Pterocymbium tinctorium (Merrill, 1901) (Magnoliophyta: Malvales: Sterculiaceae: Sterculioideae): new record from mainland India and extension of geographic distribution

Abstract

We present a new record of the winged-boot tree (Pterocymbium tinctorium) discovered in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya on the Indian mainland. With this record, the known geographical distribution of P. tinctorium is now extended up to the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Southeast Asia. The species was recorded from the tropical moist deciduous forests of Meghalaya. The habitat of P. tinctorium was characterized by the presence of surface lime-stone with karst topography. Future investigations should aim at identifying the factors responsible for the restricted distribution of this species so that appropriate conservation measures can be taken.