Cylindrocolea devendrae Manju & P.P.Nishida (Cephaloziellaceae), a new leafy liverwort species from virgin low-elevation sacred groves in Kerala, India

Abstract

A bryological survey in the virgin low-elevation sacred groves of Kerala, India, revealed the occurrence of a new liverwort species, named here as Cylindrocolea devendrae Manju & P.P.Nishida (Cephaloziellaceae). It is distinct in its radially symmetrical stem, thin-walled cortical cells, absence of underleaves, 3-lobed subentire perianth mouth, 4- or 5-lobed bracts, and seta with 12 outer and 9 inner rows of longitudinal cells. The new species is described, illustrated and discussed.