Pteris madhusoodananii (Pteridaceae), a new fern species from India

Pteris madhusoodananii sp. nov. (Pteridaceae), from the Kolli hills of Eastern Ghats, India, is described. The new taxon is morphologically distinct, characterized by a unique lamina texture and coloration, specific pinna‐pinnule architecture and distinct spore micromorphology. We provide a comprehensive taxonomic treatment with gross morphology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of spores and molecular phylogeny to establish its affinities. To further support the taxonomic status of P. madhusoodananii , a phenetic study using multivariate analysis of 20 quantitative variables, resulting in principal component analysis (PCA) biplot that demonstrates clear separation from allied species. Given its narrow endemicity and restricted area of occupancy (AOO), the species is preliminarily assessed as ‘Critically Endangered' (CR) according to the IUCN Red List Category. This discovery emphasizes the high conservation value of the Eastern Ghats and underscores the necessity for continued floristic exploration in this understudied region.