[Botany • 2018] Xylacanthus laotica (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae) • A New Genus and Species from Laos

Xylacanthus laotica Aver. et K. S. Nguyen

in Averyanov, Nguyen & Maisak, 2018.

  DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.21.2.11

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Summary: 

 A new monotype genus Xylacanthus Aver. et K. S. Nguyen with one species, X. laotica Aver. et K. S. Nguyen (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae, Ruellieae), is described and illustrated. Described genus has arborous living form rather unusual among in Acanthaceae. This small deciduous tree was observed as a main co-dominant of primary deciduous xerophytic karst scrub on extra dry tops of remnant limestone mountains in Pon Xay district of Luang Prabang province in central part of northern Laos. New genus has rather isolated taxonomic position for its floral morphology, xerophytic living form and obligatory deciduous xerophytic character. The distribution of this plant is limited by limestone karstic areas of central part of northern Laos in the limits of Luang Prabang province. 

Keywords: Acanthaceae, karstic flora, Laos, new genus, plant endemism, plant taxonomy, Xylacanthus. 

Fig. 2. Xylacanthus laotica. A – Flowering and fruiting stem with removed bud scales, young leaves, floral bracts and flowers. B – Bud scales. C – Young leaves. D. Floral bracts. E – Flower. F – Calyx with young fruit. G – Dissected and flattened perianth tube with removed style. H – Intact anther, side view. I – Anther with removed hairs, half side view. J – Sagittal section of calyx and gynoecium. K – Ovary and style. L – Calyx and capsule. M – Sagittal section of the calyx and ripe capsule. N – Individual calyx lobe, adaxial surface. O – Ripe open capsule, side view. P – Capsule valve with ripening seeds, half side view. Q – Ripening seed with falcate retinaculum. R – Ripe seed, frontal and side view, and view from the base. All drawn from the type – LA-VN 2050 by L. Averyanov and T. Maisak.

Fig. 1. Xylacanthus laotica. A – Natural habitat of species in Phou Hua Ben Toc Mountain (Luang Prabang province, Pon Xay district, between Houay Man and Nam Bo villages, LA-VN 2130). B – Monodominant deciduous scrub on mountain summit formed by S. arborescens (LA-VN 2130). C – Individual tree of the species on mountain top (LAVN 2130). D, E – Flowering branches of canopy (LA-VN 2130). F-I, K – Flowering and fruiting shoots (Type – LAVN 2050). J, L – Flower, frontal and side view (LA-VN 2157). M – Stamens (LA-VN 2157). N – Hairiness of anther connective and filament (LA-VN 2157).

 Photos of L. Averyanov and Khang Sinh Nguyen.

 Xylacanthus Aver. et K. S. Nguyen, gen. nov. 

Type: X. laotica Aver. et K. S. Nguyen 

Monotype genus.

Description: Deciduous monoecious tree to 5 m tall flowering and fruiting before leaf formation; shoots isophyllous; leaves in terminal rosette, opposite, decussate, pilose; flowers solitary, axillary, sessile; floral bracts 0–2, lanceolate, villose, persistent; calyx 5-lobed, villose, with many cystoliths; corolla dark blue, cylindric, hairy, 5-lobed, lobes rounded, recurved, forming almost actinomorphic limb; stamens 4, didynamous, monadelphous, all fertile, pairwise distally connivent, filaments glandular hairy, at base with many long hairs; anthers basifixed, 2-thecous, thecae with prominent recurved, sterile, acuminate base; connective with many long hairs; ovary erect, narrowly ovoid, setose, 2-locular; style filiform, comose; stigma 2-cleft; capsule ellipsoid, shortly hairy, 6–8-seeded; seeds lenticular, pilose with appressed mucilaginous hairs. 

Etymology: Generic name refers to an arboreous plant habit. 

Note: The discovered plant superficially somewhat resembles species of Strobilanthes Blume, large widespread genus well presented in tropical southeast Asia and in countries of Indochinese Peninsular as well (Benoist, 1935; Pham Hoang Ho, 2000; Deng et al., 2006, 2011; Newman et al., 2007). However, it strikingly differs from all known Strobilanthes species in its unusual arborous plant habit, spurred anthers, filaments and anther connective densely hairy with long white hairs, as well as in many (more than 4)-seeded capsule. Some of these characters, as well as similar pollen grain structure, remind representative of the genus Echinacanthus Nees. However, the only true Echinacanthus species (E. attenuatus Nees) is a lowland slender herb of the Nepal-Darjeeling area, which is totally different in habit from our plant being also geographically separated. It is highly probable that discovered plant represents new undescribed genus endemic for limestone areas of central Laos. Like its expected relatives, it may be placed into subtribe Strobilanthinae (Acanthaceae, subfam. Acanthoideae, tribe Ruellieae) in the family classification proposed by A. Takhtajan (2009). Newly described genus includes one species described below. 

