Research AbstractArtocarpus hirsutus Lam. is an endemic tree species of the southern Western Ghats of Peninsular India. It is popularly known as the 'wild jack tree". Several attributes in art, culture and socio-economic civilization among the folk communities in Kerala state (Malabar coast) distinguish the tree in the history of Indian civilization. Most of the traditional uses and indigenous know-how earlier referred to this species are vanishing. This article discusses various aspects of the popular wild jack tree of the Malabar coast and its vanishing indigenous biocultural diversity among the folk communities of the region.

A new species of Syzygium, S. palodense is described and illustrated from the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. It is similar to S. densiflorum and S. rubicundum but differs from both by the slightly winged branchlets, subopposite or alternate leaves with obliquely cuneate bases, thick and robust petioles, creamy-white flowers with campanulate calices and subglobose to obovoid fruits.

A new species of Syzygium, S. chemunjianum is described and illustrated from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. It is similar to S. tamilnadensis but differs from it in habit, colour and nature of blaze, shape of leaves, number of intramarginal nerves, position of inflorescence, the colour, size and shape of fruits and size of seeds.

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This paper provides a comprehensive taxonomic account of the genus Eugenia L. occurring in India. A total of 25 species and two varieties have been enumerated, of which 21 taxa are endemic to the Western Ghats. Eugenia macrosepala, an endemic species of the Western Ghats is reinstated here. Each species is provided with a short description, well known synonyms, types, distribution and phenology. An identification key is also provided.

Garcinia pushpangadaniana, a new species of Garcinia from the southern part of the Western Ghats, India, is described, discussed and illustrated. This species is allied to Garcinia xanthochyma.

A new species of Eugenia L. (Myrtcaeae), viz. E. kalamii, is described and illustrated from the Western Ghats of India. It is morphologically allied to E. mooniana Wight, (Indo-Sri Lankan species) and E. wynadensis Bedd., (endemic species of southern Western Ghats).

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