Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from Morinda citrifolia (noni) leaf fibers were explored as sustainable, biodegradable reinforcement agents in organic–inorganic nanocomposites, with a focus on catalytic applications. This study investigates the suitability of noni leaf fibers as a sustainable source for cellulose nanocrystal production (CNCs). The fibers underwent a sequential treatment process involving dewaxing, alkaline delignification, KMnO4– oxalic acid bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. Each stage of the …

Strobilanthes Blume consists of approximately 350 species, chiefly distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Asia but extending to the Pacific islands. Approximately 150 species of Strobilanthes are reported from India and, among them, around 70 species are restricted to South India. In the course of a floristic survey in the Megamalai Hills of Tamilnadu in 2016–2017, we collected a remarkable specimen of Strobilanthes, which was characterized by having viscous uninterrupted spikes with a subventricose…

The genus Hedychium J. Konig in south India is revised based on field investigations and herbarium analysis. Seven species and one variety are recognised, along with H. flavum J. Konig found to be new distributional record. A brief history of the taxonomy of south Indian Hedychium along with diagnostic morphological characters are discussed. Photographs and details of distribution and conservation status are also presented. A comprehensive identification key to the species and variety is provided. The name H. flav…

Endopogon versicolor Wight, previously treated as a synonym of Strobilanthes cuspidata (Benth.) T. Anderson, is reinstated as a distinct species and a new name S. benthamii B. Mani, Sinj. Thomas, Britto, A.K. Pradeep, Y.F. Deng & E.S.S. Kumar is necessarily proposed here. It differs from S. cuspidata by the stem and leaf indumentum, bract/calyx length ratio, corolla shape, pollen morphology, etc. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, pollen morphology and comparison with similar species are provided.

Two new species, Begonia bracteolata and Begonia keralensis, are described from the Western Ghats of India. They are placed in the newly created Begonia sect. Flocciferae, along with B. albo-coccinea Hook. and B. floccifera Bedd. Lectotypes are designated for three names within this section. Colour photoplates, illustrations and an identification key to Begonia sect. Flocciferae are also provided.