Xylacanthus laotica Aver. et K. S. Nguyen, sp. nov.

Etymology The species epithet refers to the country of its origin.

Distribution Northern Laos, Luang Prabang province, Pon Xay district (Houay Man, Nam Bo and Bane Phou Souong villages). Endemic. 

Note: This remarkable plant strikingly differs from almost all known representatives of Acanthaceae family in its arborous living form, xerophytic deciduous character, as well as flowering and fruiting before leaves formation. Oldest observed trees have age at least 2–3 decades and stands in obvious contrast with herbaceous and semi-woody commonly pliestesial Acanthaceae species commonly adopted to humid conditions of shady wet evergreen forests. Like many deciduous xerophytes of extra dry exposed karstic fields, described species has fairly short period of vegetation forming leaves only during rainy season from middle April till September. Tree remains completely leafless during dry rainless winter. Described monotype genus represents typical element of ancient strictly endemic xerophytic limestone flora historically adapted to extra dry summits of karstic limestone formations of northern Laos. This curious, highly specialized flora includes many convergent xerophytic derivates from different families. Unfortunately, it remains still weakly studied. Some other remarkable plants described recently from extra dry karstic limestone fields of northern Laos (Averyanov, Nguyen, 2012; Pimenov et al., 2016) are also similarly woody deciduous xerophytes, e. g. Begonia viscosa (Begoniaceae) and Xyloselinum laoticum (Apiaceae). Like X. laotica, these species also strikingly differ from its herbaceous mesophytic congeners.

 L. V. Averyanov, K. S. Nguyen and T. V. Maisak. 2018. Xylacanthus laotica (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae), A New Genus and Species from Laos. Turczaninowia. 21(2); 101–110 DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.21.2.11

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Аннотация. Новый монотипный род Xylacanthus Aver. et K. S. Nguyen с единственным видом, X. laotica Aver. et K. S. Nguyen (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae, Ruellieae), описан в качестве нового для науки. Описание сопровождается цветными фотографиями и черно-белыми рисунками. Описываемое растение имеет древесную жизненную форму, что крайне редко встречается в семействе Acanthaceae. Открытый вид представляет из себя маленькое листопадное деревцо, являющееся главным доминантом первичной ксерофильной листопадной кустарниковой растительности, покрывающей исключительно сухие карстовые обитания на вершинах известняковых столовых останцев района Пхонсай провинции Луангпхабанг в центральной части северного Лаоса. Новый род занимает изолированное таксономическое положение по морфологии цветка, ксерофитному древесному характеру жизненной формы и облигатной листопадности. Распространение этого растения ограничено карстовыми реликтовыми скальными известняками центральной части северного Лаоса в пределах провинции Луангпхабанг. 

Ключевые слова: карстовые флоры, Лаос, новый род, таксономия растений, эндемизм растений, Acanthaceae, Xylacanthus. 

Л. В. Аверьянов, К. С. Нгуен, Т. В. Майсак. 2018. Xylacanthus laotica (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae) – новый род и вид из Лаоса.  Turczaninowia. 21(2); 101–110 DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.21.2.11

[Botany • 2018] Chiloschista pulchella (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Orchid Species from Lao PDR

Chiloschista pulchella Aver. & K.S. Nguyen

in Averyanov, Nguyeh & Maisak, 2018.

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.389 

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Abstract

The new species, Chiloschista pulchella (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) was discovered in Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area, Khammoune Province of the central Laos. The paper provides detailed description and illustration of this species, which is identified as a local endemic of karstic rocky limestone of the northern part of the protected area. It differs from all known congeners in the thin lip, median lip lobe dissected into two small subulate lobules, as well as in large purple blotches on the lip side-lobes never found in other species of this genus. The newly discovered plant represents interest for cultivation as an ornamental plant and needs protection in its natural habitats.

Keyword: Laos, Orchids, Plant diversity, Plant taxonomy, Limestone endemism, Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area

Fig. 1. Chiloschista pulchella Aver. & K.S. Nguyen.
Flowering plant, inflorescence, flowers and floral details (fresh living plant prior to preparation of the holotype herbarium specimen, AL 889).

Photos by Khang Sinh Nguyen and Leonid V. Averyanov, 

correction and design by L. Averyanov.

