Thladiantha Bunge (Cucurbitaceae): A new Genus from Odisha and Central India

Thladiantha cordifolia (Blume) Cogn., a wild cucurbit used as vegetable by local tribes, was discovered from semi-evergreen forests of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha within Mahanadian east-coastal bio-geographical region of India. After critical review of published literature on distribution, its wild occurrence is found to be a new genus record for the flora of Odisha extending to central India. Present report deals with its taxonomic description, ecology and relevant ethno-botanical information for further economic utilization.