The present monograph on Indian Leucas R.Br. (Dronapushpi) deals with 50 taxa (40 species and 10 varieties). Besides adopting correct valid names for the Indian plants and providing almost complete synonymy, the description provided is based on personal observations of the author on the specimens obtained from different parts of the country. Phenological data along with ecological notes have been provided to almost all taxa. Distributional information about the taxa in the world and in India have also been provided for each taxon along with the centers of speciation. Important findings of other workers on phytochemistry, embryology, cytology, anatomy, palynology, organogenesis, morphology etc have been used to supplement the description based on morphological characters and as an additional too to solve the taxonomic problems in this genus. A new classification has been proposed for the family Lamiaceae and for the genus Leucas R. Br. In particular, and delimiting persistent suits of characters have been provided from subfamily level in the family Lamiaceae to infra-specific taxa in the genus Leucas R. Br.
Moreover, one new species has been added to the science, besides two new combintaions and several changes in taxonomic status and systematic position of infra-generic taxa. Detailed figures for about 37 taxa have been appended and Distributional information in India for all taxa has been marked on 18 sketch maps. Several photographs, including of types, have also been appended. Vernacular names in different Indian languages and dialects have been provided along with economic uses to make the monograph usable at grass root level. It is hoped that work will prove a milestone in the advancement of mint systematics, conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilization of plant resources. |
