A note on the identity, cytological characteristics, and an IUCN Red List assessment of the hitherto little-known species Athyrium aberrans (Athyriaceae) from India

The present communication provides a detailed taxonomic description, along with field photographs, line drawings, cytological characteristics, and an IUCN Red List assessment of the hitherto little-known species Athyrium aberrans Liang Zhang & Li Bing Zhang (Athyriaceae) from India. The species was previously known only from the Xizang China and its occurrence in the India confirmed based on the field explorations and examination of relevant herbarium specimens. Based on its known population and global distribution data, the species is reassessed as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This species is distinguished by its pinkish rachises and petioles, a bulbil on the rachis below the lamina apex, and sharply serrated pinnae margins. The present study highlights the taxonomic significance of A. aberrans and provides a basis for its further taxonomic and conservation evaluation.