Psammogeton udhampurensis sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from the Western Himalaya (India)

Abstract

A new species of Psammogeton (Apiaceae) is described from the Western Himalaya, Jammu & Kashmir, India. The new taxon shows morphological affinity to P. biternatus and P. tyleri, but can be clearly distinguished by a combination of characters including peduncle length and articulation, bract morphology, number and markedly variable length of umbel rays, distinctly asymmetric umbels, number of flowers per umbellet, and schizocarp features. The species inhabits dry, hilly slopes at elevations of 800–1200 m a.s.l. A morphological description, diagnostic illustrations, and a comparative table with morphologically allied taxa are provided. Based on currently available data, the species appears to be narrowly endemic to the region and is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN criteria.