Sida sivarajanii (Malvaceae): a new species from India

A new species, Sida sivarajanii (Malvaceae) from Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India is described. It is morphologically most similar to S. alnifolia and S. rhomboidea but differs in its conical ovary covered with stellate pubescence, 5 styles, 5 dehiscent mericarps and multireticulate spermoderm pattern. The ITS sequence data also confirm the distinctness of the new species. In this study, a comprehensive description, phenology, distribution, habitat and identification key of S. sivarajanii are provided.