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| Salvia guidongensis C.Z. Huang, Yan.B. Huang, B.J. Ge, & Z.C. Qi, in Huang, Qi et Feng. 2024. |
Introduction: Salvia L., representing the largest genus within the mint family, is noted for its global distribution of approximately 1000 species, with East Asia, and particularly China, recognized as a critical center of diversity for the genus.
Methods: Our research was conducted through extensive fieldwork in Guidong County, Hunan Province, China, where we identified a previously undescribed species of Salvia. The identification process involved detailed morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses, and plastid genomics.
Results: The newly discovered species, Salvia guidongensis, exhibits unique characteristics not commonly observed in the East Asian lineage of Salvia, including dual floral colors within natural populations—either pale purple or pale yellow. Morphologically, while it shares similarities with members of sect. Glutinaria, S. guidongensis is distinct in its floral morphology, stature, and specific foliar traits. Phylogenetic analysis places S. guidongensis in a unique clade within the East Asian lineage of Salvia, suggesting it may serve as an important evolutionary link. Additionally, we explored the plastome features of S. guidongensis, comparing them with those of closely related species.
Discussion: The discovery of S. guidongensis not only entriches the taxonomic tapestry of Salvia but also provides critical insights into the biogeography and evolutionary pathways of the genus in East Asia. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the novel status of S. guidongensis and highlight its significance in bridging taxonomic and evolutionary gaps within Sect. Glutinaria of Salvia.
Keywords: biogeography, East Asia, lamiaceae, plastome, phylogenetic analysis, Sino-Japanese flora, taxonomical link
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| Salvia guidongensis C.Z. Huang, Yan.B. Huang, B.J. Ge, & Z.C. Qi, sp. nov. (A) Habitat (forest edge, beneath the forest near stream valleys); (B) Flowering plant; (C) Root; (D) Leaf adaxial (upper) surface; (E) Leaf abaxial (lower) surface; (F) Inflorescence (pale purple flowers); (G) Inflorescence (pale yellow flowers); (H) Corolla lateral view; (I) Corolla frontal view; (J) Stamens frontal view; (K) Corolla lateral view (longitudinal section); (L) Nutlets; (M) Corolla lateral view; (N) Corolla frontal view; (O) Stamens frontal view; (P) Calyx lateral view; (Q) Calyx inner surface spread out. |
Salvia guidongensis C.Z. Huang, Yan.B. Huang, B.J. Ge, & Z.C. Qi, sp. nov.
Diagnosis:
Salvia guidongensis is distinguished from other species in sect. Glutinaria by a unique combination of morphological traits:
- Leaves: Ovate to elliptic, markedly longer in both blade and petiole compared to congeners, exhibiting a dark green or yellow-green coloration. Leaf indumentum varies from sparsely villous to glabrous, similar to S. nubicola.
- Floral structures: The corolla is characterized by a narrower angle between the upper and lower lips. The middle lobe of the corolla exhibits a pronounced inward curl. Corolla length is relatively short, comparable to S. nubicola and S. glabrescens, with pedicel length typically shorter than in other species of the section.
- Floral coloration: Exhibits a rare dual floral coloration within natural populations, alternating between pale purple and pale yellow, a distinctive feature within sect. Glutinaria.
- Plant habit: Characterized by a multi-branched upright stem, in contrast to the predominantly unbranched stems of S. glabrescens, S. chanryoenica, and S. nipponica. The plant ranges from 50–88 cm, placing it between the taller S. nubicola and S. glutinosa and the shorter species like S. glabrescens and S. nipponica.
Etymology: The species is named after the location of its first discovery, Guidong County, where it is currently exclusively distributed, making it an endemic species to this region. The specific epithet “guidongensis” is derived from “Guidong”, emphasizing its unique geographical association. Due to its morphological resemblance to S. nubicola, known in Chinese as ‘云生丹参’ (Yunsheng Danshen), we propose the Chinese name for S. guidongensis as ‘桂东丹参’ (Guidong Danshen).
Yan-Bo Huang, Zhe-Chen Qi and Jie-Ying Feng. 2024. Salvia guidongensis sp. nov.: Unraveling A critical evolutionary link in East Asian Salvia from Central China integrating morphology, phylogeny, and plastid genomics. Front. Plant Sci. 15; DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1332443
