Polycarpaea malranica (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from the Indian savannahs

Summary We describe a new species, Polycarpaea malranica , from a global biodiversity darkspot in tropical India. Polycarpaea malranica can be distinguished from its allied species P. corymbosa by the presence of trifid stipules, bifid ovate bracts, smaller flowers, dimorphic sepals, oval-elliptic petals and shorter filaments, and can be distinguished from a recently described species, P. borae, by the presence of bracteoles, petals with translucent margins, longer filaments and ovoid-spherical ovary. In this article, we provide detailed notes on its habitat, ecology, distribution, threats and conservation status. Our findings suggest that the widespread P. corymbosa in India should be recognised as a species complex in need of further systematic investigation. Finally, our discovery highlights the time-sensitive need to recognise and address biodiversity knowledge shortfalls in the Indian savannahs.