Fig. 2. Chiloschista pulchella Aver. & K.S. Nguyen.
A. Flowering plant. B. Intact flowers, side views. C. Intact flowers, frontal view. D. Flattened flowers, view from behind and frontal view. E. Intact lip, view from above. F. Intact lip, view from below. G. Intact lip, side view. H. Sagittal section of the lip. I. Anther cap, side view, frontal view and view from below. J. Pollinarium, frontal view, view from behind and side view. K. Halves of pollinium.

 All drawn from the type, AL 889 by L. Averyanov and T. Maisak.

Chiloschista pulchella Aver. & K.S. Nguyen, sp. nov. 

Described from central Laos (“Laos, Khammoune Province, Boualapha District, ..., within the territory of Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area, primary dry evergreen and semi deciduous broad-leaved forest on very steep rocky slope near karstic hill top composed with solid, marble-like highly eroded limestone at 350–430 m a.s.l., epiphyte on tall tree, rare) 

Type (“9 May 2018, L. Averyanov, K. S. Nguyen, T. Maisak, L. Xaiyavongsa, S. Keovankham, AL 889” – LE (holotype).

Distribution: Central Laos: Khammoune province (Boualapha district, the territory of Hin Nam No Nature Protected Area). Endemic. Habitat, ecology and conservation status: Miniature aphyllous epiphytes growing in primary dry evergreen and semideciduous, broad-leaved forests on karstic rocky limestone, at an elevation of 350–430 m. Rare. Currently, the IUCN Red List status should be ascertained as Data Deficient (DD). 

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the attractive, colorful flowers having purple lip side lobes. 

Notes. Chiloschista pulchella strikingly differs from all its congeners by the flat lip apex (not fleshy), the median lip lobe dissected into two small subulate lobules, and by the presence of large purple blotches on the sidelobes of the lip which is never found in any other species of the genus. This new species belongs to the group of species with a simple operculum (not having any appendages), but has no certain similarity with any other species of this group. Formally, it can be compared with C. exuperei (Guillaumin) Garay, which also has a bilobulate median lip lobe. However, both these species are obviously different in their floral morphology  

    

Leonid V. Averyanov, Khang Sinh Nguyeh and Tatiana V. Maisak. 2018. Chiloschista pulchella (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) New Orchid Species from Lao PDR. Taiwania. 63(4); 389-392. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2018.63.389  

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[Botany • 2018] New Species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) in the Flora of Vietnam

Bulbophyllum ustulata  

in Averyanov, Nong, Nguyen, et al., 2018.

   DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.369.1.1 

Abstract

Three taxa, Bulbophyllum cariniflorum var. orlovii (sect. Pleiophyllum), B. sonii (sect. Anisopetalon) and B. ustulata (sect. Brachystachya) are described as new for science. All of these novelties are local endemics of Vietnam. Additionally, four species, B. flavescens (sect. Aphanobulbon), B. ovatum (sect. Desmosanthes), B. physocoryphum (sect. Macrocaulia) and B. wendlandianum (sect. Cirrhopetalum) are recorded for the flora of Vietnam for the first time. These species are endemic of the Indochinese Peninsula in a broad sense, except for B. flavescens having wide distribution in western Malesia. Data on ecology, phenology, distribution, brief relevant taxonomic notes, as well as colour photographs and line drawings of the type and voucher specimens are provided for all reported taxa. Lectotypification is provided for B. wendlandianum.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, plant taxonomy, plant diversity, nature protection, Monocots

Leonid V. Averyanov, Nong Van Duy, Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Maxim S. Nuraliev, Tatiana V. Maisak and Nguyen Cong Anh. 2018. New Species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) in the Flora of Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 369(1); 1–14.  DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.369.1.1

[Botany • 2018] Silvorchis vietnamica (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Vietorchidinae) • A New Miniature Mycotrophic Species from southern Vietnam

Silvorchis vietnamica Aver., Dinh & K.S. Nguyen

in Averyanov, Nguyen, Nguyen, Dinh & Maisak, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.01883 

Abstract

A second species of Silvorchis, until now considered to be a presumably extinct monotypic genus endemic to western Java has been discovered in southern Vietnam. The species, here named as Silvorchis vietnamica, is described and illustrated, with data on its distribution, ecology, phenology and estimated conservation status. A key for identification of the two known species of the genus is also provided. The taxonomic affinities and phylogenetic placement of the newly discovered plant are briefly discussed.

Keywords: Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, Silvorchis

Silvorchis J. J. Sm. 

(Smith 1907, p. 2, Comber 1990, p. 60) 

Type: S. colorata J. J. Sm. 

