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| Perilimnastes nana C.Y.Zou & Ying Liu, in Liu, Dai, Zhuang, Zou et Ma, 2024. |
Abstract
Recent research has indicated that the Phyllagathis (raphides) clade (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) is only distantly related to the type of Phyllagathis and should be separated as a distinct genus. Phylogeny of this clade is here reconstructed with expanded taxon sampling. Four strongly supported subclades have been identified. The possible affinities of taxa that were not sampled in the analysis are discussed, based on morphological data. Perilimnastes is resurrected as the generic name of the Phyllagathis (raphides) clade. A generic description, colour figures, map of distribution, a list of included species and a key are provided for Perilimnastes. Fifteen new combinations are made plus the description of a new species. As interpreted here, Perilimnastes consists of twenty species and two varieties.
Key words: Melastomataceae, Perilimnastes, Phyllagathis, taxonomy
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| Perilimnastes nana A habitat B habit C close-up of a branchlet D adaxial leaf surfaces E abaxial leaf surfaces F a flowering branch showing an inflorescence with a single flower and two large bracts G lateral view of a flower H longitudinal section of a flower showing stamen morphology I lateral view of an old capsule with one persistent bract removed J longitudinal section of an old capsule showing enlarged ovary crown and morphology of the placental column and placentas. Scale bars: 5 mm (G–I); 3 mm (J). All from Chun-yu Zou 3608 (IBK, PE). |
Perilimnastes nana C.Y.Zou & Ying Liu, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Resembles P. stenophylla in leaf morphology, but differs in height (to 0.15 m vs. 0.8 m tall), number of flowers per inflorescence (1 vs. 2–3-flowered), length of the peduncle (10–22 mm vs. 4 mm) and the shape of calyx lobes (broadly obovate vs. narrowly triangular). Resembles P. setotheca in having 4-sided branchlets, large and persistent bracts below flower and stamen morphology, but differs in plant size (to 0.15 m vs. 1 m tall), leaf shape and size (oblong-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, 1.7–7 × 0.73–2.2 cm vs. oblong-lanceolate, elliptic or obovate, 10–20 × 3–8 cm) and number of flowers per inflorescence (1-flowered vs. 3 to more than 20-flowered).
Etymology: The specific epithet is based on the habit of this species, viz. dwarf shrubs to 15 cm tall.
Distribution: Perilimnastes nana is currently known from Taishan County, Guangdong Province, China (Fig. 8). It grows amongst rocks along streams in the forest, at 200–300 m elevation.
Ying Liu, Jin-Hong Dai, Qi-Yuan Zhuang, Chun-Yu Zou and Kai-Nan Ma. 2024. Resurrection of Perilimnastes (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) with Description of A New Species P. nana. PhytoKeys. 238: 11-31. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.238.116168
