The moderately species-rich aroid genus Typhonium in Araceae family is widely distributed across tropical to subtropical Asia. As the northwestern distribution border of the genus, Nepal stands out as an important area for studying the diversity of Typhonium.
When researchers carried out filed survey in the tropical forests of Eastern Nepal, they encountered a population of small aroids with 2–5 hastate to trilobate leaves and a pinkish-brown inflorescence. After having detailed morphological examinations, they confirmed that it represented a new aroid species endemic to Nepal.
They named it as Typhonium morangense based on the locality of its discovery, the Morang district of Eastern Nepal. The new species was published in PhytoKeys.
Typhonium morangense is a seasonally dormant small herb, reaching10–24 cm tall. It is morphologically closely related to T. inopinatum but can be distinguished from the latter by having smaller habit, globose bulbils on top of petiole and leaves. It has a sessile appendix. Its thick, sickle-shaped staminodes staminodes are half curved downwards. Its ovary is white and the stigma is pink. Its spathe is grayish pink outside and reddish purple inside.
The new species grows under the canopy of dense Shorea robusta forest at about 150 meters above the sea level. It prefers moist shady floors under the dense canopy of forest.
According to the researchers, Typhonium morangense is the second species of Typhonium observed in Nepal, and the only one endemic to the country. It has been recorded only from its type locality, where it forms patchy stands of approximately 150 individuals. However, it is highly likely to be present in similar nearby habitats.
The researchers provisionally designated its conservation status as “Data Deficient” (DD), following the IUCN standards.
“The new species is considered endemic to Nepal, but further research is necessary to confirm its distribution range, particularly the potential occurrence in India. Special attention should be given to critically studying specimens with globose bulbils,” said Rijan Ojha, a Nepalese student studying in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
Typhonium morangense (Image by Rijan Ojha)
Typhonium morangense (Image by Rijan Ojha)
Available online: 8 February 2025
