Rediscovery of Cayratia Pedata (Lam.) Gagnep. Var. Glabra Gamble (Vitaceae), A Steno-Endemic And Endangered Climber

The documentation of ethnopharmacobotanical informations of herbaceous plants in Thiashola (Thaishola in Tamil), Manjoor, Nilgiris South Division, Western Ghats was undertaken with necessary permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai and the District Forest Officer, Ooty under Section 28 (i) of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, during 2009 and 2010. However, while working on the ethnobotanical survey in evergreen forest of Thiashola, we rediscovered Cayratia pedata (Lam.) Gagnep. var. glabra Gamble at the altitude between 1800 and 2200 m above mean sea level, the type locality, after a gap of 57 years. Before this, Cayratia pedata var. glabra had not been reported from Thiashola. The present study deals the full description; photograph and note on its taxonomy are provided. Current threat status has also been assessed based on the recent botanical explorations.