[Botany • 2017] Alphonsea glandulosa • A New Species (Annonaceae) from Yunnan, China

Alphonsea glandulosa  Y.H. Tan & B. Xue

in Xue, Shao, Saunders & Tan, 2017. 

 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170107 

Abstract

Alphonsea glandulosa sp. nov. is described from Yunnan Province in south-west China. It is easily distinguished from all previously described Alphonsea species by the possession of glandular tissue at the base of the adaxial surface of the inner petals. Nectar was observed throughout the flowering period, including the pistillate phase and subsequent staminate phase. Small curculionid beetles were observed as floral visitors and are inferred to be effective pollinators since they carry pollen grains. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to confirm the placement of this new species within Alphonsea and the evolution of the inner petal glands and specialized pollinator reward tissues throughout the family.

Fig 2. Flower and fruit morphology of Alphonsea glandulosa.
A, Branch, showing leaf-opposed inflorescence position, and lanceolate leaves. B, Abaxial view of the inflorescence, showing 5–6 carpels per flower. C, Adaxial view of the inflorescence, showing pubescent pedicels with one densely pubescent medial bract (arrowed). D, Fruit with subglobose monocarps. E, Single monocarp, dissected to show seed arrangement.

—Photos: Yun-hong Tan.

Alphonsea glandulosa is unusual in the genus, however, in having multiple flowers (often 5 to 9) in each inflorescence. Although most Alphonsea species have inflorescences with only 1–4 flowers, there are two species, A. philastreana (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep. and A. ventricosa (Roxb.) Hook. f. & Thomson, which have more than four flowers per inflorescence.
....

Alphonsea glandulosa Y.H. Tan & B. Xue, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Alphonsea glandulosa is unique amongst Alphonsea species in having a nectar gland at the base of the adaxial surface of each inner petal. It is most similar to A. philastreana (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep., but differs in having a greater number of secondary veins on each side of the leaf, greyish to yellowish pubescent flower buds, longer pedicels, a greater number of carpels per flower, a smaller number of ovules per carpel, and globose to shallowly bilobed stigmas.

Etymology: The specific epithet reflects the presence of nectar glands at the base of the adaxial surface of each inner petal.

Bine Xue, Yun-Yun Shao, Richard M. K. Saunders and Yun-Hong Tan. 2017. Alphonsea glandulosa (Annonaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PLoS ONE. 12(2); e0170107. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170107

ResearchGate.net/publication/313217452_Alphonsea_glandulosa_Annonaceae_a_New_Species_from_Yunnan_China

A New Species of Alphonsea Found in Xishuangbanna
english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201702/t20170204_173788.shtml

[Botany • 2015] Thismia hongkongensis • A New Mycoheterotrophic Species (Thismiaceae) from Hong Kong, China, with Observations on Floral Visitors and Seed Dispersal

 Thismia hongkongensis S.S.Mar & R.M.K.Saunders

Flower structure in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov. A Mature flower, showing outer tepals (ot), inner tepals (it) and abscission zone (ab) at the base of the perianth tube. B Entire plant (S.S. Mar 1, HK).

doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Figure 1. Flower development in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov.
A, B Root system, with young flowering stalk developing (arrowed). C–G Developing flower, photographed over a 17-day period (10th, 14th, 16th, 19th and 23rd May, respectively) (S.S. Mar 1, HK). I, J Post-fertilization flower, showing abscission of perianth tube.

Photos by S.S. Mar. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Abstract

A new species, Thismia hongkongensis S.S.Mar & R.M.K.Saunders, is described from Hong Kong. It is most closely related to Thismia brunonis Griff. from Myanmar, but differs in the number of flowers per inflorescence, the colour of the perianth tube, the length of the filaments, and the shape of the stigma lobes. We also provide inferences on the pollination ecology and seed dispersal of the new species, based on field observations and interpretations of morphology. The flowers are visited by fungus gnats (Myctophilidae or Sciaridae) and scuttle flies (Phoridae), which are likely to enter the perianth tube via the annulus below the filiform tepal appendages, and exit via small apertures between the filaments of the pendent stamens. The flowers are inferred to be protandrous, and flies visiting late-anthetic (pistillate-phase) flowers are possibly trapped within the flower, increasing chances of pollen deposition on the receptive stigma. The seeds are likely to be dispersed by rain splash.

