[Botany • 2018] Zingiber leucochilum (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Zingiber with Running Rhizome from Sichuan [Taxonomic Studies on Zingiber in China VI]

Zingiber leucochilum  L.Bai, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia

in Bai, Leong‐Škorničková, Xia & Li, 2018. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.01840 

Abstract

Zingiber leucochilum L.Bai, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia (Zingibereae, Zingiberaceae), a new species from southeastern Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated with a colour plate. Notes on ecology, distribution and a preliminary IUCN conservation assessment are also provided. The new species is assigned to Z. sect. Cryptanthium Horan. and compared to five morphologically similar species from China which share the characteristic well‐elongated and running rhizome, namely, Z. emeiense Z.Y.Zhu, Z. leptorrhizum D.Fang, Z. pauciflorum L.Bai, Škorničk., D.Z.Li & N.H.Xia, Z. smilesianum Craib and Z. yunnanense S.Q.Tong & X.Z.Liu. A key to the above six species is provided and their distributions are mapped.

Figure 1. Zingiber leucochilum sp. nov. 
(A) plant habit, (B)–(C) detail of leaf sheaths, ligules and pulvini, (D) basal part of the pseudostem with inflorescence and part of the rhizome, (E) running rhizome.

Based on the type collection L.Bai et al. 13091040. Photos: Lin Bai.

Figure 2. Zingiber leucochilum sp. nov.
 (A) flower (front view), (B) flower (side view), (C) inflorescence, (D) single flower with bracteole attached and flower dissection, from left: fertile bract, bracteole, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes, labellum with basally connate lateral staminodes (in ventral and dorsal view), ovary, flower tube and anther (side view), ovary with two epigynous glands.

Based on the type collection L.Bai et al. 13091040. Photos: Lin Bai.

Zingiber leucochilum L.Bai, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Greek leuco- (white) and -chilus (lipped) in reference to the uniformly white-coloured labellum of this species.

Lin Bai, Jana Leong‐Škorničková, Nian‐He Xia and De‐Zhu Li. 2018. Taxonomic Studies on Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) in China VI: Z. leucochilum, A New Species with Running Rhizome from Sichuan.   Nordic Journal of Botany.  36(9); e01840. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01840

ResearchGate.net/publication/327908196_Zingiber_leucochilum_a_new_species_with_running_rhizome_from_Sichuan

    

[Botany • 2017] Orchidantha micrantha & O. megalantha • Two New Orchidantha Species (Lowiaceae) from Borne

Orchidantha megalantha 

 Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen

 DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2017.62.02.08

Abstract

Two new Orchidantha species discovered in Sarawak, Orchidantha micrantha and O. megalantha, are described and illustrated. They may well represent the species with the smallest and the largest flowers currently known in the genus and certainly from Borneo. With its small flowers, O. micrantha is similar to O. borneensis to which it is compared. The large-flowered O. megalantha is compared to the morphologically closest species, O. holttumii, from nearby Brunei. The conservation status of both new species is assessed and a key is provided to all Bornean species.

Keywords: Kubah National Park; Kuching; Malaysia; Matang; Mulu National Park; Orchidantha borneensis; Orchidantha holttumii; Sarawak; Zingiberales; vulnerable

Orchidantha micrantha only known from Kubah NP, Sarawak, Borneo (Poulsen & Leong-Škorničková, 2017. Blumea. 62: 157). The flower is the SMALLEST of all species of Lowiaceae. Like its big sister, O. megalantha, its smell may attract pollinating dung beetles.

 twitter.com/AxelGinger 

  Orchidantha micrantha Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 Etymology. The epithet refers to the small flowers relative to other species of the genus.

Orchidantha megalantha from Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Borneo. We described it recently in the journal Blumea. The flower is the largest of the family Lowiaceae and its putrid smell may attract dung beetles to pollinate it.

 twitter.com/AxelGinger 

  Orchidantha megalantha Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 Etymology. The epithet refers to the large flowers relative to other species of the genus.