2 species in western Java and southern Vietnam.

Silvorchis colorata J. J. Sm. 

(Smith 1907, p. 3, Comber 1990, p. 60)

 Described from Java.  

Distribution, habitat and conservation status: Small achlorophyllous terrestrial herb. Only found once in western Java and only known from the type specimen. Endemic. Humid evergreen montane forests. Around 1600 m a.s.l. 

 Presumably ‘Extinct’ (EX).

Figure 1. Silvorchis vietnamica sp. nov. Flowering plant in its natural habitat.

Photos by Van Dzu Nguyen and Quang Diep Dinh,
correction and design by L. Averyanov.

Silvorchis vietnamica Aver., Dinh & K.S. Nguyen sp. nov.

Etymology: Species name refers to country of its origin.

Leonid V. Averyanov, Van Dzu Nguyen, Khang Sinh Nguyen, Quang Diep Dinh and Tatiana V. Maisak. 2018. Silvorchis vietnamica (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Vietorchidinae), A New Miniature Mycotrophic Species from southern Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany.  e01883. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01883

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Researchgate.net/publication/318861665_Present_data_on_Vietnam_orchid_inventory

[Botany • 2018] Rohdea harderi (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from northern Vietnam

Rohdea harderi  N. Tanaka, D. P. Hannon & Aver.

in Tanaka, Hannon, Harder, Averyanov & Lahmeyer, 2018.

  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-018-9756-3 

Summary

Rohdea harderi N. Tanaka, D. P. Hannon & Aver., a new species from northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It is most closely allied to R. verruculosa from SW China, but differs mainly by the narrower annular appendage at the throat of the perianth tube, explanate, subacute, crenulate, externally smooth perianth segments, smaller stigma and obovoid ovary. Its affinity is briefly discussed on the basis of floral traits. A key to the species known from Vietnam is also provided.

Key Words: Convallarieae, Indochina, phenotypic traits, Tupistra

Fig. 1. Rohdea harderi. A habit with flowering scape; B aerial basal portion of plant; C habit with scape after flowering; D & E flowers; F fruit; G seed; H inflorescence; J inflorescence in late anthesis; K inflorescence after flowering.

Photographs A – C, F – K by D. P. Hannon, D & E by S. C. Lahmeyer. Layout by N. Tanaka.

Fig. 2 Flower and bracts of Rohdea harderi.
A flower, front view; B flower vertical section with intact pistil inside perianth tube, annulus arrowed; C partial perianth with stamen removed from near base, ventral view with annulus arrowed; D – G pistil, D side view; E trisect stigma on top, view from above; F ovary torn to show locular interior bearing 4 ovules on placentae; G ovary, cross-section, showing interior with ovules; H – K stamens: H dorsal view; J side view; K ventral view; L sterile bract from distal portion of peduncle, ventral view, expanded; M floral bract (right) and bracteole (left; arrowed) on part of rachis.

 Scale bar at A for A, B, L, M; at D for D – K. 

Drawn from a cultivated plant at Huntington Botanical Gardens (accession number 90679). Drawn by N. Tanaka.

Rohdea harderi N. Tanaka, D. P. Hannon & Aver. sp. nov. 

Type: Vietnam, Son La province, D. K. Harder et al. 7276, dried herbarium specimen prepared by D. P. Hannon s.n. on 21 April 2017 from a plant cultivated at Huntington Botanical Garden (HBG 90679) (holotype, HNT 13048!).

Recognition: Most closely allied to Rohdea verruculosa (Q. H. Chen) N. Tanaka (Tanaka 2003: 332, excluding Tupistra annulata H. Li & J. L. Huang and its homotypic synonym), but differs from it chiefly by the narrower annulus (0.5 vs 1 – 1.5 mm wide) at the throat of the perianth tube, explanate, crenulate, subacute, smooth perianth segments (vs incurved, nearly entire, caudate(-filose), externally verruculose segments), smaller stigma (0.7 – 0.8 vs c. 1.3 mm across), and obovoid ovary (vs ovoid or globose ovary). 

Distribution: Endemic to NW Vietnam: Dien Bien and Son La provinces.

Habitat: 

In Dien Bien province, Rohdea harderi occurs on shady forest floor or among rocks in humid, highly degraded primary evergreen broadleaved forest on very steep slopes of mountains composed of solid limestone at elevations 1100 – 1300 m a.s.l. (Averyanov et al. as CPC 2115, LE).

In Son La province, it occurs as undergrowth on light to heavily shaded forest floor in secondary or primary forest with some timber species (mainly Burretiodendron Rehder and conifers) removed along ridgetop of crystalline limestone around 1468 m in elevation (Harder et al. 7276 as D. P. Hannon s.n., HNT 13048).

