Globba yadaviana Y. Ritu & V. Gowda, 2024

Yadav, Ritu & Gowda, Vinita, 2024, Six new species of Globba L. (Zingiberales, Zingiberaceae) from the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, PhytoKeys 246, pp. 197-228 : 197-228

Globba yadaviana Y. Ritu & V. Gowda sp. nov.

Fig. 12

Type.

India. Mizoram: Mamit district, Reiek Tlang road , 23.6777, 92.6037, elevation 300 m, 28 September 2022, Y. Ritu & P. A. Shangreiphao VG 2022 MZ 3958 (holotype: BHPL!; isotype: ASSAM!) .

Diagnosis.

Globba yadaviana is morphologically similar to G. rahmanii , G. expansa and G. lancangensis but clearly different in pod shape fruit (Fig. 12 I ), absence of andromonoecy, reduced peduncle, large inflorescence, short calyx vs. oblong, globose ellipsoid fruit, presence of andromonoecy, large peduncle, small inflorescence, and large calyx.

Description.

Lithophytic herbs, 35–70 cm tall including inflorescence height, pseudostem swollen at the base. Rhizomes compact, non-tuberulous, creamish-white. Leafy shoot with 5–10 leaves; sheath ligulate, ligule 4–5 mm long, bilobed, light green, sparsely pubescent; lamina 26–35 × 6.5–11 cm, sessile, narrowly ovate, base obtuse, apex caudate, margin entire, glabrous. Inflorescence terminal to the leafy shoot, 6–35 cm long, erect; peduncle reduced, light green, glabrous; rachis, green, pubescent; bracts 2.3–2.5 × 0.7–0.8 mm, elliptic, green, pubescent and bracteoles 2.5–2.6 × 1–1.3 mm, ovate, light green, glabrous. Cincinni 5–39, each cincinni with 7–18 flowers. Floral pedicel for basal flowers 2.5–4 cm long, for terminal flowers 0.6 – 1.5 cm long, light green, pubescent. Flowers 3–3.6 cm long, yellow-orange, recurved; calyx 2–2.5 mm long, grayish green; floral tube 3.2 mm long, yellow, densely pubescent, slightly curved at the middle; dorsal corolla lobe 6.8 × 2.6–2.8 mm, ovate, yellow tinged green, glabrous; lateral corolla lobes 4.8–4.9 × 2.2 mm, ovate, apex obtuse, yellow green tinged, glabrous; labellum 11.5 × 3 mm, sagittate, yellow, labellum notch texture echinate; lateral staminodes 14–15 × 5.5–5.6 mm, ovate, apex acute, yellow, hairs on margins and on veins. Stamen 2.2 cm long; filament 2 cm long, yellow, glabrous, arching; anther 1.9–2 mm long, elliptic, apex truncate, yellow, crest absent, appendaged; style, filiform, tip broader than base, stigma 4–5 mm wide, clavate, ciliate. Ovary 0.4–0.5 × 0.2–0.3 cm, obovate, pale green, verrucose; epigynous glands 2, 0.4–0.5 cm long, linear, cream. Fruit 1.5 cm in length, linear, base obtuse, green, texture undulate, calyx persistent. Bulbils absent.

Distribution and ecology.

At present, we have seen this species in Reiek Tlang road, Mamit, Mizoram. We have observed ca. 30 individuals in an overall area of ca. 400 m 2. This species is lithophytic, mostly growing along the edge of roads with an elevation of ca. 300 m. We have observed different species of bees and butterflies visiting the flowers of this species. We have observed ants as seed dispersal for this species.

Phenology.

Flowering and fruiting were observed in the month of August.

Etymology.

This species epithet is in the memory of the late Mr. Rajesh Yadav, who was the father of the first author and was instrumental in the author’s progress in science and education.

Informal conservation status.

This species is currently known from 4–5 small populations across Reiek-Tlang road (Mamit district) within the state of Mizoram, wherein each population is spread across 1–2 km along the edge of the road and has approximately 30 individuals each. Although this species is known only from the type locality, it could be more widespread in neighboring countries with similar habitats, we, therefore, assess it as Data Deficient ( DD).

Specimens of allied species examined.

