Abstract
Ceropegia hookeri C.B. Clarke ex Hook.f. is being reported for the first time from the Western Himalaya. This contribution marks rediscovery of this taxon after a gap of nearly 140 years. Present collection of this species from Munsyari block of Eastern Uttarakhand (India) also marks its westernmost range of its global distribution. Detailed morphological features of aerial and underground parts are given to aid field identification. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, we suggest that this species be assigned the status of Endangered (EN) category. Further, surveys of populations from Nepal and Tibet would be required to confirm this status. The study presented first ever record on the western-most distribution of Ceropegia hookeri, a species rare in occurrence. The information given in this paper may provide opportunities for conserving the species in its natural habitats through appropriate management interventions and hence, it may be useful not only for the floristics but also from the aspects of conservation.
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Acknowledgements
Financial support for this research is provided by UGC-New Delhi, under NET-JRF scheme. We are thankful to Head, Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital for providing laboratory facility. First author (KK) thankful to the Principal Govt. Degree College, Bhikiyasain and Director, Higher Education, Govt. of Uttarakhand, for facilities.
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Kishor, K., Rawat, G.S. & Samant, S.S. Ceropegia hookeri C.B. Clarke ex Hook.f. (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae), an Endangered species new record for the flora of Western Himalaya, India. Vegetos 36, 688–693 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-022-00427-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-022-00427-x