  A.D. Poulsen and J. Leong-Škorničková. 2017. Two New Orchidantha Species (Lowiaceae) from Borneo.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants.   62; 157–162. DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2017.62.02.08

  twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/920420545312772101

 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/922041459624370176

[Botany • 2017] Curcuma cotuana • A New Species (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) from Quảng Nam Province, central Vietnam

Curcuma cotuana  Luu, Škorničk. & H.Đ.Trần

in Lu'u, Trần, Nguyễn & Leong-Škorničková, 2017 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.01594

Abstract

 A new ginger species, Curcuma cotuana (subg. Ecomatae), from Tây Giang District, Quảng Nam Province, central Vietnam, is reported here. A detailed description, colour plates, and comparison with the morphologically closest allies are given, together with preliminary conservation assessments and notes on its uses by local people.

Figure 1. Curcuma cotuana sp. nov.
(A) habit, (B) inflorescence, (C) flower close-up, (D) rhizome (scale bar 3 cm), (E) stamen attached to floral tube in side, front and inclined view (scale bar 5 mm), (F) flower dissection with details of ligule in inset (from left: bract supporting two flowers, lateral staminodes, labellum, dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, epigynous glands, calyx, floral tube with ovary and stamen attached, bract) (scale bar = 2 cm).

Photos (A), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G) = Lưu Hồng Trường, (B) = Vũ Ngọc Long. 

Curcuma cotuana Luu, Škorničk. & H.Đ.Trần sp. nov. 

Etymology: We name this species after the local Cơ Tu ethnic minority, who use various parts of the plant in their traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Vernacular name and uses: The vernacular name of this species, Pơr’vih in the Cơ Tu language, conveys an idea of keeping the living environment of people in the village peaceful and protected against bad spirits. The main rhizome is stewed with chicken and eaten by women after birth, giving them strength to work soon afterwards. It also reduces menstrual cramp in women. Raw root tubers are mixed with honey to treat coughs in children. Young leaves are mixed with rock salt to treat toothache and gingivitis. Fresh leaves are also used for wrapping fresh fish to preserve it from spoilage. The local people also believe that the plant possesses magic qualities preventing people from getting lost in the forest.

Hồng Trường Lu'u, Hữu Đăng Trần, Trần Quốc Trung Nguyễn and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2017. Curcuma cotuana sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) from central Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. 35(5); 552–556. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01594

[Botany • 2014] Orchidantha virosa • A New Species (Lowiaceae) endemic to northern Vietnam

Orchidantha virosa 

  Škorničk. & Q.B.Nguyễn 

 DOI:  10.5252/a2014n2a6

ABSTRACT

Orchidantha virosa Škorničk. & Q.B.Nguyễn, sp. nov. (Lowiaceae), a new species from Phú ọ province, northern Vietnam is described and illustrated here. Thee new species is unique among other species in Vietnam and Laos in its robust habit and size (up to 2 m) and the non-petiolate leaves in mature individuals. e key to Orchidantha N.E.Br. species of Laos and Vietnam is accordingly updated.

Jana Leong-Škorničkováa, Quc Bình Nguynb and Otakar Šídac. 2014. Orchidantha virosa Škorničk. & Q.B.Nguyn, sp. nov. (Lowiaceae), A New Species endemic to northern Vietnam. Adansonia 36(2); 237-243. DOI:  10.5252/a2014n2a6

  http://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/a2014n2a6-med.pdf

http://vnmn.ac.vn/en/research/63-a-new-species-of-ginger-discovered-from-vietnam

[Botany • 2013] Curcuma leonidii • A New Species (Zingiberaceae) from southern Vietnam

Curcuma leonidii Škorničk. & Lưu

Photos: Lưu H. Trương     DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.126.1.4

Abstract

Curcuma leonidii, a new species of Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from southern Vietnam is described and illustrated here. Curcuma leonidii with flowers similar to some Stahlianthus-like species but inflorescences consisting of up to 8 green bracts and their arrangements conforming to usual ‘classical’ Curcuma-like species provides the much-awaited morphological link between the two genera, of which Stahlianthus have been, based on molecular results, recently proposed to be merged with Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis.

Keywords: Bù Gia Mập National Park, Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis, Stahlianthus

FIGURE 1. Curcuma leonidii A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower. D. Anther (front, back and side views, scale bar 5 mm).

