Rubus treutleri Hook.f.: A New Distribution Record and Range Extension to the Eastern Ghats, India
Sanjeet Kumar
Biodiversity and Conservation Laboratory, Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
Rajkumari Supriya Devi *
Biodiversity and Conservation Laboratory, Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
Sweta Mishra
Biodiversity and Conservation Laboratory, Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
Subhalakshmi Rout
Biodiversity and Conservation Laboratory, Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rubus treutleri Hook.f. (Rosaceae) is a Himalayan bramble previously known from high-elevation regions of northern India and neighbouring countries. During recent floristic explorations in the Deomali Hills of the Koraput district, Odisha, India, authors observed a population of R. treutleri above 1400 m above sea level. To our knowledge, this represents the first confirmed record of the species from Odisha state and a notable southward range extension beyond its previously documented Himalayan distribution. Based on freshly collected plant material, authors provided an updated taxonomic description, notes on diagnostic characters, habitat and phenology, and an illustration of the herbarium specimen. The occurrence of R. treutleri in the Deomali Hills highlights the biogeographical affinities between Himalayan and Eastern Ghats floras and underlines the importance of continued botanical surveys in under-explored montane ecosystems of eastern India.
Keywords: Rubus, Deomali Hills, Koraput, new distribution