Dendrophthoe annamalayana S. Akash, K. Manikandan and A. Rajesh sp. nov. (Loranthaceae), a New Species from Tamil Nadu, India

Dendrophthoe annamalayana S. Akash, K. Manikandan, and A. Rajesh sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu. The species is closely allied to Dendrophthoe falcata. However, it can be easily distinguished by its opposite decussate, opposite-subopposite and alternate leaves, which are lanceolate and elliptic-lanceolate, cuneate, measuring 8–10 × 1.5–2 cm, with entire and undulate margins and a yellow border. The bract is reniform; the calyx is 1.5–2 mm long; and the buds are greenish-golden yellow. The corolla tube is split equally on all sides, with linear-oblanceolate lobes having acuminate apices and a dark green colouration on both surfaces. The filaments are greenish-golden yellow; the anthers are oblanceolate with obtuse apices and brown in colour; the ovary is cylindrical; and the fruit is elongated ovoid. A comparison table, detailed morphological description, and colour photograph are provided. According to IUCN guidelines 2024, version 16, the conservation status of the recorded species is Data Deficient (DD).