Photos: Lưu Hồng Trương 

Similar to Curcuma harmandii Gagnep. (subg. Hitcheniopsis) in inflorescence consisting of green bracts with no obvious coma, but differs from it by having a more compact inflorescence (vs. more elongated in C. harmandii), white corolla lobes (vs. greenish), white oblanceolate-spathulate shape of the lateral staminodes (vs. greenish-white nearly linear) and white labellum with rich yellow well-defined median, the sides of the basal half of the median puberulent, patched with red, and nearly plain margin (vs. white labellum with yellow pubescent median bordered around with pink tinge, especially towards the apex, and crisped margin).

Etymology:— We dedicate this small but beautiful species to Prof. Leonid V. Averyanov, who first brought this species to our attention. Prof. Averyanov made exemplary contributions to the knowledge of Vietnamese Orchidaceae. With his main Vietnamese collaborators, Prof. Phan Kế Lộc and Dr. Nguyễn Tiến Hiệp, he also conducted multiple expeditions during past 20 years leading to great enhancement of general floristic and phytogeographic knowledge of Vietnam and adjacent areas of eastern Indochina (e.g. Averyanov et al. 2003).

  J. Leong-Škorničková and Hồng Trường Lưu. 2013. Curcuma leonidii, A New Species from southern Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 126(1); 37–42.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.126.1.4

 mapress.com/phytotaxa/content/2013/f/pt00126p042.pdf

[Botany • 2014] Siliquamomum alcicorne • A New Species (Zingiberaceae) from southern Vietnam

Siliquamomum alcicorne 

Škorničk. & Trần H.Đ. sbg.org.sg

ABSTRACT 

Siliquamomum alcicorne (Zingiberaceae: Alpinioideae) from central Vietnam is described and illustrated here. It is compared to the other two species so far known in the genus, S. tonkinense and S. oreodoxa. A key to the three species and a map of their distribution are given. The genome size of each species has been estimated by FCM analysis. The occurrence of flexistyly in the genus Siliquamomum is reported here for the first time.

Keywords. Alpinioideae, flexistyly, flow cytometry, genome size, Siliquamomum oreodoxa, Siliquamomum tonkinense, Vietnam, 2C value

Siliquamomum alcicorne Škorničk. & Trần H.Đ., sp. nov.

Similar to Siliquamomum tonkinense Baill. in its robust habit, but differs in having more leaves per leafy shoot (8–11 vs. 3–6), sessile leaf blades (vs. petiolate) and an anther which is deeply divided up to 1/3 from apex with two spathulate, green lobes (as opposed to an emarginate apex without a prominent anther crest).

TYPE: Vietnam, Kontum Province, Kon Plong Dist., Xã Hiếu, 14°38’57.7”N 108°24’57.7”E, 1223 m, 24 April 2012, J. Leong-Škorničková, Nguyễn Q.B., Trần H.Đ., E. Záveská JLS-1560 (holotype SING; isotypes E, PR, VNMN). (Fig. 1)

Key to the species of Siliquamomum

1a. Pseudostem with 3–6 leaves; petiole 2.5–9 cm long (northern Vietnam & southeastern Yunnan, China) ........................................................... S. tonkinense 

1b. Pseudostem with 8–13 leaves; petiole inconspicuous or up to 2 cm long ........... 2 

2a. Pseudostems up to 2 m long, petiole inconspicuous, anther with prominent spathulate crest-lobes above each theca (central Vietnam) ................ S. alcicorne 

2b. Pseudostems up to 0.9 m long, petiole up to 2 cm long, anther with minute sharp point above each theca (southern Vietnam) ......................................... S. oreodoxa

J. Leong-Škorničková, H.Đ. Trần, Q.B. Nguyễn and O. Šída. 2014. Siliquamomum oreodoxa (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from southern Vietnam. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 66(1): 39–46.

http://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_61_2_pdf_Vol_61_Part2_2010/4.4.61.2.09_y2010_V61P2_GBS_pg.359.pdf

[Botany • 2015] Newmania sessilanthera • A New Species (Zingiberaceae) from central Vietnam

Newmania sessilanthera  Lưu & Škorničk 
Fig. 1. Newmania sessilanthera Lưu & Škorničk. A. Habit. B. Flowers. C. Leaves (abaxially). D. Flower enclosed in bract. E. Base of leafy shoot with inflorescences.

