Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), a new species from Kashmir Himalaya, India

Abstract

Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), is described here as a new species from the Kashmir Himalaya, India. The species is distinct from its closely allied species R. niveus in possessing pedately-pinnate leaves on primocanes, 7–9-foliate with an obovate terminal leaflet, inflorescence paniculiform, flower larger (13–20 mm diam.), sepals reflexed at or after anthesis, petals spreading and non-overlapping, nearly equal in length to the sepals, stamens shorter than petals as well as carpels, ovary glabrous with a few hairs only at apex and fruit comprising 1–4 drupelets. Detailed photographic illustrations and comparison of its diagnostic characters with the allied taxa are provided to aid accurate identification.