Lepidagathis konkanensis sp. nov. (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) from Lateritic Plateaus of Konkan Region of Western Ghats based on morphological and molecular evidence

Lepidagathis konkanensis , a new species from the lateritic plateaus of the Konkan region in Maharashtra, India, is described and illustrated based on distinct morphological and molecular characters. Morphologically and phylogenetically, this species is close to L. mahakassapae and L. dalzelliana , but it can be distinguished by its compact inflorescence, oblanceolate leaves, bilabiate yellow corolla, elliptic‐lanceolate bracteoles with three nerves, shorter style and smaller seeds. In addition, the longer branch length observed in the phylogenetic tree further supports the presence of molecular divergence. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and color plates of field photographs and floral part micrographs are provided to aid in precise identification. The IUCN conservation status has also been assessed to emphasize the need for conservation measures.