A new subspecies of Ficus L. (Moraceae) from North Andaman Island, India.

Abstract

Ficus pellucidopunctata subsp. obpyriformis is described and illustrated from the North Andaman Island of India. The new taxon resembles Ficus pellucidopunctata in punctale leaf, leaf shape and venation, but differs with the typical species by its longer and obpyriform fig, (verses ellipsoid); scaly minute (ca. 2 mm) basal bracts that do not cover the base of the fig (verses larger (ca. 6 mm) basal bracts that cover the base of the fig); fig orange to dark brown (verses green to yellow); branches terete (verses. angular). Ficus pellucidopunctata subsp. obpyriformis seeds germinated and saplings were planted and are growing in the Dharmavana Nature Ark (DNA), Bhongir, Telangana as part of the DNAs exsitu conservation programme.