Clerodendrum-Rotheca-Volkameria Complex (Lamiaceae) in S. Western Ghat

"Clerodendrum-Rotheca-Volkameria Complex (Lamiaceae) in Southern Western Ghats: A Taxonomic approach". is a detailed revision of three genera (Clerodendrum L., Rotheca Raf.,& Volkameria L., in Southern Western Ghats. The study becomes relevant at a time when the taxonomic circumscription of the genus Clerodendrum has been altered at the light of molecular phylogenetic studies. Though some of the species of this complex have been studied by earlier workers, taxonomic studies pertaining to this complex in Southern Western Ghats have not been given much attention. Recent morphological and molecular studies shown that, many of the existing taxa were not in fact part of Clerodendrum s.s., instead falling within Rotheca and the newly resurrected genus Volkameria. The present study reveals there are 12 species of Clerodendrum, 2 species of Rotheca & 1 species of Volkameria exist in Southern Western Ghats. A detailed description of 15 taxa is prepared. Color photographs and illustration of 13 taxa are also given here. For each species after the correct name, basionyms, synonyms and details of type specimens are also included.