Litsea kakkachensis (Lauraceae) – A new species from Agasthyamalai, Western Ghats, India.

Litsea kakkachensis R. Ganesan, a new species of Lauraceae from Agasthyamalai hills, southern Western Ghats is described with illustration. It differs from its allied species L. venulosa (Meisn.) Hook.f. in number of lateral nerves, fl oral characters and shape of the fruit. The habitat, phenology, abundance and threat status are also discussed.