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| Petrocodon wui F.Wen & R.B.Zhang, in Zhang, Deng, Li et Wen, 2023. |
Abstract
Petrocodon wui F.Wen & R.B.Zhang (Gesneriaceae), a typically lithophyte occurring in the Danxia areas of north-western Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated as new to science. The new species shows overall similarity with P. chishuiensis Z.B.Xin, F.Wen & S.B.Zhou, which is also its sister species, based on molecular evidence. The new species can be distinguished from P. chishuiensis by the elongated rhizome, the relatively long indumentum on the peduncle, the shape, size and indumentum of calyx lobes, the location of the stamens in the corolla tube and the shape, size and indumentum of the stigma. We provide a diagnosis, detailed description, photographic images and a table with taxonomic notes to distinguish several other morphologically similar Petrocodon species.
Keywords: Didymocarpoideae, flora of Guizhou, lithophyte, new taxon, Petrocodon chishuiensis, taxonomy
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| Petrocodon wui F.Wen & R.B.Zhang, sp. nov. A habit B bracts, showing the abaxial surface C bracteoles D abaxial surfaces of calyx lobe E top view of flower F opened corolla from the dried flower G one of stamens H pistil I seed. Drawings by Tan Deng from the type specimen. |
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| Petrocodon wui F.Wen & R.B.Zhang, sp. nov. A plants in bloom in natural habitat B plant in flower C upward view of plant showing the abaxial surfaces of leaf blade and petiole D flowering cyme E cymes, calyx and immature capsule F frontal view of corolla G lateral view of corolla and extended pistil H opened corolla I four fertile stamens J calyx and pistil K mature and dehiscent capsules (Photographed by F. Wen and R.B. Zhang). |
Petrocodon wui F.Wen & R.B.Zhang, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Petrocodon wui is distinguishable by the elongated rhizome, the shape, size and indumentum of calyx lobes, the two conspicuous rows of orange glands on throat and the abaxial surface of the corolla lip. It morphologically resembles P. chishuiensis, but can be distinguished by having an elongated rhizome up to 30 cm or longer after years of growth (vs. lacking obvious rhizome in P. chishuiensis, following same order); leaf blade oval-oblong (vs. oblong or oblanceolate) and margin conspicuously undulate and densely ciliate (vs. serrate); cyme 4–10-flowered or more (vs. usually 1–3-flowered); anthers sparsely semi-transparent glands (vs. glabrous) and staminodes pale purple, club-like, glabrous (vs. absent or indistinctive).
Etymology: We dedicate this new species of Petrocodon to Wu Zheng-Yi (Wu Chengyih) (1916–2013), who devoted over 70 years to the flora of China. The scientific name, “wui”, is the latinisation of Wu Zheng-Yi’s family name. Coincidentally, a plant enthusiast, Lady Xiang-Hong Wu, took this species’ flowering photos in 2017 and sent them to one of the authors (Fang Wen) and her surname is also Wu.
Vernacular name: The Chinese name proposed here is “吴氏石山苣苔.” Phonetically, it is “Wú Shì Shí Shān Jù Tái”.
Ren-Bo Zhang, Tan Deng, Nan Li and Fang Wen. 2023. Petrocodon wui (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China. PhytoKeys. 225: 41-51. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.225.99660
