Strobilanthes sharavathiensis (Acanthaceae), a new species from Ambaragudda, a high‐altitude shola grassland, central Western Ghats, Karnataka, India

Strobilanthes sharavathiensis , a newly discovered species from the high‐altitude shola grasslands of the Sharavathi river basin in the central Western Ghats, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, this species is closely allied to Strobilanthes jomyi , particularly in its pendulous spike inflorescence, exerted stamens and glandular hairs near the capsule apex. However, it is distinct in having smaller leaves, crenate‐margined bracts, distinctive longer hairs on each bract notch, shorter inflorescence, a non‐villous peduncle during the fruiting stage, black dots on the calyx and the unique colouration of bracts. It is also similar to Strobilanthes ixiocephala in its echinulate, spheroidal pollen, but differs in its pendulous inflorescence, exerted stamens, and non‐viscid bracts . The pollen morphology is considered as a critical diagnostic feature for describing this new species. Comprehensive notes on its taxonomy, ecology, conservation status and distinguishing characters in comparison with similar species are also provided.