Data from: Three newly described species of Ziziphus from Maharashtra, India based on morphological and molecular evidence

<p>Three new species of <em>Ziziphus</em> (Rhamnaceae) from Maharashtra, India, <em>Z. bhandarii</em> Gholave &amp; S.P.Gaikwad, <em>Z. naikii</em> Gholave &amp; S.P.Gaikwad, and <em>Z. bhansalii</em> Gholave &amp; S.P.Gaikwad are described here. These species occur in isolated fragments of the Deccan thorn scrub forest ecoregion on the Deccan plateau. Their placement in <em>Ziziphus</em> is confirmed by molecular analyses combining ITS and <em>trnL-F</em> regions. Given this phylogeny is the most robust to date of <em>Ziziphus</em>, a previously proposed intrageneric classification was tested, and the classification was not supported suggesting a need for additional investigations in this genus. The new species are most closely related to three Indian species, <em>Z. horrida</em> Roth, <em>Z. xylopyrus</em> (Retz.) Willd., and <em>Z. caracutta</em> Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb, respectively, which are morphologically similar and sympatric, and are distinguishable from known species based on several vegetative and reproductive characteristics presented here. A diagnostic key to the <em>Ziziphus</em> species known to occur in Maharashtra is provided.</p>