On the Occurrence of Solena umbellata (Cucurbitaceae) in Eastern India: A Range Extension from the Western Ghats to Odisha with Detailed Taxonomic Report

Solena umbellata (J.G.Klein ex Willd.) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes, previously known from the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka, is here reported for the first time from Eastern India. During a recent floristic exploration of Odisha, the species was collected from the Bisra Range, Rourkela Forest Division in Sundargarh district. A thorough review of published literature and herbarium specimens confirmed this as a new distributional record for Eastern India. This paper provides a detailed taxonomic description, notes on habitat, phenology, associated species, and colour photographs to facilitate accurate identification and future field recognition.