Resurrecting the type locality of Ceropegia odorata (Apocynaceae) after 175 years

Abstract

The type locality of the critically endangered Ceropegia odorata Nimmo ex J. Graham is resurrected after a lapse of about 175 years. A detailed description, distribution, habitat, IUCN threat status, and a nomenclatural note are provided along with a neotype designation. The main threat factors responsible for dwindling of populations of the species are discussed and measures are suggested to arrest the operative causal factors.

<b>Additional record and conservation measures of <I>Ceropegia odorata</I> Nimmo ex J. Graham from Gujarat State, India</b>

“…It was reported as a new record to the flora of Gujarat from only one locality (i.e., Pavagadh Hills in Panchmahal District) by Sabnis & Bedi (1971) and that is the only documented evidence about its occurrence in Gujarat; however, several explorations made from time to time by field botanists from different academic and research institutions (Punjani 1997;Patel 2003Patel , 2013Pandey 2011;Meena 2012;Parmar 2012;Desai 2013) could not re-collect this taxon from Pavagadh. Its occurrence in Pavagadh, therefore, was doubtful or the species may have become locally extinct from the state (Singh et al 2014). Hence, this is the first record of this species as a new distribution and range extension record to the flora of Gujarat.…”

“…Hence, this is the first record of this species as a new distribution and range extension record to the flora of Gujarat. The distribution records for the species is from Mount Abu in Rajasthan (Ansari 1984), Maharashtra (Jagtap et al 2004;Yadav & Kamble 2008;Singh et al 2014) and Madhya Pradesh (Mujaffar et al 2015). The distribution and current localities of Ceropegia odorata Nimmo ex J. Graham in India is depicted in Fig.…”