Extended distribution, key field notes, and morphological variations in endemic Garcinia dhanikhariensis S.K. Srivastava: a step towards domestication
摘要
Garcinia dhanikhariensis S.K. Srivastava is an endemic species of Clusiaceae family reported from the Andaman Islands, India. The species was first reported from a single locality in South Andaman in 1994 and thereafter, no further floristic reports on its distribution are available. Recent field surveys confirm the presence of this species in other parts of these islands and the present report provides the description of extended distribution of the species in other locations along with morphological description of each collection. Significant morphological variations were observed in fruit traits (length, width, weight, peel weight, peel thickness) and seed traits (number of mature/immature seeds per fruit, seed length, width, thickness, and weight). A collection with notably larger and heavier fruits was identified. Additionally, field notes and photographic documentation, presented here for the first time, will aid in conservation efforts in this endemic genetic resource from the tropical islands of India.