”. Later Nees von Esenbeck (1832, 1847) transferred this species to Gendarussa and Adhatoda respectively. After an exhaustive search of various herbaria, we traced a single sheet at S with the annotation “ The vicinity of Samulcota, Koenig ” with Koenig’s handwriting. This certainly indicates that Koenig collected the specimen from Samulcota (which was historically part of Coromandel). It is plausible to suggest that Roxburgh used Koenig’s material when describing J. orixensis. Hence, the specimen collected by Koenig at S can qualify as original material according to Art. 9.4 a) of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018). Among the two specimens mounted on the sheet, the one on the lower side is from Rottler’s collection (barcode S-G- 3460) whereas the upper right specimen appears to be from Koenig’s collection (barcode S-G- 3459) which is selected here as the lectotype.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2478FFAFD7D72C2CFD1325B3.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to March; fruiting late February to March. Habitat: Grows in grasslands and margins of moist deciduous forests, along Ghat roadsides, under pine woods at an elevation of 80 to 1900 m. Distribution: Peninsular India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Chittoor district, Kambakam hill, 03.1903, s. coll., 10263; Ibid.,. 04.1903, s. coll. s. n; Talakona waterfalls, 07.11.1987, D. Ranga Charyulu 1764 (MH); Ibid., 04.08.2019, P. Soumya, Geethika & P. Sunojkumar 157518 (CALI); Kadapa district, Cuddapah forest areas, s. d., Beddome s. n. (MH): Kurnool district, Chelama-Nallamali hills, 05.07.1963, J. L. Ellis 16741; Mahanandi, 23.08.1965, J. L. Ellis 25524 (MH); Medak district, Pegarikutta, K. M. Sebastine 6650 (MH); Prakasam district, Diguvametta, 16.11.1969, J. L. Ellis 32410 (MH). Karnataka, Bellary district, Ramandurg, 04.10.1904, Lushingtons. n. (FRC); Kadapa district, Vempalle, 22.07.1964, G. V. Subba Rao 20186 (MH). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Anamalai hills, s. d., R. H. Beddome s. n. (MH); Nilgiris district, Naduvattam to Ooty, s. d., P. Soumya, S. Resmi & P. Sunojkumar 157576 (CALI). Telangana, Yadadri, Bhuvanagiri district, Ramannapeta, 28.08.1917, J. L. Ellis 14966 (MH). Conservation status: Based on our field data and the examination of herbarium specimens, it has been determined that this species is present in four states in Peninsular India. As per IUCN criteria, Justicia micrantha is classified here as Least Concern (LC).	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2478FFAFD7D72C2CFD1325B3.taxon	description	Justicia procumbens var. latispica C. B. Clarke in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. India 4: 539. 1885. Justicia latispica (C. B. Clarke) Gamble, Fl. Madras 1080. 1921. Rostellularia latispica (Gamble) Bremek. Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., Sect. 2 45 (2): 71. 1948. Justicia procumbens subsp. latispica (C. B. Clarke) L. H. Cramer, Revis. Handb. Fl. Ceylon 12: 120. 1998. Rostellularia khasiana var. latispica (C. B. Clarke) C. Y. Wu ex C. C. Hu Fl. Reipubl. Popularis Sin. 70: 305. 2002. Type: Wight, Icon. Pl. India Orient 4: t. 1539. 1850. Justicia khasiana C. B. Clarke in Hook. f., Fl. Brit. India 4: 537. 1885. Rostellularia khasiana (C. B. Clarke) J. L. Ellis Bull. Bot. Surv. India 20 (1 - 4): 172. 1978. Lectotype (designated by Deng, 2020): INDIA, Assam, Khasia hills, s. d., J. D. Hooker s. n. (K [K 000884094 digital image!]; isolecto K [K 000884095 digital image!]).	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A247BFF94D7EE283DFAF026D1.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to February; fruiting from March to April. Habitat: This is a common plant in grasslands, along forest margins and roadsides appearing after monsoon rains in August. It is also common on moist hill slopes and in rock crevices at low to high elevations between 56 and 2286 m. Distribution: Tropical and subtropical Asia to Central China. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool district, Sikharam, on the way to Srisailam, 15.12.1967, K. N. Subramanian 3275 (FRC); Visakhapatnam district, Araku valley, near Pakel river, 26.08.960, N. P. Balakrishnan 10870 (CAL). Goa, Baga jungle, 05.09.1963, John Cerian 88592; Platue on the way to Parvorim-Betim, 10.11.1963, Seshagiri Rao Rolla 92935 (CAL). Karnataka, Bengaluru district, Someshwara temple, 14.10.1962, R. S Raghavan 83226 (CAL); Chikkaballapur district, Nandi hills, 17.09.1911, Rudho D. Anstead 108 (MH); Chikmagaluru district, Bhababoodangiri, 2.11.2018, P. Soumya, Drisya & P. Sunojkumar 138505 (CALI); Kodagu district, Galibeedu behind college, 21.09.1961, s. coll. 74454; Gali Kottur, 22.07.1979, S. B. Manohar & S. R. Ramesh 8469; Mercara, 20.09.1961, s. coll. 74437; Talakaveri, 26.10.1963, s. coll. 95123 (CAL); Shimoga district, Agumbe Ghat, 24.10.1960, R. S. Raghavan 67908; Eduvani, Sagar – Jog road, 27.09.1978, K. R. Keshava murthy & K. P. Sreenath 2975 (CAL). Kerala, Alappuzha district, Pandavan para to Chengannur, 06.10.1992, Sunil C. N. 1291 (CALI); Ernakulam district, Inchippara road, 11.10.19993, Jomy Augustine 12605 (CALI); Kochi, Willingdon Island, 31.10.1972, Rao, T. A. 9623 (CAL); Kodanad R. F., 21.07.1970, E. Vajravelu 34987 (MH); Idukki district, Anamudi, 19.11.1965, B. V. Shetty 26554 (MH); Deviculam, 28.01.1964, K. M. Sebastine 18503 (MH); Kulamavu, s. d. C. N. Mohanan & B. Ramanujan 71920 (CAL); Ibid., 17.09.1982, K. N. Subramanian 8730 (FRC); Kumily, 23.08.1977, K. Vivekananthan 50502 (CAL); Munnar, 22.10.2017, P. Soumya, Drisya & P. Sunojkumar 145337 (CALI); Peermade, 04.04.1913, s. coll. 30; Periyar, Mangaladevi temple, 14.05.2018, P. Soumya, Dilsha, Manu & P. Sunojkumar 151820 (CALI); Ibid., Mangaladevi temple, 10.10.1976, K. Vivekananthan 48647 (CAL); Rajamala, 19.05.1997, S. D. Biju 36590 (TBGT); Thekkady, 05.06.1995, Jomy Augustine 15410 (CALI); Kannur district, Baveli, Begur R. F., 22.06.1973, V. S. Ramachandran 62729; Ibid., Chandanthode, 09.11.1978, V. S. Ramachandran 58622; Ibid., 11.08.1973, V. S. Ramachandran 63903 (CAL); Ibid., 12.08.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 63328; Parassinikadavu, 21.01.1982, R. Ansari 73947 (MH); Ibid., 21.09.1982, R. Ansari 73947 (CAL); Payyannur, 05.10.1979, R. Ansari 64736; Iritty, 16.08.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 63963 (CAL, MH); Taliparambu, 17.07.1981, R. Ansari 70094 (CAL); Ibid., 01.1906, C. A. Barber 7676; Thalassery court road, 17.11.1977, V. S. Ramachandran 52172 (MH); Kasaragod district, Bekal, 21.07.1981, R. Ansari 70983 (CAL); Mulleria, 12.10.1979, R. Ansari 64872 (MH); Kottayam district, Neriyamangalam, 13.09.2019., P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145373 (CALI); Umaiya Malai, 18.11.1965, B. V. Shetty 26499 (MH); Kozhikode district, Kannoth R. F., 8.11.1978, V. S. Ramachandran 58298 (MH); Malapuram district, Areekode, 24.02.1984, Philip Mathew 34444 (CALI); C. U. campus, 19.11.2003, Swapna Thomas A 94609; Ibid., 02.11.2003, Amrutha M. 93619; Ibid., 05.12.2004, Sajeena L. R. 94532; Ibid., 06.10.2016, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157541; Idimuzhikkil, s. d., P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157536; Karimpuzha, 01.10.1982, Philip Mathew 25794; Ibid., 28.10.1983, Philip Mathew 34337; Nedumkayam, 07.11.1981, Philip Mathew 33221; Nilambur, 07.11.1980, Philip Mathew 29145; Thampumala, 13.11.1982, Philip Mathew 33584 (CALI); Palakkad district, Kanjirapuzha submergible area, 26.10.1914, K. M. Sebastine 22313 (MH); Malampuzha, 03.09.2018, P. Soumya, Sasi & P. Sunojkumar 138534 (CALI); Mannarkkad, Thodukki, 26.10.2011, K. A. Anilkumar 4273 (CMPR); Ibid., 16.09.2012, K. A. Anilkumar 4359 (CMPR); Ibid., 10.10.2012, K. A. Anil Kumar 4605; Ibid., Chinnamala, 17.09.2012, K. A. Anil Kumar 4405; Ibid., Injikunnu, 29.09.2008, K. A. Anilkumar 3605 (CMPR); Ibid., Meenvani, 11.10.2012, K. A. Anil Kumar 4837 (CMPR); Nelliyampathy, 19.09.2013, K. M. Prabhukumar 07375; Ibid., 19.09.2013, K. M. Prabhukumar 07378; Ibid., 13.10.2013, K. M. Prabhukumar 07487; Ibid., Seethargunde, 03.11.2013, K. M. Prabhukumar 07612 (CMPR); Silent valley, 24.09.1977, R. Ansari 51465 (CAL); Ibid., Dam site, 04.12.1981, Sathish kumar 10208; Ibid., Chembotti, 09.03.1982, Sathish kumar 10502; Ibid., Cheriya Walakkad, 05.02.1982, Sathish kumar 10157 (CALI); Pathanamthitta district, Ranni R. F., 10.9.1918, N. Anilkumar 840 (CAL); Ibid., 24.10.