G. rahmanii : Bangladesh. Khagrachari: Dighinala- Marissha road, Teentila, 30 August 1997, Rahman et al., 1878 ( HCU)

G. expansa : India. Assam: Jenkins F, Jenkins, F s. n. ( L 0487987), 1 May 1908, Alleizette AC d’, Alleizette, AC d’ 7115 ( L 0488012), 1 July 1909, Alleizette AC d’. Alleizette AC d’ s. n. ( L 0487993), 12 June 1910 ( E 00097428), Tea Deputation ( NYBG 04355596). West Bengal: Hortus Botanicus Calcuttensis, 22.559 N, 88.291 E, Anon 6536 E ( BM 013718590), Circa Calcuttam, J. W. Helfer 192 ( NYBG 04355597). Thailand. Chiang Mai: Mae Rim, 19.166 N, 98.833 E, elevation 700 m, 8 August 1990, J. F. Maxwell 89-912 ( L 0413531), Mua ng, 18.833 N, 98.883 E, elevation 400 m, 3 July 1992, J. F. Maxwell 90-847 ( L 0413571), Maerim, 19.166 N, 98.833 E, elevation 700 m, 15 September 1995, J. F. Maxwell 92-358 ( L 0413518), Doi Intanon, 18.533 N, 98.566 E, elevation 1100-1200 m, 17 May 1995, Larsen K; Larsen SS; Tange C; Sookchaloem D, 46485 ( L 0413547), Sahngahmpang, Mae Awn, elevation 1050 m, 31 May 2006, J. F. Maxwell 95-403 ( L 0413491), Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, elevation 960 m, A. F. G. Kerr ( E 00097516), 18.55 N, 98.6 E, elevation 710 m, 19 September 2008, 4513 ( E 00533779), 18.855 N, 100.734 E, elevation 300 m, 16 August 2012, 5614 ( E 00680827), Fleuve Petchaponai, Pierre, L. (P 00234360), Neeckey près Wangka, elevation 150 m, 9 May 1946, Hoed, G. den 246 (P 00234428), elevation 10 km W Fang, 19.95 N, 99.183 E, elevation 600 m, 24 July 968, Larsen, K. Santisuk, T. Warncke, E. 2650 (P 00234440), Bo Luang, 18.75 N, 98.416 E, elevation 1050 m, 12 June 1973, Geesink, R. Phanichapol, D. Santisuk, T. 5886 (P 00234419), Mai Rim, Nae Rin, Doi Sutop Pui Natl. Park, elevation 700 m, 3 July 1992, J. F. Maxwell 92-356 (P 00234313), Doi Suthep, elevation 975.36 m, 12 June 1910, 1214 ( BM 013718611), Ang-ka-noi, 26 June 1978, C. Phengklai, 4121 ( NYBG 04347253). Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Khammouan: Laos P. D. R., 18.394 N, 103.075 E, elevation 199 m, Newman MF; Thomas PI; Armstrong KE; Lamxay V; Sengdala K LAO- 1529 ( L 0811897), Laos, 14.949 N, 106.886 E, elevation 105 m, 15 July 2009, VL 1957 ( E 00640106), Phabat, 18.3944 N, 103.0758 E, elevation 199 m, 31 May 2006, Newman, M. F., Thomas, P., Armstrong, K., Lamxay, V., Sengdala, K. LAO 1529 (P 01743264), Luang Prabang, Mekong river, 19.8669 N, 102.0630 E, elevation 303 m, 12 June 2012, Jana Leong-Skornickova; Tran Huu Dang; Ota Sida; Kittisack Phoutthavong; Somdy Oudomsack JLS 1688 (P 00840173). Cambodia. Mondulkiri: 13.429 N, 103.763 E, elevation 491 m, 2 November 2006, Long, C. Cheng, K. C. Leti, M. CL 435 (P 00626289)

G. lancangensis : China. 22.061 N, 100.194 E, elevation 1210 m, 14 July 2000, 00-253 ( E 00187763), 22.543 N, 99.943 E, elevation 1080 m, 13 July 2000, 00-241 ( E 00187762).

Taxonomic notes.

