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| Argyreia elegans Traiperm, Tetsana & Chitchak, in Chitchak, Tetsana, Srisombat et Traiperm, 2026. พู่ม่วงดิสสกุล || DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy6010006 |
Abstract
Argyreia elegans Traiperm, Tetsana & Chitchak, sp. nov., from northern Thailand is described and illustrated. The new species resembles A. kerrii Craib but differs in terms of having lanceolate to oblong leaves, up to two inflorescences (each bearing 1–3 flowers emerging from an axillary bud), and outer sepals that are densely velvety-pubescent on the abaxial side. A detailed description, an updated key to the species for the Flora of Thailand, as well as anatomical, micromorphological, and taxonomic notes are provided.
Keywords: biodiversity; Chiang Mai; conservation; new species; Flora of Thailand; species complex; morning glory
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| Argyreia elegans Traiperm, Tetsana & Chitchak, sp. nov.—habit, inflorescence, and corolla. (A) Flowering branch showing inflorescence with side view of corolla and leaf shape. (B) Front view of flower and the abaxial surface of leaf with pale green color. (C) Flower in back-side angle, showing bract attachment and their undulation and calyx. (D) Flowering branch showing pairs of inflorescences emerging from axillary buds (red arrowheads). (voucher: N. Tetsana et al. 1904) Photographs (A–C) by N. Tetsana; (D) by N. Chitchak. |
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| Argyreia elegans Traiperm, Tetsana & Chitchak, sp. nov. (A) Flowering branch. (B) Leaf shapes. (C) Leaf apex. (D) Adaxial surface of leaf. (E) Abaxial surface of leaf. (F) Bracts. (G) Sepals from outer (upper row from left to right) to innermost (lower row from left to right). (H) Opened corolla. (I) Single stamen in the adaxial view (left) and lateral view (right) showing the attachment point to corolla. (J) Close-up of lower part of stamen, showing trichomes at the filament base. (K) Multicellular uniseriate hair with a single apical gland. (L) Pistil composed of bi-globose stigmas with nectary disc surrounding ovary. All drawn by N. Chitchak from voucher specimens N. Tetsana et al. 1904 (BKF). |
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| Argyreia elegans Traiperm, Tetsana & Chitchak, sp. nov., with its two most morphologically similar species in Thailand, A. kerrii and A. ankylophlebia; a comparison of leaves, inflorescences, bracts, and sepals. (A,B) A. elegans. (C–E) A. kerrii. (F–H) A. ankylophlebia. (A,C,F) Leaves. (B,D,G) Inflorescences. (B,E,H) Close-up of inflorescences showing details of bracts and sepals. Photographs (A,B) by N. Tetsana; (C–H) by P. Traiperm. |
Argyreia elegans Traiperm, Tetsana & Chitchak, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Similar to Argyreia kerrii in having a purple tubular-funnelform corolla, but differs in its lanceolate to oblong leaf shape (versus ovate or broadly ovate), 1–2 inflorescences emerging from an axillary bud (versus strictly 1 inflorescence), and inflorescences containing 1–3 flowers (versus several flowers); outer sepals densely velvet pubescence abaxially (versus abaxial side appressed pilose medially or glabrous).
Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the beautiful flower with its perfectly shaped and eye-catching colored corolla.
Vernacular name. Phu Muang Dissakul (พู่ม่วงดิสสกุล); the name is given by the authors to honor Mr. Dissakul Thammasanukul, the former Chief of the Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Natthaphong Chitchak, Naiyana Tetsana, Poompat Srisombat and Paweena Traiperm. 2026. A New Argyreia Lour. (Convolvulaceae) from Northern Thailand. Taxonomy. 6(1), 6; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy6010006 [2 January 2026]
