3. Rubia kurramensis Nazim., sp. nov. affinis Rubia infundibularis ramis quadrangularibus glabris, staminibus 5 fauce trek subfauce insertis, antheris dorsifixis, inclusis differt.
S. NAZIMUDDIN AND M. QAISER
Prostrate or trailing perennial herb or under-shrub. Stem ± woody, branches quadrangular, glabrous, angles smooth, older branches white. Leaves opposite, 8-10 (-12) x 0.5-(0.8) cm, linear, sessile-subsessile, glabrous, apex acuminate, base attenuate, margin entire, thickened, lateral nerves distinct. Inflorescence axillary and terminal cymes; peduncle quadrangular, c.1 cm long. Flowers 3-6 mm long; bracts linear-elliptic; pedicel c. 2 mm long. Calyx glabrous. Corolla 3-4 mm long, glabrous; tube c. 2 mm long, widened at the throat, lobes 5, lanceolate, acute. Stamens 5, inserted on or below the throat; anthers oblong, included dorsifixed, more than half towards the base, c. 1 mm long. Styles 2, jointed near the base, ± unequal; stigma globose. Fruit globose-didymous, glabrous.
Fl. Per.: May.
Holotype: Malana, c. 3 miles from Parachinar, 20.5.1978, S. Nazimuddin & S. Abedin 1043 (KUH).
Distribution: Pakistan (Kurram Agency).
This species can easily be distinguished from its nearest ally Rubia infundibularis Hemsl. & Lace by the totally glabrous and smooth nature of the plant, slightly longer corolla tube and included anthers.