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145324 (CALI); Thrissur district, Kundazhi R. F., 05.09.1976, K. Ramamurthy 47630 (CAL); Thiruvananthapuram district, Agasthyamala, 06.10.1973, J. Joseph 44590 (MH); Ibid., 13.11.1990, N. Mohanan, 10954 (TBGT); Pongalapara, 24.08.1963, A. N. Henry 17139 (MH); Ibid., 7.02.1988, N. Mohanan, 9516 (TBGT); Ibid., 15.05.1988, N. Mohanan 9761 (CALI, TBGT); Ibid., 08.09.2018, P. Soumya, Resmi, Krishna, Anto & P. Sunojkumar 151826; Ibid., 10.11.2018, P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 138575; Ibid., 23.11.2018, P. Soumya, Manudev & P. Sunojkumar s. n. (CALI); Ponmudi, 11.09.1968, K. M. Matthew 9210 (RHT); Ibid., 07.09.1985, Venkatasubramanian & K. R. Sasidharan 11241 (FRC); Wayanad district, Alakuney, 03.07.1999, Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 0172 (CALI); Pookode, 11.10.1997, Bindhu K. B. 52335 (CALI); Kurichyarmala, 15.08.2001, Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 1349 (CALI); Thariyode, 17.11.1999, Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 1223 (CALI). Maharashtra, Nandurbar district, Toranmal village, 17.08.1965, R. D. Pataskar 105772; Pune district, Mulshi. 24.08.1956, G. S. Puri 6035; Ibid., 24.08.1956, G. S. Puri 6063; Shivneri hill, 12.10.1962, M. Y. Ansari 83730 (CAL); Satara district, Mahabaleswar, 10.091956, S. D. Mahajan 6867 (CAL). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Akkamalai R. F., 16.04.1963, J. Joseph 16171; Chinnathadagam, 22.08.1956, K. M. Sebastine 600 (CAL); Kuridimalai, 16.11.1956, K. Subramanyam 1344; Maruthamalai, 10.12.1956, K. M. Sebastine 1698 (CAL, MH); Velliangiri peak, 21.02.1932, Raju & Ratnavelu 216, 220 (MH); Dindigul district, Kodaikanal, 15.03.1956, J. Pallithanam 1464; Ibid., 06.08.1988, K. M. Matthew 53409; Levinge., s. d., K. M. Mtthew 454 (RHT); Maharajamettu back side area, 15.08.1990, V. Lakshmanan 91163 (MH); Marian shola, U. Palanis, 15.09.1911, C. E. C. Fischer 2995; s. loc., 13.12.1909, C. E. C. Fischer 2995 (FRC); Vattaparai Village, 17.11.1990, V. Lakshmanan 94379; Vattaparai, 17.11.1990, V. Lakshmanan 94381 (MH); (MH); Nilgiris district, Coonoor, 19.01.1957, K. M. Sebastine 2061 (MH); Ibid., 04.04.1916, C. E. C. Fischer 3925 (FRC); Hulikal Droog R. F., 10.05.1957, K. M. Sebastine 3157; Kookalthorai, 12.05.1963, K. N. Subramanian 741 (FRC); Kotagiri, 04.01.1957, K. Subramanyam 1890; Ibid., Longwood R. F., 28.07.1971, E. Vajravelu 35133; Ibid., Yelagiri hills, s. d., M. B. Viswanathan 827; Ibid., 12.02.1972, E. Vajravelu 39735; Naduvattam, 22.07.1960, K. Subramanyam 10534 (MH); Ooty, Governor shola, 09.07.1970, J. L. Ellis 34564; Pykara falls 12.09.1930, V. Narayanaswami 80222; Ibid., 26.10.2016, P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 157532 (CALI); Namakkal district, Kolli hills, 05.02.1979, P. Perunnal & C. Manoharan 21496 (RHT); Ibid., 20.04.1971, A. Mohan 13203 (CAL); Salem district, Yercaud, Marappalam, 30.06.1979, K. M. Matthew 23407; Ibid., Kakashola, 12.05.1978, V. Alphonse Amalraj 13676; Ibid., Kongampallam, 12.12.1976, D. I. Arockiasamy 9998 (RHT); Ibid., Shevaroys temple, 24.11.1976, K. M. Matthew & D. I. Arockiasamy 5014; Tiruchirappalli district, Sengattupatti, 26.07.1970, K. M. Matthew 11597 (RHT); Tirunelveli district, Anakatty, 03.09.2018, P. Soumya, S. Resmi & P. Sunojkumar 157545 (CALI); Upper Kodayar, 23.09.1975, K. M. Matthew 14924 (RHT); Ibid., s. d., P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 145329 (CALI); s. loc., s. d., Herb. Wight. Propr. 2673 (CAL). Conservation status: Given its extensive distribution across all states, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC). Notes: Justicia simplex, J. japonica, J. mollissima, J. notha, J. latispica, and J. pathanamthittiensis are distinct species in different taxonomic works. However, some authors (Malik & Ghafoor, 1988; Chang et al., 2014; Deng, 2020), have largely considered some of these names as synonyms. (e. g., J. japonica is regarded as a synonym of J. procumbens). In the present study, the first author collected different variants of J. japonica and J. procumbens from Peninsular India and realized that all the collected specimens represented the same taxon. This complex exhibits great variability in leaf shape, inflorescence length, bract shape and hairiness. These characters vary within populations, even within the same individuals. Leaves show notable variations in shape and may be sessile or petiolate, with petiole length ranging from 0.3 – 2 cm; inflorescence size range from 0.5 – 7 cm length, and bract shape (from 4 – 5.5 mm). The hairiness of the plants depends on the altitude, where plants in plains having less pubescence whereas those at high altitudes show dense pubescence. Thus, in the present study, we treat J. japonica and related taxa as synonyms under J. procumbens. The first author collected small herbaceous, highly hirsute forms of this species with short internodes, orbicular to ovate leaves and short inflorescences from a few districts of Kerala. Similar specimens were treated as Justicia nagpurensis in certain herbaria. Apart from these overlapping variations in the vegetative characters, no differences in the floral characters are noticed either in the protologue or on the living specimens. Hence, we treat J. nagpurensis as a new synonym. Similarly, Clarke (1885) described Justicia notha C. B. Clarke based on Wight’s specimen (Rostellularia simplex Wight) without mentioning any collection details. In the protologue, Clarke mentioned it may be a Malayan species characterized by sessile oblong leaves, with white setulose hairs, and bracts elliptic with linear to oblong calyx lobes. All these characters completely overlap with the characters of this complex. In POWO (2023), J. notha is considered as a synonym of Rostellularia simplex Wight. In the present work, J. notha is treated as new synonym of J. procumbens. Remadevi and Binojkumar (2008) described Justicia pathanamthittiensis by considering characteristics like stem branched from base, leaves linear to elliptic, and bracts obovate with obtuse apex as unique. A critical examination of specimens in the present study revealed that the characteristics fall within the circumscription of J. procumbens and hence it is reduced to synonymy thereof. Typification: Justicia japonica Thunberg (1784) was originally published in Murray’s Systema Vegetabilium reference to Thunberg’s manuscript without the details of specimens. In the Flora Japonica, Thunberg provided more information on the localities as “ Papenberg, Kofido and near Nagasaki ”. According to Stafleu and Cowan (1986), Thunberg’s major collections were deposited at UPS, and from 1785 onwards he provided his entire herbarium collections to Uppsala University. Duplicates are also available at various herbaria. After an exhaustive search, we traced three sheets of J. japonica collected from Japan, one each at UPS, L and LD. Among them, the sheets kept at UPS (V- 000386) and LD (LD 1742545) were collected by C. P. Thunberg and the remaining one at L (L 3704894) does not contain details of the collector, but it may also be considered as original material, according to Art. 9.4 (Turland et al., 2018). Since Thunberg donated his major collections to UPS and the sheet at UPS bears annotation of Thunberg’s herbarium, we select UPS-THUNB 386 (V- 000386) as lectotype according to ICN Art. 9.3 (Turland et al., 2018). This sheet also matches the description provided in the protologue.