Calamus arborescens (Arecaceae): an addition to the flora of India from West Bengal

Abstract

A new species of Calamus L., C. himalayanus is proposed here based on the specimens collected from the lower hills of Darjeeling Himalaya, India. The new species has morphologically close affinity with Calamus flagellum Griff. ex Walp. but can be clearly distinguished by its habit of smaller size, thicker stem diameter with sheath, all uniform flat spines on leaf sheath, ocrea surface without spines, conspicuous glabrous knee, much longer flagellate inflorescence, relatively small fruits; scale rows number. Taxonomic description, photograph, illustration and comparison with closely related species are provided.