The new species is similar to three species in flower color, and presence of four anther appendages. This species is different from G. rahmanii in its large inflorescence 6–35 cm (vs. 8–19 cm), small calyx 2–2.5 mm (vs. 3.5–5 mm), large ovary 3.5–3.7 mm (vs. 1 mm) and dorsal corolla lobes with a keel (vs. without a keel). This species is different from G. lancangensis and G. expansa in its inflorescence length 6–35 cm (vs. 10–27 cm), small calyx 2–2.5 mm (vs. 4 mm), absence of anther crest (vs. present), and pod shape fruit (vs. globose and ellipsoid). The detailed morphological comparisons between G. yadaviana and G. rahmanii , G. lancangensis , G. expansa are presented in Table 4 .

Notes.

G. rahmanii is distributed to Bangladesh, G. lancangensis is distributed to China, and G. expansa is distributed to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia (Fig. 13 ).

Taxonomic key to the Indian Globba species 1 Prominent bracts; anther appendages present 2 – Not prominent bracts; anther appendages absent 12 2 Bracts large imbricating then spreading; 4 anther appendages 3 – Bracts small not imbricating; 2 anther appendages 7 3 Pendant inflorescence; red spot at the center of labellum 4 – Erect inflorescence; red spot absent at the center of labellum 5 4 Leaves elliptic or ovate / narrowly ovate; inflorescence bracts oblong; green G. schomburgkii – Leaves elliptic; inflorescence bract narrowly ovate; white G. sherwoodiana 5 Bracts persistent; ovate; bulbils present G. marantina – Bracts deciduous; bulbils absent 6 6 Leaves oblong; inflorescence short (<5 cm); cincinni lax with few flowers G. pauciflora – Leaves narrowly ovate; inflorescence long (6–35 cm); cincinni crowded with numerous flowers G. yadaviana 7 Inflorescence pendent; lateral staminodes attached below labellum 8 – Inflorescence erect; lateral staminodes attached above labellum 9 8 Leaves oblong; bulbils absent G. bracteolata – Leaves narrowly ovate; bulbils present G. pendula 9 Flowering precedes the onset of vegetative shoot 10 – Flowering occurs on vegetative shoot 11 10 Bracteole light pink; flowers generally white; labellum yellow G. spathulata – Bracteole light green; flowers yellow; labellum yellow G. wengeri 11 Leaves narrowly ovate; bracts ovate; purple; floral tube yellow; lateral staminodes facing upwards G. radicalis – Leaves cardio-acuminate; bracts elliptic; violet; floral tube reddish purple; lateral staminodes facing downwards G. wardii 12 Ovary long (> 0.3 cm); bulbils present 13 – Ovary small (<0.3 cm); bulbils absent 22 13 Inflorescence bracts persistent; flower bracteole present 14 – Inflorescence bracts caducous or absent; flower bracteole absent 15 14 Flower yellow; lateral staminodes erect; backwardly positioned G. kanchigandhii – Flower white; lateral staminodes not erect; downward positioned G. andersonii 15 Inflorescence short (<12 cm); latera staminodes short (<0.5 cm) cornicula present 16 – Inflorescence long (> 12 cm); lateral staminodes long (> 0.5 cm); cornicula absent 18 16 Labellum obcuneate; labellum saffron yellow with 2 red blotches G. multiflora – Labellum not obcuneate; labellum without red blotch 17 17 Ligule 3 mm; labellum ovate; lateral staminodes narrowly ovate G. tyrnaensis – Ligule 1 mm; labellum cordate; lateral staminodes ovate G. janakiae 18 Fruit smooth; bulbils only in the axil of leaves; lateral staminodes longer than corolla lobes G. macroclada – Fruit warted; bulbils produced on the inflorescence; lateral staminodes equal to corolla lobes 19 19 Calyx brown; floral tube yellow with a tinge of brown; bulbils produced on the upper part of inflorescence G. clarkei – Calyx not brown; floral tube yellow; bulbils produced all over the inflorescence 20 20 Inflorescence crowded; leaves oblong; labellum narrowly obovate with outwards curled; lateral staminodes longer than corolla lobes G. sessiliflora – Inflorescence lax leaves not oblong; labellum not narrowly obovate with outwards curled; lateral staminodes equal to corolla lobes 21 21 Inflorescence long (> 10 cm); calyx dark purple; flower yellow G. racemosa – Inflorescence up to 6.5 cm; calyx yellow, flower orange yellow G. orixensis 22 Ligule with unequal lobes; labellum sagittate; off-white with orange spot at center G. paschimbengalensis – Ligule with equal lobes; labellum linear; orange with no orange spot in center G. polymorpha

One species, G. platystachya , is not included in the above taxonomic key since anther characters were not described in its protologue, and anther characters are very critical for subgeneric classification in Globba . To the best of our knowledge there has been no subsequent record of this species. Since the description of this species is incomplete, we did not include it in this dichotomous key.