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Dr Daniel K. Harder as founder of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Viet Nam Botanical Conservation Program, who discovered, collected and brought the new species into cultivation, thereby greatly contributing to the improvement of our knowledge on the plant.

Noriyuki Tanaka, Dylan P. Hannon, Daniel K. Harder, Leonid V. Averyanov and Sean C. Lahmeyer. 2018. Rohdea harderi (Asparagaceae), A New Species from northern Vietnam. Kew Bulletin. 73:31.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-018-9756-3

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[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

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[Botany • 2016] Bidoupia phongii • A New Orchid Genus and Species (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Goodyerinae) from southern Vietnam

Bidoupia phongii  Aver., Ormerod et Duy. 

photo: Vũ Định An  flickr.com
 DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.4.6  

Introduction

Species of subtribe Goodyerinae (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) in the flora of Vietnam have been the subject of a series of taxonomic treatments (Seidenfaden 1992, Averyanov 1994, 2008, Averyanov & Averyanova 2003, Nguyen, Averyanov & Duong 2005). Nonetheless, the inventory of this group remains incomplete due to their sporadic distribution, rarity in nature, and deficiency of available herbarium and living collections. Additionally, almost all Goodyera-related species rarely flower either in nature or cultivation, which makes available observations scarce. As a result, new data on species and records for the flora of Vietnam are appearing continuously (Ponert et al. 2014, Averyanov et al. 2016) in addition to the already completed accounts. One more curious novelty from Goodyerinae discovered recently in southern Vietnam is described and illustrated below.

The unusual plant described here was discovered in 2010 during botanical investigations conducted by international team of botanists under leadership of Nong Van Duy, Vice Director of the Tay Nguyen Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in the northeastern part of Tay Nguyen Plateau (Central Highlands) of southern Vietnam. Phytogeographically, the largest part of this area coincides with the South Annamese floristic province of the Indochinese floristic region that is particularly rich in plant diversity and endemism (Averyanov et al. 2003). The new species is probably a local endemic of the Bidoup Range, the chain of high mountains along the border between Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa provinces in southern Vietnam. In this region, the species occurs with such typical local endemics as Arachnis annamensis (Rolfe 1905: 391) Smith (1912: 73), Vanda christensonia (Haager 1993: 39) L.M.Gardiner (2012: 49), Bulbophyllum clipeibulbum Vermeulen (2001: 51), Paphiopedilum delenatii Guillaumin (1924: 554) and Schoenorchis hangianae Averyanov & Duy (2015: 117). This species is rare and known thus far from just a single collection. It is noteworthy that the locality for this plant in primary forest is presently being seriously disturbed by road construction, logging and anthropogenic transformation. For these reasons, it is tentatively assessed as a highly endangered species due to loss of its habitat. It should be especially emphasized that this unique taxon could become extinct in the near future, and its conservation and protection needs further field investigation.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, Goodyerinae, Vietnam, Bidoup Nui Ba national park, plant taxonomy, plant diversity, nature protection, Monocots, Southern Vietnam

......

Bidoupia Aver., Ormerod & Duy, gen. nov. 

Type:— Bidoupia phongii Aver., Ormerod et Duy.

Monotypic genus endemic to southern Vietnam. 

Etymology:—The name to the Bidoup Mountains where the species was discovered. 

Generic diagnosis:— New genus allied to Dossinia, Ludisia, Macodes and Papuaea alliance, from which differs in a combination of morphological features such as black leaves (purple-brown below), flowers non-resupinate due to the ovary twisting 360°, subglobular hypochile closed by subquadrate connivent and firmly adpressed side lobes, long tube-shaped arcuate claw warty on flanges, bilobulate epichile with large wing-like lobules, lip with longitudinal internal keel rising abaxially, column with 2 large, down-directed keels as well as entire stigma, and long linear forward directed arcuate rostellum and anther cap beak. Bidoupia phongii Aver., Ormerod & Duy, sp. nov. (Fig. 1, 2) Herbaceous perennials with black leaves with white median stripe, purple-brown below. Scape shortly hairy, spike with lax spirally arranged, sessile, widely opening flowers with ovary twisting on 360°. Ovary sparsely hairy, strongly twisted. Sepals free, sparsely hairy outside; median sepal erect, lateral sepals horizontally spreading, twisted at the base. Petals oblique, connivent with dorsal sepal. Lip glabrous, trilobed, spurred; hypochile small subquadrate, closed by small quadrate side lobes connivent and firmly adpressed to each other; mesochile long, terete, strongly recurved; epichile with two large, wing-shaped, denticulate lobules; spur hemispheric, with 2 massive, stalked, clavate glands; lip inside with low longitudinal keel rising abaxially into prominent flat dent. Column short, at base with 2 large, down directed keels; stigma at front of column, entire, slightly convex; rostellum long, linear, forward directed and arcuate; anther cap with long, linear, arcuate beak. Alone species in the genus. 