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2440FF97D46C289FFEBE2000.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from July to December; fruiting in January. Habitat: This species is predominantly found in deciduous forests, on grassy hill slopes, plains and along roadsides. It is occasionally observed in sandy areas along the coast and in deep evergreen forests at altitudes of around 250 m. Distribution: India and Sri Lanka. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Chittoor district, Sathyavedu, 07.10.1979, M. Chandrabose 45258 (MH); Cuddalore district, Sirupakkam R. F., 08.09.1977, K. Ramamuthy 50700 (MH); Ibid., near Pongala cheruva lake, 20.08.1958, K. Subramanyam 6306 (CAL); East Godavari district, Devipatnam, 25.06.1965, G. V. Subba Rao 24444 (MH); Srikakulam district, Paralakhemundi palace compound, 09.05.1979, G. V. Subba Rao 62370 (CAL, MH); Vishakhapatnam district, Nattuvaranam, 06.1900, C. A. Barber 1837 (CAL); West Godavari district, Kovvur, 20.11.1970, J. L. Ellis 37200 (MH). Karnataka, Bengaluru district, Marathahalli R. F., 18.07.1978, E. Vajravelu 57862 (MH). Kerala, Idukki district, Chinnar, 13.05.2018, P. Soumya, Dilsha, Manu & P. Sunojkumar 157549; Thekkady, 05.11.1993, Jomy Augustine 12522 (CALI); Kollam district, on road sides, 17.07.1912, M. M. Rama Rao 444 (FRC); Thiruvananthapuram district, Neyyanttinkara, near railway track, 05.08.2017, P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 157540; NIIST campus front gate, 05.12.2017, P. Soumya, Linu & P. Sunojkumar 157554 (CALI). Maharashtra, Pune district, Daund, 35.11.1956, F. Ujari 9577 (BSI). Tamil Nadu, Chengalpattu district, Vandalur, 25.10.1914, s. coll. 11067 (MH); Vedanthangal W. B. Sanctuary, 26.01.1976, A. N. Henry 47035 (CAL); Chennai district, Chepauk, s. d., Rama Rao, M. P., s. n. (FRC); Barkuda, 27.10.1919, N. Annadale 1342 (CAL); Southern forest rangers college estate, near research block, 09.09.1969, K. N. Subramanian 3777; Villukaradu, 31.08.1910, C. E. C. Fischer 2103 (FRC); Coimbatore district, Agri College, 07.09.1968, M. Chandrabose 29773 (MH); college estate, 20.11. 1967, K. N. Subramanian 192 (FRC); Foot of Kuridimalai, 19.09.1956, K. Subramanyan 774; Maruthamalai, 07.08.1956, K. M. Sebastine 493 (CAL, MH); Nellimalai R. F., 26.05.1962, K. Ramamurthy 14134; Madukkari hill, 09.08.1962, C. P. S. Madhavan 8 (MH); Cuddaloredistrict, Chidambaram park, 04.10.1964, M. Chandrabose 28563 (MH); Dharmapuri district, Marudahalli R. F., 18.07.1978, E. Vajravelu, 57862 (CAL); Erode district, Pioneer estate, 31.07.1966, B. V. Shetty 28057 (MH); Kanchipuram district, Vandalur R. F. Zoological park area, Thambaram Range, 24.08.1982, K. N. Subramanian 8450 (FRC); North Arcot district, vazhiyur, 26.03.1978, E. Vajravelu 55602; Tippukadu R. F., on the road to Markanan, 11.01.1959, K. Subramanyam 7611; Ibid., 0 1.07.1963, K. Ramamurthy 16635 (CAL); Pudukkottai district, Sivaganga, 14.08.1964, K. Ramamurthy 201788 (MH); Sivaganga, 20.08.1964, K. Ramamurthy 21012 (MH); Ramanathapuram district, 25.12.1989, V. Balasubramaniam 2312 (CAL); Salem district, Attur, Chinnakalrayanas, 27.06.1972, N. Venugopal 14410 (CAL); South Arcot district, Paluur, 23.08.1930, s. coll. 4115 (CAL); Marakkanam Pondy route, 20.09.1979, R. Ramamurthy 64188 (CAL); Thanjavur district, Muthupet, 20.05.1978, V. J. Nair 56563; Puthukottai to Aranthangi, 14.09.1979, K. Ramamurthy 51233 (CAL); Theni district, Kambam, 05.1917, Blatter & Hallberg 520 (CAL); Tirunelveli district, Kodumady, 09.07.1959, K. M. Sebastine 8331 (CAL); Tiruvannamalai district, Mamandur valley, 12.10.1958, K. Subramanyam 6912 (MH); Sengaltheri, 26.09.1916, s. coll. s. n.; Naterikal road, 12.02.1913, s. coll. 38405; Sivanaperi, 07.11.1962, J. Joseph 15121; Kayamoli, 27.11.1961, K. M. Subramanyam 13641 (CAL); Viluppuram district, Marakkanam pond route, 20.09.1979, K. Ramamurthy 64188 (MH). Peninsula Indiae Orientalis, Herb. Wight. Propr., 2668 (CAL). Conservation status: This species is widespread in Peninsular India. Hence it is assessed here as Least Concern (LC). Notes: Justicia prostrata can be easily separated from J. diffusa and its other varieties by the 5 - lobed calyx with the fifth lobe much reduced against an equally 4 - lobed calyx.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2443FF9CD7EE2E4EFBC321A3.taxon	description	Perennial herbs, up to 70 cm tall., Stems decumbent to erect, usually rooting at lower nodes, angular, dichotomously branched; branches slender, greenish, scabrous, pubescent with strigose hairs; internodes 2 – 9 cm long. Leaves sub-sessile or shortly petiolate; laminae linear to lanceolate or elliptic to narrowly oblong, 1.5 – 8 × 0.4 – 0.8 cm, base attenuate, scabrous, margins entire to distantly crenate with minute hairs, apex acute or obtuse, chartaceous, puberulous with dense hairs on ribs; veins inconspicuous, secondary veins 4 – 7 pairs, venation weak brochidodromous; petioles up to 5 mm long, densely pubescent. Inflorescence terminal spike, up to 9 cm long; peduncles 0.5 – 1.5 cm long, densely pubescent. Flower sessile, two per inflorescence node, 4 – 9 × 2 – 4 mm, bracts and bracteoles almost equal to calyx; bracts linear to narrowly oblong or ovate to lanceolate, 3.5 – 4.5 × 1 – 1.3 mm, margin scarious, ciliate, apex acute to obtuse or cuspidate; bracteoles similar to bracts but narrower, 2.5 – 3.5 × c. 1 mm. Calyx deeply 5 - lobed, 3.5 – 5 × 1 – 1.25 mm at anthesis, accrescent, greenish; lobes unequal, lanceolate, the fifth lobe much reduced, margins scarious, ciliate, apex acute or obtuse. Corolla purplish white with white striations on lower lip, pubescent outside and glabrous inside; tube cylindrical, 2 – 2.5 × 1 – 1.3 mm, slightly enlarged at throat, glabrous outside and pubescent inside on throat; upper lip erect, triangular to ovate, 2.5 – 3.5 × 2 – 2.2 mm, apex obcordate; lower lip orbicular to obovate, 4.5 – 5 × 5 – 5.5 mm, 3 - lobed at apex; lobes imbricate, apex rounded or obtuse. Stamens exserted; filaments 2 mm long, declinate, white, basally hirsute; anther thecae slightly superposed, equal, elliptic, c. 0.8 mm long, purplish with pale brown shades, upper theca dorsally hirsute, lower theca glabrous; appendage white, c. 0.5 mm long, apex acute or rounded. Ovary ellipsoid, 1 – 1.2 × 0.4 – 0.6 mm, pale green, densely pubescent throughout; style slender, 3.5 – 4 mm long, whitish, hairy in lower half; stigma slightly bifid; nectariferous disc c. 0.5 mm long, pale green, margins undulate. Capsule oblong, 3.5 – 4 × 1 – 1.2 mm, apex acute, pale brown, pubescent at apex and along margins. Seeds 4, reniform to orbicular, compressed, 1 – 1.2 × 1 mm, brownish; testa rugulose. Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from July to December; fruiting in January. Habitat: Grows in humus-rich soil, on moist rocks, along the margins of paddy fields and streams at an elevation of 450 to 1100 m. Distribution: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari district, Samalkota, 29.04.1913, s. coll. s. n.; Ibid., 07.01.1917, s. coll. 14024; Ibid., 19.12.1924, G. V. Narayanan 81943 (MH); Prakasam district, Diguvametta, Nallamalais, 18.11.1969, J. L. Ellis 38489 (CAL); Visakhapatnam district, Araku Valley near stream, 23.08.1960, N. P. Balakrishnan 10748; Srungavarpukota, 22.10.1964, G. V. Subba Rao 21824 (MH); Warangal district, Western side of Pakhal Lake, 08.08.1961, K. M. Sebastine 13131 (CAL). Karnataka, Kodagu district, Madhapur- Mercara road, 08.10.1961, s. coll. 74985 (CAL); Mysore district, Siligiri Rangan hills, 07.09.1978, S. R. Ramesh 2605 (CAL). Kerala, Kollam district, Mannarappara, 15.11.1976, M. Chandrabose 49069 (MH); Ibid., 15.11.1970, M. Chandrabose 49069 (CAL); Palaruvi, 28.11.1961, K. N. Subramanian 77199 (FRC); Kottayam district, Muthuvara, s. d. Robi A. J. 06589 (CMPR); Palakkad district, Kunthipuzha bank, 16.01.1980, P. Bhargavan 65504 (CAL); Silent valley R. F., 11.12.1980, N. C. Nair 69549 (CAL); Thiruvananthapuram district, Bonacaud, 09.10.1973, J. Joseph 44644 (MH); Ibid., 22.12.1987, N. Mohanan 9096 (CALI); Ibid., 17.05.1988, N. Mohanan 9894 (CALI); Kulathupuzha range, Velayankala coup 10, 14.09.1984, K. R. Sasidhararn 10482 (FRC); Ponmudi, 18.05.1973, M. Mohanan 54873 (MH); Ibid., 09.11.2018, P. Soumya, Resmi & P. Sunojkumar 138573 (CALI); Wayanad district, Baveli, Begur R. F., 22.06.1979, V. S Ramachandran 62723 (CAL); Nadavayal, s. d., P. Soumya, Drisya, A. K. Pradeep & P. Sunojkumar 145302 (CALI). Conservation status: Due to its wide distribution, this species is assessed here as Least Concern (LC). Notes: This species is often mistaken with another annual species Justicia vahliana Schult., based on the similarities in the leaf shape and size. However, J. quinqueangularis J. Koenig ex Roxb. can be distinguished from it by its dense cylindrical spikes (vs. less congested spike), a 5 - lobed calyx with the fifth lobe much reduced (vs. four lobed), linear to narrowly lanceolate bracts and bracteoles (vs. ovate) with widely scarious margins (vs. narrow scarious). The species exhibits considerable variability in its vegetative characters, with plants in wet and dry habitats often looking different. Its habit varies from small decumbent herb to erect subshrub and the leaves are linear to lanceolate, occasionally elliptic to narrowly oblong. Annamma et al. (2016) described Justicia quinqueangularis var. kawalii Annamma & Venu from the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana, differentiating it from other varieties based on characteristics such as cylindrical spikes with flowers of the same size on successive nodes. However, upon further investigation and comparison with different populations from Peninsular India, it was observed that the characteristics used to describe the new variety were inconsistent and varied within individuals of the same population and between populations. Consequently, this variety is treated as a new synonym of J. quinqueangularis in the present study. We also treat Justicia peploides (Nees) T. Anderson as a synonym of J. quinqueangularis. It was originally described as Rostellaria peploides Nees (Nees von Esenbeck, 1832). Anderson (1867) transferred it to Justicia as J. peploides. Subsequently, Clarke (1885) noticed that J. peploides is morphologically similar to J. quinqueangularis and reduced it as a variety under the latter based on its diffuse branched stem with oblong or ovate leaves and shorter spikes. In the present study we confirmed that the oblong to ovate leaf with short spike falls within the variation range represented by Justicia quinqueangularis. However, taxon is still treated as a distinct species in some major floras (Stewart, 1972; Malik & Ghafoor, 1988; Graham, 1988; Deng, 2020). The morphological variation in J. quinqueangularis primarily pertains to its habit, leaves and inflorescences, with plant size and inflorescences ranging from small to large and leaf shape from linear to lanceolate or elliptic to narrowly oblong. Occasionally, bracts and bracteoles may also exhibit slight variations in shape from linear or narrowly oblong to lanceolate.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2443FF9CD7EE2E4EFBC321A3.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from November to February; fruiting from March to April. Habitat: This species is distributed on the margins of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, along Ghat roadsides and riverbanks at elevations between 550 and 1500 m. Distribution: South India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Bellary district, s. d., Law s. n. (CAL); Chikkamagaluru district, Kemmannugundi, 26.03.1964, R. S. Raghavan 37216 (CAL); Dakshina Kannada district, Shirady Ghat near border, 27.12.1978, P. Prakesh & S. B. Manohar 5523; Someshwar village, 04.02.1980, N. Rameswara Rao 122 (CAL); Hassan district, Yettinahala, 27.01.1971, T. P. Ramamoorthy 1346 (CAL); Kodagu district, Coorg, 04.02.1976, B. C. Banerjee 11553; Ibid., Attic estate, 26.01.1976, B. C. Banerjee 11342 (CAL); Mysore district, s. loc., 01.02.1906, A. Meebold 8502 (CAL); Shimoga district, Agumbe, 05.02.1961, R. S Raghavan s. n. (CAL); Jog falls, 17.01.2018, P. Soumya, V. S. Hareesh, Adithya & P. Sunojkumar 138503 (CALI); Kodachadri range, 07.03.1979, B. R. Ramesh & K. R. Kesava murthy 6164 (CAL). Kerala, Ernakulam district, Thundathil range, Bhoothathankettu, 12.02.1970, B. V. Shetty 33487 (MH); Idukki district, Kanchiyar, 17.02.1982, C. N. Mohanan 73328 (MH); Ibid., 23.02.1983, C. N. Mohanan 77953 (CAL, MH); Kulamavu, 14.12.1982, C. N. Mohanan 76054 (CAL, MH); Ibid., 07.11.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138521 (CALI); Malappara to Thanipara, 15.03.2009, P. S. Udayan et al. 05730 (CMPR); Manaloda, 22.02.1994, Jomy Augustine 13358 (CALI); Meenmutty, 18.02.1982, V. S. Raju 71252 (CAL, MH); Meenmutty to Kulamavu, 25.01.1983, A. G. Pandurangan 76627; Ibid., 25.01.1983, A. G. Pandurangan 76632 (CAL); Ibid., 25.02.1984, A. G. Pandurangan 78085 (CAL, MH); Painavu, 28.04.1984, C. N. Mohanan 81655 (MH); Valara R. F., 07.02.1984, K. Ramamurthy 80898 (MH); Kannur district, Ambayathode, 15.12.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 65227 (CAL); Chanthanathode, 14.02.1978, V. S. Ramachandran 53957; Ibid., 22.02.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 60100 (MH); Kollam district, Way to Plappally, 23.02.1979, C. N. Mohanan 61181 (CAL, MH); Kottayam district, Erumeli, 23.12.1978, C. N. Mohanan 59616 (CAL, MH); Malappuram district, Nilambur, Thalichola, 03.01.1981, Philip Mathew 25662 (CALI); Ibid., 04.02.1982, Philip Mathew 33929 (CALI); Palakkad district, Dhoni hills, 27.03.1910, C. E. C. Fischer 1838 (CAL, FRC); Karappara river, 16.04.1914, E. Vajravelu 48969 (CAL, MH); Ibid., 01.03.1975, E. Vajravelu 46119 (MH); Mannarkkad, Koodam, Muthikkulam, 03.02.2009, K. A. Anilkumar 3814; Ibid., Kuruvampadi, 14.01.2007, K. A. Anilkumar 2711 (CMPR); Olavakkot range, Muthikulam, 24.03.1976, K. N. Subramanian 5810 (FRC); Silent valley, Cheriya Walakkad, 21.12.1969, E. Vajravelu 33218 (MH); Ibid., 08.04.1978, N. C. Nair 56656 (CAL, MH); Ibid., 11.01.1979, E. Vajravelu 59112 (CAL, MH); Ibid., 04.02.1982, T. Sabu 10044 (CALI); Pathanamthitta district, Plappally, 27.02.1985, N. Anilkumar 519 (MH); Thrissur district, Chimmini, 21.03.1988, K. Ramamurthy 66243 (CAL, MH); Vellarimala, 06.02.1985, N. Sasidharan 3389 (CALI); Thiruvananthapuram district, Ponmudi, 08.03.1980, M. Mohanan 66611 (MH); Ibid., Upper sanatorium area, 03.02.1986, K. N. Subramanian, B. Gurudev Singh & N. Venkatasubramanian 11719 (FRC); Wayanad district, Adivaram, 22.07.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138526; Puthumala, 08.04.2001, M. K. Ratheesh Narayanan 2548 (CALI); Wayanad Ghat region, 01.1989, s. coll. s. n.; Ibid., 21.01.1903, C. A. Barber 5677 (MH); s. loc., 13.01.1894, T. F. Bourdillon 30 (CAL). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Anamalai, 10.03.1961, J. Joseph 12310; Anamalai waterfall estate, 24.03.1969, R. Maruthan 31752; Ibid., s. d., Beddome s. n.; Karian shola, 15.03.1931, V. Narayanaswami 5343; Ibid., 25.02.1942, S. R. Raju 86373 (MH); Karian shola top slip, 11.03.1958, K. Subramanyam 5561 (CAL, MH); Ibid., 06.03.1978, K. N. Subramanian 7155 (FRC); Sanjeevi hill, 14.02.1957, K. M. Sebastine 2309 (CAL, MH); Sholaiyar Dam side, 28.12.1963, K. Ramamurthy 18155; Ibid., 30.3.1965, K. Ramamurthy 22887; Yanaikundhi shola, 29.01.1962, J. Joseph 13818 (MH); Dindigul district, Thandikudi, 27.04.1965, K. Ramamurthy 23495 (MH); Nilgiris district, Devala Rockwood forest, 23.11.1972, E. Vajravelu 43457 (MH); Nadukani Ghat road, s. d., P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 145338 (CALI); Tirunelveli district, 1858, Beddome 25 (CAL); Vellore district, Kilandur, 21.03.1964, R. S. Raghavan 37044 (CAL); Virudhunagar district, Sethur hills, 07.03.1981, S. R. Srinasan 68023 (CAL, MH). Conservation status: In Peninsular India, this species is found in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu with good population in many districts. Currently, the species is classified as Least Concern (LC), following the IUCN criteria (2022).	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2448FF9DD46C2C2CFAAD23E2.taxon	description	Annual herbs or subshrubs, up to 1.5 m tall; stems erect, cylindrical, dichotomously branched; branches stout, green, striate, pubescent; internodes 2.5 – 11 cm long. Leaves petiolate; laminae cordate to widely ovate or widely elliptic, 7 – 10 × 4 – 6.5 cm, base rounded to cuneate, margins entire or undulate, apex acuminate, chartaceous, glabrous on both surfaces; veins prominent, secondary veins 4 – 7 pairs, venation simple craspedodromous; petioles 1 – 7 cm long, densely pubescent. Inflorescence terminal or axillary dichasial cymes, up to 18 cm long; peduncles slender, 3 – 9 cm long with divaricately dichotomous branches, densely pubescent with glandular hairs. Flowers pedicellate, 0.85 – 1 × 0.37 – 0.45 cm; pedicel 0.5 – 1.5 cm long, glandular; bracts small, ovate to triangular, 1 – 1.5 × 0.4 – 0.6 mm, apex acute, scabrous, greenish, densely pubescent; bracteoles two, similar to bracts. Calyx deeply 5 - lobed, 3.5 – 4 × 1 – 1.25 mm at anthesis, accrescent, 4.5 – 5 × 1.25 – 1.5 mm in fruits, greenish; lobes lanceolate to linear, equal, apex acute, scabrous, densely pubescent. Corolla creamy white with purple striations on lower lip, densely hirsute outside, glabrous inside except in the throat; tube cylindrical, 2.7 – 3.25 × 1.75 – 2 mm, slightly enlarged in throat; upper lip erect, ovate to triangular, 4 – 4.5 × 2.5 – 3 mm, apex obtuse or acute, hooded; lower lip 3 - lobed, lobes unequal, middle lobe ovate to triangular, 5 – 6 × 2.5 – 3 mm, apex acute; lateral lobes oblong to elliptic, 4 – 5 × 1.5 – 2 mm, recurved, apex acute to rounded. Stamens exserted; filaments c. 3 mm long, declinate, white, basally hirsute; anther thecae superposed, equal, elliptic, c. 1 × c. 0.5 mm, purplish with yellowish shade, upper theca dorsally hirsute, lower theca glabrous; appendage white, c. 6 mm long, apex forked. Ovary ellipsoid to oblong, c. 1.3 × 0.6 mm, pale green, glabrous; style filiform, 5 – 6 mm high, whitish, hirsute in lower half; stigma bifid; nectariferous disc c. 0.5 mm high, pale green. Capsule clavate to oblong with concentric grooves in middle, 12 – 15 × 3.5 – 4 mm, apex cuspidate or acute; basal half sterile, narrow, brown, densely pubescent. Seeds 4, reniform to sub-orbicular, 2.75 – 3 × 3 – 3.3 mm, pale or dark brown; testa echinate. Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from September to March; fruiting in April. Habitat: Grows in moist deciduous forests, near waterfalls, along riverbanks and stream sides, along forest margins at elevations between 275 and 875 m. Distribution: Tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, tropical Asia and India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Vishakhapatnam district, Marripakala, 26.05.1966, G. V. Subba Rao 27418 (MH); Kurnool district, Ahobilum upper side, 22.11.1969, J. L. Ellis 32588; Gajulapalle, 08.11.1906, C. A. Barber 8067 (MH). Karnataka, Bellary district, Sanduru, 08.1901, s. coll. s. n (MH); Mysore district, St. Philomena college, 10.03.1964, K. M Sebastine 18722 (MH). Kerala, Idukki district, Chinnar riverside, 05.04.2016, P. Soumya, Dilsha & P. Sunojkumar 145388; Ibid., 13.05.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138516 (CALI). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Aliyar submergible area, 24.07.1962, K. M. Sebastine 1456; Ibid., 29.11.1962, K. M. Sebastine 15347; Kuridimalai, 04.12.1956, K. Subramanyam 1603; Ibid., 23.02.1957, K. Subramanyam 2438; Marudhamalai, 11.03.1917, s. coll. 14731; Ibid., 13.09.1956, K. M. Sebastine 723; Ibid., 28.09.1956, K. M. Sebastine 882 (MH); Sadivayal, Adivaram Experimental plot, 13.02.1964, K. N. Subramanian 1113 (FRC); Siruvani, 28.08.1960, A. N. Henry 503 (MH); Ibid., 19.01.1982, K. N. Subramanian 7760 (FRC); Valankulam, 31.01.1965, M. Chandrabose 28704; Waterfalls estate, 10.07.1961, J. Joseph 12805 (MH); Dharmapuri district, Buddireddipatti, 20.12.1913, s. coll. 9710; Hogenakkal forest, 19.07.1964, E. Vajravelu 20711; Ibid., 25.11.1964, E. Vajravelu 21936 (MH); Krishnagiri district, Rayakottai, 27.12.1916, s. coll. 13923 (MH); Madurai district, Gavigundumalai, 21.02.1958, K. Subramanyam 5393; s. loc., s. d., Beddome s. n. (MH); Nilgiris district, Kunjapanai slopes, 07.11.1970, E. Vajravelu 36766 (MH); Ramanathapuram district, Ayyanarkovil, 24.02.1979, N. C. Nair 61421 (MH); Theni district, Suranganur waterfalls, 23.06.1959, K. Subramanyam 8173; Vannathiparai, 18.11.1975, K. Vivekananthan 46711 (MH); Villupuram district, Gingee, Pakkamalai R. F., 21.01.1978, K. Ramamurthy 52882 (MH). Conservation status: The species is primarily found in Tamil Nadu but also occurs in a few places in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Considering its occurrence in such a wide area, the species is categorized as Least Concern (LC). Notes: Justicia scandens can be easily distinguished from other species of Peninsular India by its unique dichasial cymose inflorescence with glandular hairs and cordate to ovate leaves with an apiculate apex.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A244BFF99D7EE297BFDA1205F.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from October to March, fruiting not seen. Habitat: Dense evergreen forest at an elevation of 50 m. Distribution: Southern Western Ghats. Specimens examined: INDIA, Kerala, Ernakulam district, Kuttampuzha forest range, Knacherry, 04.01.2014, C. N. Sunil 6181 (SNMH); Thundathil forest range, Bhuthathankettu, 29.12.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 138599; Ibid., 17.02.2018, P. Soumya, Nikhil, K. & P. Sunojkumar s. n. (CALI); Ibid., 14.10.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157529; s. loc., s. d., s. coll. 08406 (CMPR). Conservation status: The species is currently known from only two nearby localities in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. In the Bhuthathankettu area, we found about 15 mature individuals scattered over 30 – 50 m 2. According to Sunil et al. (2015), the second Knacherry locality contained very few plants in a 10 m 2 area and these have now disappeared due to various anthropogenic activities, especially forest clearance to create jungle paths for tourist access. The AOO calculated is less than 10 km 2. Therefore, the species is categorized as Critically Endangered (CR) B 2 ab (ii, iii, iv, v), D. Notes: Justicia sivadasanii can be distinguished from other species of Justicia in Peninsular India by its narrow inflorescence with uniquely secund spikes.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A244DFF80D7EE2E02FEF92583.