Dear all, *Achyranthes aspera* L., Sp. Pl. 204. 1753, var. *aspera* Stem tomentose. Leaves 6-10 x 3-6 cm, broadly elliptic to obovate, apex abruptly acuminate, tomentose, nerves 6 pairs; petiole 5 mm long. Spike to 20 cm long, hispid; bracts 6 mm long, lanceolate, aristate; bracteoles entire, aristate. Flowers deflexed; tepals 7.5 x 2 mm, elliptic, acute, glabrous, equal; ovary truncate at apex. Achenes 3 mm long, ovoid, brown. *Habitat:* Dry deciduous forests and forest plantations, also in the plains. *Distribution: *Pantropical.
*Achyranthes aspera* L. var. *porphyristachya* (Wall. ex Moq.) Hook. f. Straggling subshrubs. Leaves decussate, oblanceate, 3-6 by 2-3 cm, base cuneate, apex acuminate, pubescent, chartaceous. Flowers in terminal and / or axillary spikes, bisexual; bracts and bracteoles spine-tipped; tepals 5, unequal, 1-3 nerved; stamens 5, connate, alternate with fimbriate staminodes; ovary superior, 1-locular, ovule 1, basal. Fruit a dehiscent utricle. Seed 1. *Habitat: *Moist deciduous forests *Distribution:* Peninsular India and Sri Lanka * * *Achyranthes aspera* L. var.* pubescens* (Miq.) Towns. Erect herbs; stem glabrous. Leaves to 6 x 2.5 cm, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate at apex and base, pubescent above and below; petiole 5 mm long. Spike 5-10 cm long, hispid; bracts 2.5 mm long, lanceolate, aristate; bracteoles orbicular, emarginate at apex, cuspidate, cusp 3 mm long. Flowers many, perpendicular to the axis; outer tepals larger, 5 mm long, lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous, inner smaller with revolute apex; staminal tube truncate, minutely ciliate or glabrous. Achenes 2 mm long, truncate, cuspidate, dark brown. *Habitat:* Evergreen forests at high elevations *Distribution*: India * * Please compare. * * Regards -- *Prabhu Kumar K M* Scientist Plant Systematics & Genetic Resources Division Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR) & 'CMPR' Herbarium Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal, Malappuram *E-mail: prabhumkris...@gmail.com* --
