| Atriplex pseudotatarica Sukhor. & Nidhan Singh, in Sukhorukov, Singh, Kushunina, Zaika et Sennikov, 2023. |
Abstract
A new subshrubby C4-species from the lowlands and foothills of India, Pakistan and SE Afghanistan, Atriplex pseudotatarica, is described and illustrated. Previously, it was incorrectly identified as A. crassifolia auct. non C.A.Mey. belonging to a distant C3-group of the genus. A phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS and nrETS revealed its position as sister to A. schugnanica (sect. Obionopsis). Both species share aphyllous inflorescence and smooth bract-like cover, but differ in life form, leaves, seed colour, and geographical distribution. We revised native Indian Atriplex species and excluded some of them from the flora of the country. An improved checklist of the native Atriplex species in India with their corrected synonymy and nomenclature is given, and a new diagnostic key is provided.
Key words: Atriplex, Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Indian subcontinent, new species
| Atriplex pseudotatarica. A an overview of the plant B a twig with the inflorescence C a vegetative shoot D a shoot at fruiting. Origin of the material A Haryana, near Asan Khurd village, Nov 2022 B Haryana, near Asan Kalan village, Nov 2022 C Haryana, near Asan Kalan village, Aug 2022 D Haryana, near Panipat town, Oct 2014. Photographer: A, B A. Sukhorukov, C, D N. Singh. |
Atriplex pseudotatarica Sukhor. & Nidhan Singh, sp. nov.
Etymology: The specific epithet is chosen due to the resemblance of the new species to A. tatarica L., which also has long aphyllous inflorescences.
Alexander P. Sukhorukov, Nidhan Singh, Maria Kushunina, Maxim A. Zaika and Alexander N. Sennikov. 2023. A New Species of Atriplex (Amaranthaceae) from the Indian Subcontinent. PhytoKeys. 229: 167-183. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.229.105162