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| Amorphophallus bantae J.T.Scholten, D.W.Livingston & Sizemore, |
Abstract
Amorphophallus is a genus of 239 species distributed across the African, Asian, and Australian continents. A new species, Amorphophallus bantae, from the Sa Kaeo province of Thailand is described and illustrated. The species is compared to morphologically similar species in the Longituberosus and Saraburiensis subclades and an updated key to these species is provided.
Key words: aroids, monocots, taxonomy, Scutandrium
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| General habit of Amorphophallus bantae. A. Inflorescence: front view; B. Inflorescence: back view; C. Tuber; D. Leaf; E. Petiole. |
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| Spadix morphology of Amorphophallus bantae. A. Spadix with excised spathe; B. Closeup view of pistillate zone of spadix with partially excised spathe; C. Pistillate flowers; D. Staminate flowers; E. Spathe base verrucosity; F. Longitudinal section of an individual ovary. |
Amorphophallus bantae J.T.Scholten, D.W.Livingston & Sizemore, sp. nov.
Similar to Amorphophallus tenuistylis in general morphology and habit, but differs by having an overall smaller inflorescence, elliptic spathe with vertical stripes and a mucronate limb apex (rather than a lanceolate unstriped spathe with an acute apex), a spadix as long or slightly shorter than the spathe (in contrast to a spadix distinctly longer than the spathe), and congested pistillate flowers with shorter (ca. 1 mm long) styles (as opposed to sparsely arranged pistillate flowers with long (3–4 mm) styles).
Distribution:—Known only from this type locality in the Ta Phraya district of Sa Kaeo province, Thailand.
Eponymy:—The epithet of this species honors John Banta, a superb plantsman, for his contribution to Araceae conservation and discovery of this species.
Justin Scholten, David Livingston and Mary Sizemore. 2023. A New Amorphophallus (Araceae) Species from Thailand and An updated Key to the Longituberosus and Saraburiensis Subclades. Phytotaxa. 633(2); 101-107.