Type:—VIETNAM. Lam Dong Province: Lac Duong district, Bidoup Ridge, primary humid, broad-leaved forest at 1526-1530 m, 12 December 2010, Nong Van Duy, VTN 1465/AL 91 (holotype: Herbarium of Tay Nguyen Institute of Scientific Research of Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology!; isotype: LE!; cultivated and flowered in the botanical garden of Tay Nguyen Institute of Scientific Research of Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology. Type specimen prepared from a cultivated plant, 27 August 2015). (Fig. 1, 2).

Etymology:— Named in honor of Nong The Duy Phong, son of the discoverer, Nong Van Duy. 

Habitat, phenology and conservation status:— Creeping terrestrial herbs in primary, humid, broad-leaved and mixed evergreen forests (with Pinus dalatensis and P. krempfii) on granite. 1500–1550 m. Flowering August– September. Rare. Estimated IUCN Red List status: EN/DD. 

Distribution:— Endemic thus far to the type locality.

 Leonid V. Averyanov, Paul A. Ormerod, Nong Van Duy, Tran Van Tien, Tao Chen and Dian-Xiang Zhang. 2016.  Bidoupia phongii, New Orchid Genus and Species (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae, Goodyerinae) from southern Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 266(4); DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.4.6

http://www.rufford.org/files/Phytotaxa%20266%20(4)%20289%E2%80%93294.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/304532523_Bidoupia_phongii_new_orchid_genus_and_species_Orchidaceae_Orchidoideae_Goodyerinae_from_southern_Vietnam

[Botany • 2016] The Iris Family (Iridaceae) in the Flora of Eastern Indochina

 Iris japonica & I. tectorum, in natural habitat.

DOI:  10.14258/turczaninowia.19.1.3

Summary

Iris family in the countries of eastern part of Indochina Peninsula, such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam includes lone native genus – Iris L. with two aboriginal species – I. japonica Thunb. and I. tectorum Maxim. Iris japonica is often cultivated as an outdoor ornamental plant in mountainous regions in the northern Vietnam, where it occasionally naturalizes. Herbarium specimens of I. japonica, collected in central Laos near Nape town, probably represent southernmost locality of the Iris genus in Eurasia. Iris tectorum was discovered in native, primary plant communities of karstic highly eroded limestone in Cao Bang province (Bao Lac district) of the northern Vietnam. This species is recorded as new for the flora of the Indochina Peninsula. The report of I. collettii Hook. f. on the territory of peninsular flora does not yet confirmed by herbaria and remains doubtful. Data on taxonomy, authentic specimens, distribution, habitats, phenology, conservation status and biology are provided for all Iris species. The identification key for Iris species is compiled, as well as dotted distribution maps on the territory of countries of eastern Indochina. Other representatives of the family from such genera as Belamcanda Adans. (B. chinensis (L.) Redouté), Crocosmia Planch. (C. × crocosmiiflora (G. Nicholson) N. E. Br.), Eleutherine Herb. (E. bulbosa (Mill.) Urb.), Freesia Klatt (F. refracta (Jacq.) Klatt.), Gladiolus L. (numerous horticultural forms) и Trimezia Salisb. ex Herb. (T. martinicensis (Jacq.) Herb.) reported from Indochina are introduced cultivated ornamental plants capable to occasional naturalization as an adventive element of the Indochinese flora.

Key words: Iridaceae, Iris, eastern Indochina, Laos, Vietnam, plant diversity, taxonomy. 

L. V. Averyanov, E. V. Boltenkov, T. V. Maisak, Khang Sinh Nguyen and Hiep Tien Nguyen. 2016. The Iris Family (Iridaceae) in the Flora of Eastern Indochina. Turczaninowia. 19(1); 27–33. DOI:  10.14258/turczaninowia.19.1.3

ResearchGate.net/publication/299409633_The_iris_family_Iridaceae_in_the_flora_of_eastern_Indochina

[Botany • 2015] New Species of the Genus Cleisostoma in the Flora of Vietnam

  

ABSTRACT

 A short review of the genus Cleisostoma in the flora of Vietnam is presented with 9 sections and 28 species among which 9 are locally endemic. Present data show the territory of Vietnam as the richest center of diversity for the genus. Two monotypic sections (Gastrochilopsis, Pterogyne) and three species (Cleisostoma lecongkietii, C. phitamii, C. tricornutum) are described as new for science, two species (C. subulatum, C. linearilobatum) are reported on the base of voucher specimens as a new record for the flora of Vietnam.