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from November to April; fruiting in May. Habitat: In deciduous forests, in dry open places along roadsides, in sandy soil among grasses at an elevation of 200 m. Distribution: India and Sri Lanka. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool district, Sikharam, way to Srisailam, 15.12.1967, K. N. Subramanian 3279 (FRC); Visakhapatnam district, Simhachalam, 06.05.1964, G. V. Subba Rao 19362 (MH); West Godavari district, Polavaram, 27.04.1900, s. coll. 1490 (MH). Karnataka, Bengaluru district, 02.0.1988, Cameroon 148 (MH); Chamarajanagar district, Gundalpet, 27.08.1964, B. D. Naithani 21256 (MH). Kerala, Palakkad district, Mannarkkad, Agali, 14.09.2007, K. A. Anilkumar 2127 (CMPR); Thiruvananthapuram district, Kovalam, 31.07.1977, A. N. Henry 49484; Veli, 07.03.1978, M. Mohanan 54605; Ibid., 22.05.1978, M. Mohanan 54882 (MH). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Aliyar Submergile area, 24.07.1962, K. M. Sebastine 14584 (MH); BSI campus 05.03.2018, P. Soumya, Jiji & P. Sunojkumar 145392; Ibid., 17.03.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 151818; Ibid., near fields, 19.01.2019, P. Soumya, Drisya & P. Sunojkumar 157556 (CALI); Chinnathadagam-Thekkumalali, 03.07.1956, K. M. Sebastine 68; Ibid., 09.07.1956, K. M. Sebastine 180 (MH); College nursery, S. F. R. C. estate, 23.09.1967, K. N. Subramanian 2803 (FRC); Disllery road, 03.05.1964, M. Chandrabose 28443 (MH); Forest college estate, 03.12.1962, K. N. Subramanian 358 (FRC); Kuridimalai, slopes, 10.07.1956, K. Subramanyan 237; Melmuduthurai, 25.09.1962, E. Vajravelu & S. Pritamal 14743; Nellimalai R. F., 23.05.1962, K. Ramamurthy 14086; Noyyal riverside, 01.07.1968, M. Chandrabose 30278; Selvapuram coconut garden, 01.06.1968, M. Chandrabose 29948; Sundakkamuthur, 14.06.1968, D. B. Deb 30229; Varapalayam, foot of Lampton peak, 27.04.1956, K. Subramanyam 16 (MH); Varapalayam roadside, 06.07.1956, K. Subramanyam 101 (MH); Ibid., 25.7.1956, K. Subramanyan 396 (MH); Dharmapuri district, Adhiyaman Kottai old temple, 15.07.1978, E. Vajravelu 57810 (MH); Harur, Veppampatti R. F., 14.11.1977, E. Vajravelu 51835 (MH); Hogenakkal roadsides, E. Vajravelu 20713 (MH); Dindigul district, Sirumalai, 22.02.1979, N. C. Nair 61078 (MH); Erode district, Dimbam-Bannari road, 21.09.2009, P. Satyanarayana 125132 (MH); Sathy Taluk, Hassanur-Dhimbam Ghat road, 25.01.1987, N. Venkatasubramanian 205 (FRC); Kallakurichi district, Thirukoilure, 11.09.1977, K. Ramanath 51167 (MH); Kanchipuram district, Palur, 14.06.1907, C. A. Barber 8331 (MH); Kanyakumari district, Cape Comorin, 21.12.1993, s. coll. s. n. (MH); Karur district, Pallapatti, 07.02.1983, K. Ramamurthy 77400 (MH); Krishnagiri district, Hosur Cattle farm, 09.06.1930, V. Narayana Swamy 30330 (MH); Madurai district, Alagar temple, 14.06.1957, K. Subramanyam 3488 (MH); Nagapattinam district, Point Calimere near railway station, 15.08.1960, K. M. Srebastine 10711 (MH); Nilgiris district, Kunjapanai slopes, 10.08.1970, E. Vajravelu 35273; Vagapanai, 05.11.1970, E. Vajravelu 36701; Panaimadal, 20.07.1977, R. Ansari 49921 (MH); Pudukottai district, Sastha Kovil, 23.07.1989, S. R. Srinivasan 90210 (MH); Sittannavasal, 24.06.1965, K. Ramamurthy 24926 (MH); Puttalam district, Kudiramalai, 27.11.1961, K. M. Sebastine 13658; Ibid., s. d., D. Daniel & R. Raju 20465 (MH); Ramanathapuram district, Kamutnakudi, 16.11.1989, V. Balasubramanyam 2257 (MH); Tenkasi district, Chellupuli, Vasudevanallur R. F., 22.03.1970, E. Vajravelu 33958; Courtallam, 07.1901, C. A. Barber 3419; Ibid., 13.09.1915, s. coll. 12084; Ibid., 26.04.1957, K. Subramanyam 2942 (MH); Thanjavur district, Adirampattinam, 22.05.1978, V. J. Nair 57041 (MH); Theni district, Genguvarpatti, 18.06.1961, K. M. Sebastine 12639 (MH); Thiruvarur district, Muttupet, 20.05.1978, V. J. Nair 56566 (MH); Thirupattur district, Kandili, 23.01.1986, M. B. Viswanathan 955 (MH); Tiruchirappalli district, Pachamalai, 06.08.1958, K. M. Sebastine 6154 (MH); Villupuram district, Gingee R. F., 09.08.1961, K. Ramamurthy 13063 (MH). Telangana, Warangal district, Rampet, 20.11.1957, N. K. Divagaran 94205 (MH). Conservation status: The species is found in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana states. Due to its widespread distribution across various localities, this species is considered at present as Least Concern (LC). Notes: Justicia tranquebariensis can be distinguished from its closely similar species J. glauca, by a combination of characters; annual herbaceous (vs. perennial shrubs), dense white tomentose hairs on the stem (vs. pubescent), orbicular to obovate or spathulate leaves (vs. ovate to elliptic, rarely orbicular) and emarginate or rounded apex (vs. acute or obtuse).	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A244DFF80D7EE2E02FEF92583.taxon	description	Annual herbs, up to 30 cm tall. Stem decumbent, dichotomously branched, stout with basal rootstock; branches slender, spreading, striate, glabrous to puberulous; internodes 1.3 – 6 cm long, green or purplish green. Leaves sessile; laminae elliptic to oblong, 1.5 – 5 × 0.7 – 1.5 cm, base cuneate or obtuse, margins finely serrate, slightly undulate, folded inward, apex acute or obtuse, greyish green, glabrous; veins inconspicuous, secondary veins 3 – 5 pairs, venation weak brochidodromous. Inflorescence terminal or axillary spike, up to 7 cm long; peduncles short, c. 1 cm long. Flowers sessile, one per inflorescence node (not secund), 1.25 – 1.5 × 0.9 – 1.2 cm; bracts ovate to lanceolate, foliaceous, 0.7 – 1.5 × 0.4 – 0.7 cm, margins scarious and minutely serrulate, apex narrowly acute, 1 – 3 - veined, greenish or purplish green, glabrous; bracteoles 2, similar to bracts but slightly narrower. Calyx deeply 5 - lobed, 4 – 6.5 × 2.75 – 3.25 mm at anthesis, accrescent; lobes lanceolate to subulate, equal, pubescent outside with glandular and non-glandular hairs, margins scarious, ciliate, apex acuminate, greenish. Corolla creamy white with purplish striations on lips, pubescent outside, glabrous inside except in the throat; tube cylindrical, 4 – 5 mm long, slightly enlarged in throat; upper lip erect, ovate to elliptic, 6 – 7 × 3 – 5 mm, apex acute or slightly bifid, margin entire; lower lip obovate, 3 - lobed, spreading; middle lobe broadly oblong, 4 – 6 × 3 – 6 mm, apex rounded; lateral lobes oblong to elliptic, 3 – 6 × 2 – 3 mm, apex rounded to obtuse. Stamens exserted; filaments 2.5 – 4 mm long, white, glandular; anther thecae superposed, equal, elliptic, 1 – 2 mm long, purplish yellow, glabrous; appendage 1 mm long, apex pointed, white. Ovary elipsoid c. 2 × 1 mm, pale green, densely hirsute towards apex with glandular and non-glandular hairs; style slender, c. 1 cm long, whitish, hirsute in lower half; stigma slightly bifid; nectariferous disc c. 0.5 mm high. pale yellow, margins undulate. Capsule clavate, 1 – 1.3 × 0.35 – 0.4 cm, apex mucronate, pale brown, densely pubescent throughout, sterile base c. 3 – 4 mm high, flattened. Seeds 4, orbicular or sub-orbicular, 2.5 – 3 × 2.5 – 2.8 mm, brownish; testa densely tuberculate. Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from November to March; fruiting from April to May. Habitat: This species is found along forest borders, in open grassland and tea plantations, on roadsides, along railway tracks at elevations between 450 – 2286 m. Distribution: Peninsular India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Kadapa district, Sesachalam hills, 13.03.1921, C. E. C. Fischer 4619 (CAL). Karnataka, Bagalkot district, Badami, 15.09.1979, S. R. Ramesh & B. R. Ramesh 9289 (CAL); Bangalore district, September 1910, A. Meeblod 11351; Solur, 13.06.1978, J. Saldhanha & N. S. Ravindra 1299 (CAL); Chamarajanagar district, Bandipur road side, 29.01.1965, B. D. Naithani 23241 (MH); Shimoga district, Kavaledurga, 17.03.1919, R. S. Raghavan 96939 (CAL). Kerala, Kannur district, Brahmagiri, 05.03.