Three new species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from southern Western Ghats, Kerala

Abstract

Three new species of Impatiens, Impatiens achudanandanii, I. danii, and I. shailajae, are described from Thiruvananthapuram and Idukki districts of Kerala state (SW-India). Impatiens achudanandanii is similar to I. courtallensis and I. herbicola; I. danii to I. goughii and I. shailajae is to I. minae and I. scapiflora. The newly described taxa are readily distinguished from their allied species by unique character combinations, viz. shape of lateral sepal, lower sepal, dorsal petal, seed and pollen morphology. Detailed descriptions along with illustrations and photographs are provided.