From type Lưu Hồng Trường, Trần Giỏi, Đỗ Cao Trí PY29 (Photos: Lưu Hồng Trường)

H.T. Lưu, J. Leong-Škorničková, L.X.B. Nguyễn, et al. 2015.Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 67(2) 

ABSTRACT

Newmania sessilanthera Lưu & Škorničk., a new species from Phú Yên province

in central Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. Notes on this species, the third described

to date, and a new key to the species of Newmania N.S.Lý & Škorničk. are provided.

Keywords. Conservation, Phú Yên province, species key

Distribution. So far the species has been collected from three localities in Sông Hinh and Tây Hòa districts, all in Phú Yên province in central Vietnam.

Habitat and phenology. Understorey of lowland evergreen tropical forests, growing on moist soils on granite and along streams. Flowering occurs from June to August, followed by fruiting which likely extends to September or early October. 

Etymology. The specific epithet reflects the lack of the filament in this species.

Provisional IUCN conservation assessment. Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)). So far three localities, each with fewer than 100 scattered individuals, have been observed. The known EOO is currently slightly less than 100 sq.km. but there is enough suitable habitat in the vicinity that it is likely the real EOO is more than 100 sq.km.  but certainly less than 5000 sq.km.

The type locality is adjacent to agricultural land, recently established from cleared forest. Further deforestation may occur posing a threat to the population. The other two populations are within large forested areas with no obvious threats. 

Notes. Newmania, now with three species, remains endemic to central Vietnam, although preliminary studies from various researchers suggest further species extending throughout the Annamite mountain range to southern Vietnam. Newmania species seem to be steno-endemic and, therefore, susceptible to any rapid habitat changes. This has implications for any conservation effort. The lack of a filament in Newmania sessilanthera differentiates it readily from the other two currently known species. Additional differences from Newmania orthostachys are outlined above in the diagnosis. It is somewhat similar to Newmania serpens by the presence of a striking red patch on the purple and white labellum, but differs by its erect inflorescences composed of compact spikes (vs. inflorescence

prostrate on the ground with more or less lax spikes). 

H.T. Lưu, J. Leong-Škorničková, L.X.B. Nguyễn, C.T. Đỗ and T.T. Hoàng. 2015. Newmania sessilanthera (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from Vietnam. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 67(2): 351–355. DOI:  10.3850/S2382581215000289

https://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_67_2_pdf_Vol_67_Part_2_2015/4_4_67_2_351_y2015_V67P2_GBS_pg351.pdf

[Botany • 2011] Newmania N.S. Lý & Škorničk.: A New Ginger Genus (Zingiberaceae) from central Vietnam

Abstract

A new genus of Zingiberaceae from Vietnam, Newmania N.S. Lý & Škorničk., with two species Newmania serpens N.S. Lý & Škorničk. and Newmania orthostachys N.S. Lý & Škorničk., is described and illustrated. Its relationship with Haniffia Holttum and phylogenetic position in the tribe Zingibereae is investigated using nrITS and trnK and matK plastid sequence data. The phylogenetic position of Kedhalia C.K. Lim, another recently described ginger genus from the same tribe, is also discussed briefly.

Keywords: Haniffia; ITS; Kedhalia; matK; trnK; Zingibereae 

Leong-Škorničková, J., Lý, Ngoc-Sâm, Poulsen, Axel Dalberg, Tosh, James and Forrest, Alan. 2011. Newmania: A New Ginger Genus from central Vietnam. Taxon. 60(5): 1386–1396.

 ResearchGate.net/publication/233570040_Newmania_A_new_ginger_genus_from_central_Vietnam

http://www.jstor.org/stable/41317542

http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/41317542.pdf?acceptTC=true

http://www.epharmacognosy.com/2015/09/plant-family-zingiberaceae.html

  

  

  

[Botany • 2014] Notes on Singapore native Zingiberales I: Zingiber singapurense, A New Species of Zingiber and notes on the identities of two further Zingiber taxa

Fig. 1. Zingiber singapurense Škorničk.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Rooting plantlet arising from the apical part of the leafy shoot. D. Detail of ligule. From type SNG-178.

(Photos: Jana Leong-Škorničková)

ABSTRACT

A new species of Zingiber singapurense Škorničk., is described and illustrated here. It is compared to other species from the Zingiber gracile (Zingiber sect. Zingiber) alliance. A key to this group of species in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore and a key to all Singapore native and naturalised Zingiber species are provided. The national and international conservation status of the new species and a conservation strategy for it are discussed. Notes on the varietal identity of Zingiber puberulum and the presence of Z. ottensii, previously misidentified as Z. zerumbet, in Singapore are given. 

