New distribution record of Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. (Magnoliopsida: Apiales: Araliaceae) from India

Authors

  • Balasiewdor Kharsyntiew Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796004, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1557-0809
  • H.T. Lalmuankima Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796004, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6037-2457
  • Vijay Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Center, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1676-0657
  • Poonam Sharma Department of Zoology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh 484886, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1999-7309
  • Rambir Singh Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796004, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3895-3005

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10451.18.7.29345-29349

Keywords:

Aizawl, botanical exploration, conservation, habitat, Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Mizoram, protologue, taxonomy

Abstract

A floristic survey conducted in July 2024 in Aizawl district of Mizoram, led to the collection of unidentified species of Hydrocotyle. Detailed morphological examination, comparison with taxonomic literature and consultation of herbarium specimens confirmed its identity as Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. This is first specimen based, taxonomically confirmed record of H. bonariensis from India. This species is a perennial prostate herb widely distributed throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is well adapted to sandy, moist habitats including coastal dunes, estuaries, and ponds. Herbarium specimens were prepared following standard taxonomic procedures and submitted at the Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong. Morphological characters, habitat and specimen details are provided to facilitate accurate identification. This discovery highlights the floristic richness of northeast India and reinforces the importance of systematic botanical surveys in underexplored habitats.

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Published

26-07-2026

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Short Communications