1. What is the distribution range of Dubyaea DC. in India?
Dubyaea DC. is almost entirely endemic to the Pan-Himalayan region, with three species and a subspecies in India, confined to alpine and sub-alpine habitats of the Himalaya. The first collection of Dubyaea atropurpurea Stebbins in India extends its distributional range to the northeastern part of the country, specifically in the Kiphire district, Nagaland, Northeast India. This species was previously known from southwestern China and adjacent Myanmar. The discovery of Dubyaea atropurpurea in India contributes to the flora of the country and highlights the importance of further research in the region.
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2. What is the conservation status of Dubyaea atropurpurea?
Dubyaea atropurpurea is categorized as Vulnerable (VU B1ab(ii)) according to the IUCN (2012 IUCN (2022)). This species is rare, known from a few locations, and its Area of Occupancy is declining due to habitat degradation caused by various anthropogenic activities. The species shows close affinity with D. forrestii but can be distinguished by its hirsute stems, lyrate-pinnatifid leaves, densely hirsute peduncles, larger involucres, involucral bracts in several series, and non-compressed achenes. The Indian taxa of the genus Dubyaea can be identified using a specific key.
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