KEY WORDS: Cleisostoma, flora of Vietnam, new taxa, Orchidaceae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Leonid V. Averyanov, Nguyen Thien Tich and Nguyen Van Canh. 2015. New Species of the Genus Cleisostoma in the Flora of Vietnam. Taiwania. 60(3):107‒116. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2015.60.107

http://tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania/pdf/tai.2015.60.107.pdf

[Botany • 2014] Aerides phongii • A New Species of Orchid (Orchidaceae) from Southern Vietnam

Aerides phongii Aver.
Fig. 1. Aerides phongii Aver. Flowering plants, flowers and floral details

(all photos from the type specimens by P. K. Loc and C. X. Canh)

DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.17.1.2

Summary

 The paper provides illustrated description of a new orchid species, Aerides phongii, discovered in heavily disturbed primary seasonal tropical broad-leaved woodland of southern Vietnam. Terete subulate leaves and verruculose lip with large verrucose calli on the lip disc define isolated taxonomic position of the species. Discovered plant is assessed preliminarily as critically endangered species.

Key words: Aerides phongii, Orchidaceae, plant diversity, new species, Vietnam, nature protection.

L.V. Averyanov, P.K. Loc and C.X. Canh. 2014. Aerides phongii (Orchidaceae), a new species from Southern Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 17(1): 6–9. DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.17.1.2

Л.В. Аверьянов, Ф.К. Лок and Ч.С. Кань. 2014. Aerides phongii (Orchidaceae) – новый вид из Южного Вьетнама

http://www.rufford.org/files/Turczaninowia%2017%20(1)%206%E2%80%939%20(2014).pdf

Аннотация. В статье приведено иллюстрирован- ное описание новой орхидеи – Aerides phongii, най- денной в ксерофитных лесах Южного Вьетнама. Ци- линдрические листья и пупырчатая губа с крупными бородавчатыми выростами в ее центре определяют уникальное изолированное положение найденно- го вида в пределах рода. Согласно предварительной оценке, вновь открытое растение находится в приро- де на грани полного вымирания

Ключевые слова: Aerides phongii, Orchidaceae, биоразнообразие, новый вид, Вьетнам, охрана природы. 

[Botany • 2016] Lilium procumbens and its Allies in the Flora of Vietnam

Lilium procumbens  Aver. & N.Tanaka, 2016

tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania

ABSTRACT

 Lilium procumbens – a new species discovered at a limestone ridge in northern Vietnam is unique in having a slender procumbent stem. This paper presents a detailed taxonomic account of the species including a description, illustrations, information on the type, ecology, phenology and distribution, affinity with other congeners, and expected conservation status. A key to all the known Lilium species from Vietnam and an annotated list of them are also provided.

KEY WORDS: Lilium, nature protection, new species, plant diversity, plant taxonomy, Vietnam.

Lilium procumbens Aver. & N.Tanaka, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the procumbent habit of the plant.

Distribution: Endemic to VIETNAM, Cao Bang province (Nguyen Binh district, Ca Thanh municipality).


 Lilium species from Vietnam

The name of cultivated species is marked with an asterisk* 

1. Lilium procumbens Aver. & N.Tanaka, sp. nov. 
2. Lilium eupetes J.M.H. Shaw, 2008, Plantsman n.s., 7: 39.
3. Lilium poilanei Gagnep., 1934, Fl. Indo-Chine 6: 810, fig. 80, 1 
4. Lilium brownii F.E. Brown ex Miellez, 1841, Cat. Expos. Soc. Hort. Lille

5. Lilium concolor Salisb.*, 1806, Parad. Lond. t. 47
6. Lilium longiflorum Thunb.*, 1794, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 2: 333
7. Lilium lancifolium Thunb.*, 1794, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 2: 333

 Leonid V. Averyanov, Noriyuki Tanaka and Khang Sinh Nguyen. 2016. New Species - Lilium procumbens and its Allies in the Flora of Vietnam.
 Taiwania. 61(1): 1‒7. DOI:  10.6165/tai.2016.61.1

http://tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania/pdf/tai.2016.61.1.pdf

[Botany • 2014] Checklist of Mycoheterotrophic Species of the Genus Exacum (Gentianaceae) and New Species, E. zygomorpha, from northern Vietnam

FIGURE 3. Exacum zygomorpha Aver. & K.S.Nguyen, sp. nov.
A: Flowering plants in native habitat. B: Flower bud at the beginning of anthesis. C–E: open flowers, views from different sides.