A note on the taxonomic collection challenges in the ecologically sensitive Eastern Himalayas and northeast region of India, and recommendations:

In the past few decades, the Eastern Himalayas and the Northeast India are two biodiversity-rich regions that have been constantly threatened by rapid development projects. The effects of ecological destruction caused in this region need special mention and attention because these regions are among the least explored areas in India for their flora, fauna, ecology, and evolutionary patterns, and they remain one of the most challenging regions for collection-based studies, both logistically and politically. Based on our decade-long experience of working in this region, we discuss below two main challenges in collection-based floristic and taxonomic studies: 1) access to study areas and associated logistic challenges, and 2) safety in the field.

1) Access to study areas — The only mode of transportation within Northeast India is by road, with a single rail line that connects Guwahati (Meghalaya) to Tinsukia (Arunachal Pradesh). The roadways within Northeast states are well-connected, but they are difficult to traverse due to poor road quality, and unpredictable landslides that can completely isolate large parts of this region for an indefinite time (Fig. 14 ). Lastly, the lack of frequent public transportation means that fieldwork can only be carried out using privately hired vehicles, which significantly increases fieldwork budgets.

One of the forest types that is challenging to access in the northeastern states is the sacred groves (Fig. 14 E ). Sacred groves cover over 40000 hectares of natural forest area across five states ( Upadhyay et al. 2019) and they represent a valuable practice in conserving biodiversity, where local communities preserve a specific site untouched out of reverence for religious or cultural reasons. This conservation method is essential in protecting threatened flora and fauna from extinction as well as preserving socio-ecologically important species. While it is possible to access most sacred groves via research permits from the indigenous guardian communities, collecting samples within the groves is restricted. This presents a significant challenge in identifying species from these sacred groves since voucher collections from these locations are prohibited.

Other logistic challenges include scarcity of paid accommodations and access to basic amenities such as electricity for drying herbarium specimens. The high humidity in this region makes it difficult to dry specimens, especially in areas like Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, where rainfall can reach up to 450 inches (11430 mm). Finally, the absence of a continuous electrical power source also means that charging of field equipment such as cameras, GPS devices, power banks, and mobile phones becomes challenging here.

2) Safety in the field — The safety of researchers has been a major concern in the northeastern states due to the combination of natural disasters and political conflicts. This region shares political boundaries with five countries, making it a politically sensitive area, especially in regions closer to the political borders.

The Northeast states are biodiversity corridors between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia ( Ashokan et al. 2022, Prasanna et al. 2020). With the region’s needs to focus on development, it is very critical to take active measures in documenting the biodiversity present in this area. Our discovery of six new species highlights the importance of documenting and preserving the flora of this biodiverse region. Here, we have briefly discussed the research challenges in this region to highlight and emphasize the need for an active dialogue towards building local facilities for taxonomic studies such as botanical gardens, herbaria, and tissue collections. Based on our studies in the northeast region we suggest that a collective effort from local communities, researchers, taxonomists, forestry personnel, and policymakers are the need of the hour in order to mitigate biodiversity loss in this region.

Figures

Figure 12. Globba yadaviana sp. nov. A habitat B habit C rhizome D ligule E inflorescence F flower (front view) G flower (side view) H dissected flower, cl (corolla lobes), an (anther), ls (lateral staminodes), la (labellum) I fruit. Photographs by Y. Ritu.

Figure 13. Map showing the distribution of G. expansa, G. lancangensis, G. yadaviana sp. nov., and G. rahmanii.

Figure 14. Images depicting common logistic hurdles in field collections when working in the Northeast states of India A Willong Road, Manipur B mining in Cherrapunji road, Meghalaya C forest clearing, on the way to Thanamir, Nagaland D stone cutting Ziro road, Arunachal Pradesh E Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Meghalaya F roadblock because of a landslide in Lachen, Northern Sikkim. Photographs A, D by Ajith Ashokan B by N S Prasanna C by Aleena Xavier E, F by Y. Ritu.