Keywords: Central Catchment Nature Reserve, conservation, IUCN, Zingiber gracile, Z. griffithii, Z. ottensii, Z. puberulum, Z. singapurense, Z. zerumbet, Zingiberaceae

Ecology and phenology. Zingiber singapurense occurs in primary and mature secondary forest, preferring moist and shady conditions. Flowering in May–June.

Distribution. So far endemic to Singapore.

Etymology. The specific epithet of this small and vulnerable yet resilient species is derived from Singapore’s name in Malay, ‘Singapura’.

Provisional IUCN conservation assessment & conservation strategy. So far only three populations in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve have been discovered with each population only having 10–25 mature individuals and less than 50 mature individuals in total. The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is 0.06 sq.km. High visitor numbers and proposed development plans could adversely affect the quality of the habitat. Following the IUCN criteria (IUCN, 2012) and the criteria for national conservation assessments as outlined by Davison (2008), Zingiber singapurense should be considered nationally and globally Critically Endangered (B1ab(iii,iv,v); D). 

Key to native and naturalised Zingiber species in Singapore 
1a. Spike ovoid, bracts rusty purple brown at anthesis, peduncle equal or more than double the length of spike (> 15 cm long), labellum and staminodes tinged by light purple to violet, with light yellow blotches ................................... Z. ottensii 
1b. Spike fusiform, bracts pink, orange or red at anthesis, peduncle as long or shorter than spike (< 15 cm), labellum and staminodes uniformly pale yellow .............. 2
 2a. Plant less than 1.5 m tall, bracteole less than 6 mm or absent ............................. 3
2b. Plant over 1.5 m tall, bracteole more than 10 mm ............................ Z. puberulum 
3a. Lamina elliptic, bright green, thin, weakly plicate, beneath with long silky appressed hair, bracteoles absent .......................................................... Z. griffithii 
3b. Lamina narrowly ovate, dark green, slightly leathery, flat (not plicate), glossy, glabrous beneath, bracteoles reduced (2–7 mm long) .................. Z. singapurense

J. Leong-Škorničková, A. Thame and P.T. Chew. 2014. Notes on Singapore native Zingiberales I: A new species of Zingiber and notes on the identities of two further Zingiber taxa. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 66(2): 153–167. 

https://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_66_2_pdf_Vol_66_Part_2_2014/4.4.66.1.05_y2014_V66P2_GBS_pg153.pdf

[Botany • 2014] Orchidantha lengguanii • A New Species (Lowiaceae) from Endau-Rompin National Park, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia, and Typification of O. maxillarioides

Orchidantha lengguanii Škorničk.

ABSTRACT

 A new Orchidantha species from Endau-Rompin National Park (Johor, Peninsular Malaysia), Orchidantha lengguanii Škorničk., is described and illustrated. It is compared to its morphologically most similar species Orchidantha maxillarioides (Ridl.) K.Schum., which is also illustrated. A lectotype and epitype for Orchidantha maxillarioides are also designated here.

Keywords: Epitype, Johor, lectotype, Lowia, Orchidantha maxillarioides, Protamomum, Sungai Selai, typification

Etymology. The species is named after its discoverer, Dr Saw Leng Guan, an excellent field botanist from the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia. He is not only a well known palm specialist, but also has a particular interest in the Zingiberales of Peninsular Malaysia (see e.g. Larsen et al., 1999).

Distribution. So far known only from the type locality in Endau-Rompin National

Park, Sungai Selai area.

Ecology & phenology. Growing in lowland dipterocarp forest, river side. The phenology is not well understood. The original collection made in August 2002 was flowering only sparsely. In cultivation, profuse flowering has been observed in November–December.

 J. Leong-Škorničková. 2014. Orchidantha lengguanii (Lowiaceae), A New Species from Peninsular Malaysia, and Typification of O. maxillarioides. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 66(1): 15-25. 2014

https://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_66_1_pdf_Vol_66_Part_1_2014/4.4.66.1.02_y2014_V66P1_GBS_pg15.pdf