All photos from the type — CPC 6183 by Khang Sinh Nguyen, correction and design by L.Averyanov.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.183.2.3

Abstract

The paper provides a key for identification and a checklist of mycoheterotrophic species of the genus Exacum, representing a well-defined group of achlorophyllous members of Gentianaceae regarded sometimes in the limits of a separate genus Cotylanthera. One novel species, Exacum zygomorpha, discovered in northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated as new for science. Among other features the discovered species strikingly differs from its congeners in having distinctly zygomorphic flowers.

Keywords: Cotylanthera, Cotylanthera zygomorpha, Exacum, Gentianaceae, Indochina, Vietnam, Laos, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Exacum zygomorpha Aver. & K.S.Nguyen, sp. nov 

Etymology:— Species name refers to distinct zygomorph–like asymmetry of its flowers. 

Distribution:— Vietnam (Nghe An). Only one locality in Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain on the border of the provinces Xiangkhouang (Laos) and Nghe An (Vietnam). 

Ecology:— Primary humid shady broad-leaved and mixed forests (with Cunninghamia konishii) on soils rich in humus derived from sandstone and shaly rocks at elev. 2000–2300 m, usually along ridge edges. It flowers from October–November. Very rare.

Leonid V. Averyanov, Khang Sinh Nguyen and Hiep Tien Nguyen. 2014. Checklist of Mycoheterotrophic Species of the Genus Exacum (Gentianaceae) and New Species, E. zygomorpha, from northern Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 183 (2): 108–113. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.183.2.3

http://www.rufford.org/files/Phytotaxa%20183%20(2)%20108%E2%80%93113.pdf

[Botany • 2015] Miguelia cruenta • Review of the Genus Miguelia (Orchidaceae) with A New Species from southern Vietnam

Miguelia cruenta Aver. et Vuong

ABSTRACT

This review of the genus Miguelia Aver. includes a brief characterization of the genus, a key for species identification, appropriate taxonomic citation and synonyms for each species, and notes on ecology, phenology and distribution. Miguelia cruenta, discovered in southern Vietnam, is described and illustrated as a new species. The tentative relationship of the newly discovered species is briefly discussed. 

KEY WORDS: Miguelia, Miguelia cruenta, Orchidaceae, new species, plant diversity, plant taxonomy, Vietnam

 Leonid V. Averyanov and Truong Ba Vuong. 2015. Review of the Genus Miguelia (Orchidaceae) with A New Species, M. cruenta, from southern Vietnam.

Taiwania. 60(1):33‒38 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2015.60.33

[Orchidology • 2013] Vanilla atropogon • a new species from Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Vanilla atropogon, in situ inflorescence.

Photo: Romana Rybková

Abstract

 Vanilla atropogon a new species from Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam is described.

Keywords: Vanilla atropogon, Orchidacea, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Etymology. From atro-, dark, and pogon, beard, referring to the dark, hairy lip. 

Distribution. Vietnam (Khanh Hoa Province). Endemic. 

Notes. Vanilla atropogon is perhaps most closely related to V. borneensis Rolfe (syn. V. pilifera Holttum), which has flowers that are similar in size, shape and ornamentation. In V. borneensis the patch of hairs on the mid-lobe is much denser, with hairs of almost uniform thickness (versus hairs strongly narrowing towards the apex in V. atropogon) and this patch is almost or entirely contiguous with the central patch of scales; in V. atropogon the patch of hairs and the callus-like patch of scales are well-separated; in V. borneensis the basal part of the lip is much broader and is provided with two knob-like calli, which are lacking in V. atropogon. The colour of the lip is quite different in V. borneensis: white with pink or purple veins and pink hairs. Finally, the inflorescence of V. borneensis carries 5–12 (V. atropogon: 10–23) flowers. 

 The unusual colour of the lip of V. atropogon in combination with the bad smell of the flowers suggests that it may be pollinated by flies. Unfortunately, nothing is known about the pollinators of other Asian species, but most are likely to be bee pollinated, as has been observed in similar-looking tropical American species (Cameron, 2011).

André Schuiteman. Leonid Averyanov & Romana Rybková. 2013. Vanilla atropogon, a new species from Vietnam. Orchideen. 1-1; 10-16. 

http://orchideen-journal.de/permalink/2013_1_COOTES_SCHUITEMAN_new.pdf