Revision of the Genus Rubia L. in India and Adjoining Regions

The present revision of the genus Rubia L. (Rubiaceae) is based on the specimens located in Indian herbaria. The area under consideration covers India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the latter three being represented only partially. 13 taxa in 9 species 2 varieties and 2 forms are treated in detail. One species R. aitchisonii Deb et Malick and one form R. cordifolia L. var. cordifolia f. strigosa Deb et Malick are added to science, while the status of R. infundibularis Hemsl. & Lace is reduced to R. albicaulis Boiss. var. stenophylla Boiss. f. infundibularis (Hemsl. & Lace) Deb et Malick. Lectotypes of 5 taxa and neotype of one taxon are designated. A key to the species is presented. In the present study the species described are grouped in two sections distinguished by the pinnate and palmate venations of the leaf. The form of the leaf and presence or absence of petiole are considered as taxonomic characters in subdividing the sections.