Taxonomic Novelties in Campanulaceae: A New Species of Adenophora From India

ABSTRACT Intensive botanical exploration in the Eastern Himalaya continues to reveal previously overlooked taxonomic diversity within complex plant lineages. During floristic surveys conducted in Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, a distinct population of Adenophora was discovered in high‐altitude habitats. Detailed study of living specimens, herbarium collections, and relevant taxonomic literature confirmed that this taxon does not resemble any previously described species. Accordingly, Adenophora indica sp. nov. is formally described and illustrated based on critical vegetative and reproductive characters. It is distinguished by narrowly lanceolate to linear‐lanceolate leaves with entire, smooth margins that are plane to slightly revolute. Flowers large, tubular‐campanulate, white to creamy white, and possess a clearly exserted style; pedicels long and slender; capsules pendulous. Comparative morphological analyses with allied Himalayan and East Asian species A. liliifolia , A. liliifolioides , A. linearifolia , A. capillaris , A. stenanthina , and A. himalayana support its recognition as a distinct species. An identification key and comparative table are provided for accurate identification. Species is currently known only from its type locality, where it occurs in moist, shaded temperate habitats, indicating a highly restricted distribution. Due to limited data, it is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.