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 62127 (CAL, MH); Kurumathur near Taliparamba, 11.03.1915, s. coll., 11933 (MH); Kasaragod district, Peradala, 07.05.1982, V. J. Nair 71032 (CAL, MH); Kottayam district, Kangazha, 27.09.1984, V. T. Antony 801 (MH); Malappuram district, Kottakal CMPRI, s. d., P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157534 (CALI); Palakkad district, Muthuthala, 22.04.2014, Prabhu kumar, K. M. 07791 (CMPR); Olipara, 17.04.1917, E. Vajravelu 48986 (MH); Parambikulam-Vazhachal, 18.04.1977, K. Ramamurthy 49370 (CAL, MH); Walayar near railway station, 22.05.1964, E. Vajravelu 19035 (MH); Thrissur district, Machad mountain, 07.04.1977, K. Ramamurthy 49249 (CAL, MH); Wayanad district, Pakshipathalam, 14.2.1987, R. T. Balakrishnan 42796 (CAL); Ibid., 19.04.1993, A. Nazarudeen 16772 (TBGT); Thirunelly to Pakshipathalam, 18.11.2005, P. S. Udayan et al. 03834; Ibid., 25.03.2009, P. S. Udayan et al. 05805 (CMPR). Maharashtra, Sindhudurg district, Chafeli, Pulas jungle, 12.02.1970, B. G. Kulkarni 120035; Phondaghat, 24.10.1969, B. G. Kulkarni 119072 (BSI). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Karianshola top, 12.03.1970, Anis A. Ansari 1198 (CAL); Navakkarai bamboo felling coupe number 1, compartment 13, Coimbatore central forest division, 14.05.1971, K. N. Subramanian 4196 (FRC); Sadivayal, on the roadside near bamboo experimental plot, 03.02.1964, K. N. Subramanian 1025 (FRC); Velliangiri 7 th hill top, 27.04.1969, S. Karthikeyan & M. Chandrabose 31828 (MH); Erode district, Arepalayam, 13.06.1922, s. coll,. s. n., (MH); Nilgiris district, Naduvattam, 18.03.1987, M. A. Lawson s. n., (MH); Ootacamund, June 1883, J. S. Gamble 11828 (CAL); Ibid., 05.1913, P. F. Fyson 2485 (FRC); Ooty, Caion hills, 24.04.1916, C. E. C. Fischer 3962 (CAL, FRC); Ibid., s. d., s. coll., 39151 (MH); Pykara falls, June 1884, G. S. Gamble 14238 (CAL); Ibid., 26.05.1900, s. coll. s. n.; Ibid., 00.06.1900, s. coll. s. n. (MH); on grassland near Pykara lake, 19.03.2017, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 145343; Ibid., 24.04.2018, P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 145379 (CALI). Peninsula Indiae Orientalis, s. d., Herb. Wight 2262 (CAL). Conservation status: Examining specimens across various herbaria, in conjunction with our field data, we found that J. trinervia is distributed widely in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and a few localities in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Hence this species is considered under Least Concern (LC) (IUCN, 2022). Notes: Careful analysis of the protologue, types and specimens of J. nilgherrensis enable us to confirm that the character differences attributed to this taxon are identical to that of J. trinervia. Both are annual herbs with woody rootstock, decumbent stems, short branches, narrow leaves, small inflorescences and share other floral features. In their natural habitat, they grow mainly in open grassland of the Nilgiris. Hence, we treat J. nilgherrensis as a new synonym of J. trinervia. Justicia tamilnadensis P. Raja & Soosairaj is a species recently described by Raja et al. (2023) based on collections from the Poosathurai, Tamil Nadu. According to the authors it is allied to Justicia salsoloides but could be distinguished by “ its herbaceous, slender, purplish-green, glabrous, angled stem; elliptic-oblong, glabrous, sub-sessile leaves; corolla pubescent within and sub-terete capsule ”. After examining the type specimen deposited at MH, we realized that J. tamilnadensis is identical to J. trinervia. Except for the echinate seed, all of the characters stated in the protologue overlap with those of J. trinervia. A lso, both taxa share common characters like prostrate herbs with woody root stock; stem angled, branches slender, green or purplish green, glabrous; leaves sessile, elliptic to oblong, base cuneate or obtuse, apex obtuse to acute, glabrous; spike within 7 cm long; peduncles within 1 cm long; corolla creamy white with purple striations. In October 2023, the first author visited Poosathurai, the type locality of J. tamilnadensis three times, but no such specimen could be seen but an extensive populations of J. tranquebariensis. As a result, we concluded that the authors might have, by mistake, taken the seeds of J. tranquebariensis for observation or they might have mistaken the tuberculate structure of the seed for echinate (echinate character is seen in J. tranquebariensis in Peninsular Indian taxa). The type specimen of J. tamilnadensis is otherwise identical to the holotype of J. trinervia. Therefore, J. tamilnadensis is treated as a new synonym of J. trinervia. Typification: In the protologue of Adhatoda arenaria, Nees von Esenbeck (1832) mentioned three collections (Justicia spec. Herb. Madr. Wall. Cat. no. 2446 c, Justicia trinervia Wall. Cat. l. c., Justicia n. 48. Herb, Wight.) without a type designation. Thus, they are syntypes according to Art. 9.5 of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018). After an exhaustive search, we traced a single sheet at K with eight specimens mounted under two barcodes and having the name and Wall. Cat. number mentioned as in the protologue. Among these specimens the bottommost specimen is a different taxon (A. trinervia var. β). The specimens at the top (barcode K 001116049) and those in the middle (barcode K 001116048) are equally qualified as types and among these, we selected the topmost specimens having the number 2446 c and barcode K 001116049 as lectotype according to Art. 9.2, 9.11 & 9.12 of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018).	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2454FF82D7D72BCDFC682184.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering from August to December, fruiting in January. Habitat: In open dry habitats of deciduous forests, on plains and hill slopes at elevations between 350 and 1050 m. Distribution: Bangladesh, India, Pakisthan and Sri Lanka Specimens examined: INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Chittoor district, Kailasakona hill, 08.01.1976, G. V. Subba Rao 46990; Ibid., s. d., Ranga Charyulu 1733 (MH); East Godavari district, Amalapuram, 06.09.1988, K. Ravikuamr & R. Ganesan 88813 (MH); Mantur, 28.11.1962, C. A. Barber s. n. (CAL); Palagedda, 11.10.1972, G. V. Subba Rao 42535 (MH); Rampa, chodavaram to Maredumili, 25.10.1994, M. Mohanan 102649 (MH); Rampa, Devara konda, 12.10.1920, V. Narayanaswami 669; Rampa, Kota, 09.10.1920, V. Narayanaswami 547; Rampa hills, 25.10.1920, V. Narayanaswami 45 (CAL); Sukumari hills, February 1885, J. S. Gamble 15981 (CAL, MH); Guntur district, Bairani, Diguvametta beat, 09.12.1967, K. N. Subramanian 2930 (FRC); Koppukonda, 24.12.1967, G. V. SubbaRao 29638 (MH); Lankamala, Yerabetukonta, 15.11.1965, K. N. Subramanian 2410 (FRC); Kurnool district, Ahobilam, 29.08.1965, J. L. Ellis 25545; Chelama, 07.12.1963, J. L. Ellis 17944 (MH); Srisailam- Nallamalais, 12.07.1963, J. L. Ellis 16842 (CAL); Ibid., 12.07.1963, J. L. Ellis 16825; Ibid., 05.12.1969, J. L. Ellis 32698; Mahanandi, 23.08.1972, J. L. Ellis 42330 (MH); Nellore district, Balayapalle, 10.11.1962, J. L. Ellis 14993; Kakula Konda, 23.09.1937, K. C. Jacob 83335 (MH); Prakasam district, Diguvametta, 17.11.1969, J. L. Ellis 32452 (MH); Visakhapatnam district, Anjoda- Genji Gadda, 12.03.1965, G. V. Subba Rao 22608 (MH); Cherukonda, 28.08.1966, G. V. Subba Rao 28176; Cherukonda peak, 26.10.1972, G. V. Subba Rao 42737 (MH); Golugonda, 08.03.1915, K. M. Sebastine 11759; Pithapuram Reserve forest, 09.12.1923, K. C. Jacob 17110 (MH); Warangaldistrict, PukhalR. F., 28.11.1960, K. M. Sebastine 11654 (MH). Karnataka, Bagalkot district, Badami, 00.09.1910, A. Meeblod 11263 (CAL); Ibid., 07.10.2017, P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 138546 (CALI); Ibid., 24.08.2018, P. Soumya, Dilsha & P. Sunojkumar 157530 (CALI). Kerala, Kollam district, Punalur forest, Chozhiyakode, 29.02.1982, N. Venkatasubramanian 8390 (FRC); Maharastra, Puna district, Parvathi hills, 22.07.1960, M. Y. Ansari 64365. Tamil Nadu, Tiruvannamalai district, Tippukadu R. F., 30.06.1963, K. Ramamurthy 16622 (MH). Telangana, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Bhadrachalam forest, 27.08.1995, R. Chandrasekaran 104314; Parnasala forest, 28.09.1994, R. Chandrasekhara 102466 (MH); Hyderabad district, Secunderabad, Nagarjuna nagar, 13.12.1959, K. M. Sebastine 9742 (MH); Karimnagar district, Eklaspur, 30.12.1964, G. V. Subba Rao 22494 (MH). Peninsula Indiae Orientalis, Herb. Wight. Propr., 04.1837, Naggur hills, 2662 (CAL); Herb. Wight. Propr., 2257 (CAL). Conservation status: The species is provisionally assessed here as of Least Concern (LC) as per the IUCN (2022) guidelines. Notes: The name Justicia vahlii Roth was used for this taxon for a long time. However, it is a later homonym of J. vahlii F. Dietr, 1818, and therefore illegitimate under Art. 53.1 of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018). Mabberley et al. (2020) took J. vahliana, as a replacement name for the illegitimate J. vahlii and proposed a new combination Rostellularia vahliana (Schult.) Mabb., as he treated the genus Rostellularia as distinct. Although he also designated one of Rottler’s duplicates at herbarium C (C 10005022) as lectotype, lectotypification had already been carried out by Deng (2020) who designated C 10005023. In the Flora of West Pakistan, Stewart (1972) treated Justicia vahlii Roth as a new synonym of J. peploides with a reference to the Flora of Irania (Rechinger, 1966). Later in the Flora of Pan Himalaya, Deng (2020) treated J. vahlii as a new synonym of J. quingueangularis. Both treatments are not accepted here, as our field studies showed J. vahliana to be a distinct species though they may look similar in herbarium specimens. Justicia vahliana can easily be distinguished from J. quingueangularis by its stout stem with woody rootstock (vs. without woody rootstock), less congested spike (vs. dense spike), broad less scarious bracts and bracteoles (vs. narrow more scarious bract and bracteoles), four-lobed calyx (five-lobed calyx with fifth lobe much reduced), stamens with bearded upper thecae (vs. glabrous upper theca), clavate capsule with tuberculate seeds (vs. oblong capsule with rugulose seeds). Results of molecular phylogenetic studies strongly support the identity of J. vahliana as a separate entity (in prep.). At the same time, J. vahliana, grows in different environmental or altitudinal habitat, showing morphological variation in its stem size, branching pattern, leave shape and inflorescence length. This variation sometimes creates confusion among researchers leading to consider it as different variety. One such ecological variant is Rostellularia vahlii var. rupicola, described by Ellis (1969) based on collections from Nallamalais in the Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. It was differentiated from Rostellularia vahlii var. vahlii by the decumbent stem radiating from a stout, woody rootstock, sessile linear leaves, and sparse and large cystoliths on the leaves. We collected this taxon from its type locality and found that the differentiating characters mentioned by the author are not stable and overlaps with the characters shown by J. vahliana. So, we treat Rostellularia vahlii var. rupicola, as a new synonym of J. vahliana.	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
03D7879A2456FF8DD46C2FC9FB07266C.taxon	description	Flowering & fruiting: Flowering and fruiting from November to March; fruiting in April. Habitat: This species grows as undergrowth in moist deciduous and evergreen forests. It is common along forest margins and Ghat roadsides at an elevation of 225 – 1100 m. Distribution: Peninsular India. Specimens examined: INDIA, Karnataka, Shimoga district, Hulikal, 27.02.1962, R. S. Raghavan 77638 (CAL); Uttara Kannada district, Dandeli-Gund road, 09.02.1980, K. P. Sreenath & S. R. Ramesh 10822 (CAL). Kerala, Ernamkulam district, Thundathil Range, Bhoothathankettu, 12.02.1970, B. V. Shetty 33480 (MH); Ibid., 04.10.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 151870 (CALI); Idukki district, Mullakkudy, 10.01.1994, Jomy Augustine 13121; Kulamavu, 14.08.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 157530 (CALI); Kannur district, Aralam, 26.2.1979, V. S. Ramachandran 61920 (MH); Chembukavu to Kannoth R. F., 20.01.1979, V. J. Nair 59714 (CAL); Ibid., 20.01.1980, V. S. Ramachandran 58794 (CAL, MH); Ibid., s. d., V. S. Ramachandran 54058 (MH); Palakkad district, Dhoni hills, 19.01.1910, C. E. C. Fischer 1598 (CAL, FRC); s. loc., 28.04.1923, s. coll. 17304 (MH); Pottikkal forest, Mukkali, 12.01.1980, N. C. Nair 65409 (CAL); Pathanamthitta district, Konni, 20.12.1902, s. coll., 1319 (CAL); Malappuram district, Manjeri, 30.01.1984, Philip Mathew 34398 (CALI); Ibid., 24.02.1970, J. L. Ellis 33536 (MH); Nedumkayam, New Amarambalam, 23.01.2003, P. S. Udayan et al. 01268 (CMPR); Pathanamthitta district, Pamba, 22.01.1997, Jomy Augustine 17146 (CALI); Wayanad district, Ghat region, 22.09.2018, P. Soumya & P. Sunojkumar 151848; Puthoorvayal, 14.01.2000, Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 1195 (CALI); s. loc., s. d., Ratheesh Narayanan M. K. 0250 (MSSRF); Sulthan Bathery, 08.02.1964, J. L. Ellis 18599 (MH). Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district, Mount Stowest, 29.01.1962, J. Joseph 13805 (MH); Siruvani, 20.02.1957, K. Subramanyan 2389 (CAL, MH); Nilgiris district, Coonor Ghat side, 07.03.1870, s. coll., 10460 (CAL); Mudumalai, Benne-Pattavayal road, 09.03.1991, E. Vajravelu 96105 (MH); Naduvatttam to Pykara road, 24.04.2017, P. Soumya, Shinoj & P. Sunojkumar 145344 (CALI); Theni district, Kombai forest, 23.02.1978, M. Chandrabose 54245 (CAL); s. loc., s. d., C. E. C. Fischer 1598 (CAL); Vellore district, Kilandur, 21.03.1964, R. S. Raghavan 97048 (CAL). Conservation status: The species is widely distributed in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu and is treated as of Least Concern (LC). Typification: In the protologue of Gendarussa wynaadensis, Nees von Esenbeck (1832) cited Wallich’s nomen nudum “ Justicia wynaadensis ” (Wallich, 1830), and specimens studied by him (Justicia wynaadensis Herb. Heyn. Wall. Cat. n. 2474 and Herb. Wight ex parte. Wall. Cat. n. 2486 c. Justicia lineata Wall. Cat. n. 2486 c). Subsequently, Anderson (1867) transferred this species to Justicia (as J. wynaadensis (Nees) T. Anderson). While searching for the original material of J. wynaadensis, we located three sheets: two at K and one at GZU. Among these, two sheets (GZU 251578, K 001116152) have the annotation “ Justicia wynaadensis and herb. Heyne ”, while the third sheet (K 001116172) belongs to Wight’s collection and has the catalogue number Wall. Cat. 2486 c (as Justicia lineata Wall. Cat. 2486 c). All of these can be considered as syntypes according to Art. 9.6 of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018). Among them, the specimen at K (K 001116152) is selected here as the lectotype in accordance with articles 9.3 and 9.12 of the ICN (Turland et al., 2018).	en	P., Soumya, Y. F., Deng, S. S., Dash, Sunojkumar, P. (2023): A taxonomic revision of the genus JUStICIa (Acanthaceae) in Peninsular India. Rheedea 33 (4): 270-331, DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03, URL: https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2023.33.04.03
