Parthenocissus renukae, a new species of Vitaceae from South India

Abstract

A new species of Vitaceae from Kerala, India, Parthenocissus renukae Anto & Pradeep is described and illustrated.The species resembles P. semicordata Planch. and Cissus aristata Blume in certain morphological characters.It differs from P.semicordata in having simple leaves clothed with T-shaped hairs on its abaxial surface, shorter (upto 8cm) petioles, 8-branched tendrils, umbellate inflorescences and tomentose petals.It also differs from C.aristata in having pads at tendril tips, 8-branched tendrils and T-shaped hairs on the abaxial leaf surface. The species is known from the type locality, Mangad and Peruvanmala in Thrissur district of Kerala.