Taxonomic novelties in subgenus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from South India

Extensive floristic explorations throughout southern India have uncovered some noteworthy taxonomic additions within the subgenus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae). Three distinct taxa of Euphorbia are described and illustrated herein as E. sankarensis , E. bahalita and E. tortilis var. mysorensis . All three taxa are allied to Euphorbia tortilis and E. costatoalata in the twisting nature of stem, but differ in stem structure, cyathia, involucral glands, fruit, and seed characters. These taxa were delineated by morphological characters, field observations, and comparative analysis with allied species.