Keywords: Burmanniaceae, China, mycoheterotrophic, pollination, rain splash dispersal, Thismia, Thismiaceae, new species

Figure 3. Fruit structure in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov.
A Flower (rear right), immature fruit, shortly after fertilization (left), and mature fruit with exposed seeds (front). B Two fruiting individuals, each with three fruits.

 Photos by S.S. Mar. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Figure 3. Fruit structure in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov.
C Lateral view of fruiting specimen, illustrating elongated fruit stalk. D Mature fruit with exposed seeds. E Dehydrated fruit. F Rehydrated fruit, after rainfall.

Photos by S.S. Mar. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Shek Shing Mar and Richard Saunders. 2015. Thismia hongkongensis (Thismiaceae): A New Mycoheterotrophic Species from Hong Kong, China, with Observations on Floral Visitors and Seed Dispersal. PhytoKeys 46: 21-33. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

[Botany • 2013] Goniothalamus palawanensis • A new species of Goniothalamus (Annonaceae) from Palawan, and a new nomenclatural combination in the genus from Fiji

Goniothalamus palawanensis

C.C.Tang & R.M.K.Saunders

Abstract

A new species, Goniothalamus palawanensis C.C.Tang & R.M.K.Saunders, sp. nov. (Annonaceae), is described from Palawan, Philippines. Goniothalamus palawanensis is most closely related to Goniothalamus amuyon (Blanco) Merr., but differs in its shorter inner petals, hairy ovaries, and funnel-shaped stigmas. A new nomenclatural combination, Goniothalamus angustifolius (A.C.Sm.) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders, comb. nov., is furthermore validated to reflect the phylogenetic affinities of a Fijian species previously assigned to Polyalthia.

Keywords: Goniothalamus, Polyalthia, Fiji, Malesia, Melanesia, Palawan, new combination, new species

Figure 1. Goniothalamus palawanensis, sp. nov.
A Habit (mature individual with flowers) B Branch with leaves (abaxial) C Branch with leaves (adaxial) D, E Flower F Sepals (abaxial) G Very mature flower with two outer petals and one inner petal removed, showing stamens and stigmas H Perianth parts (abaxial; left to right: sepal, inner petal, outer petal) I Perianth parts (adaxial; left to right: sepal, inner petal, outer petal).

Scale bars: H, I = 1 cm; A, D from C.C. Tang 09 (HKU); B, C, F, G from C.C. Tang 06 (HKU); E, H, I from C.C. Tang 14 (HKU). Photos by C.C. Tang.

Chin Cheung Tang, Bine Xue, Richard M.K. Saunders. 2013. A new species of Goniothalamus (Annonaceae) from Palawan, and a new nomenclatural combination in the genus from Fiji. PhytoKeys. 32: 27–35, doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.32.6663

[Botany • 2004] มหาพรหมราชินี | Mitrephora sirikitiae • a remarkable new species (Annonaceae) endemic to northern Thailand

มหาพรหมราชินี
Mitrephora sirikitiae Weerasooriya, Chalermglin & R.M.K. Saunders

Abstract

A new species of Annonaceae, Mitrephora sirikitiae, is described from Mae Hong Son Province in northern Thailand. It is easily distinguished from the seven species of Mitrephora previously recorded from Thailand due to its very large, showy flowers. It is most similar to M. winitii, but differs in its larger flowers, with inner petals that become undulate at maturity. The profuse blooming of the new species and its large flowers with mild fragrance suggest that may be of significant horticultural potential.

  

มหาพรหมราชินี

 Mitrephora sirikitiae Weerasooriya, Chalermglin & R.M.K. Saunders

วงศ์:  ANNONACEAE

“มหาพรหมราชินี” มีถิ่นกำเนิดอยู่บริเวณยอดเขาสูงชัน ที่ระดับความสูง ๑,๑๐๐ เมตร ในเขตอำเภอเมือง จังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน

ข้อมูลพรรณไม้ดังกล่าว ลงตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร Nordic Journal of  Botany แห่งประเทศเดนมาร์ก โดยได้รับพระราชทานพระบรมราชานุญาต ให้ใช้พระนามาภิไธย เป็นชื่อพรรณไม้ชนิดใหม่ว่า มหาพรหมราชินี | Mitrephora sirikitiae เพื่อเป็นการร่วมเฉลิมพระเกียรติสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าฯ พระบรมราชินีนาถ เนื่องใน โอกาศมหามงคลเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา ๖ รอบ ใน ๑๒ สิงหาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๗

Aruna D. Weerasooriya, Piya Chalermglin & Richard M. K. Saunders. 2004. Mitrephora sirikitiae (Annonaceae): a remarkable new species endemic to northern Thailand. Nordic Journal of Botany. 24 (2): 201–206. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-1051.2004.tb00833.x

http://home.olemiss.edu/~arunaw/Mitrephora%20sirikitiae.pdf

http://web.hku.hk/~saunders/rmks.htm

http://www.tistr.or.th/tistr/banner/pdf/tistr_intro.pdf

http://suanluangrama9.or.th/2010/06/mitrephora-siriketiae-weerasooriya/

[Botany • 2006] A synopsis of Cyathocalyx species (Annonaceae) in west Malesia; Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo | Fifteen species are recognized, including two newly described from Borneo (C. angustipetalus and C. magnifructus)

Cyathocalyx sumatranus

photo: http://florasingapura.com/

Abstract 

A revised classification of the species of Cyathocalyx (Annonaceae) occurring in western Malesia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo) is presented, with distribution maps. Fifteen species are recognized, including two that are newly described from Borneo (C. angustipetalus and C. magnifructus), which are illustrated. Several important nomenclatural changes are validated, including the elevation of Drepananthus carinatus var. deltoideus to specific rank as C. deltoideus, and the transfer of the name Parartabotrys hexagynus to Cyathocalyx as C. hexagynus. Other notable nomenclatural changes include the reduction of the name C. scortechinii to synonymy with C. pubescens. 

Keywords: classification; Malesia; systematics; taxonomy 

Wang, R.J.and Saunders, R.M.K. 2006. A synopsis of Cyathocalyx species (Annonaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, with descriptions of two new species. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 152(4); 513–532. DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2006.00582.x

http://researchgate.net/profile/Richard_Saunders

[Botany • 2006] The Genus Cyathocalyx (Annonaceae) in the Philippines | Five species are recognized, including two endemics that are newly described (C. crassipetalus and C. samarensis)

Cyathocalyx acuminatus, XT, NY25864 http://flic.kr/p/dfXPcN

Abstract

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Philippine representatives of the genus Cyathocalyx (Annonaceae) is presented for the first time. Five species are recognized, including two endemics that are newly described (C. crassipetalus and C. samarensis). The utility of specific taxonomic characters is also evaluated, with particular emphasis on leaf indument and occurrence of crystals; sepal and petal shape; carpel number; monocarp size and shape; pericarp thickness; presence of stipes; seed size and shape; and prominence of the raphe. The conservation status of each species is evaluated according to current IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Keywords: Annonaceae, Cyathocalyx crassipetalus, Cyathocalyx samarensis, new species, systematics,  taxonomy.

Rui Jiang Wang and Richard M. K. Saunders. 2006. The Genus Cyathocalyx (Annonaceae) in the Philippines. Systematic Botany. 31,(2) (Apr. - Jun., 2006), 285-297.  

http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/25064151

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227340169_The_genus_Cyathocalyx_(Annonaceae)_in_the_Philippines

[Botany • 2010] An Extended Phylogeny of Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and a Reassessment of the Generic Status of Oreomitra | 3 new Pseuduvaria from Southeast Asia • P. fragrans, P. gardneri from Thailand and P. glossopetala from Malaysia

Abstract

Three new species of Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae) from Peninsular Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia are described and named as P. fragrans, P. gardneri, and P. glossopetala. A recent molecular phylogenetic study, based on 51 species (including P. fragrans), elucidated the evolutionary relationships within the genus. The present study includes P. gardneri and P. glossopetala in the phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, based on five chloroplast regions (psbA—trnH spacer, trnL—F, matK, rbcL, and atpB—rbcL spacer). The new nomenclatural combination Pseuduvaria phuyensis is also validated in accordance with the phylogenetic analyses which show that Craibella phuyensis and Pseuduvaria form a well-supported monophyletic clade. The new species and new nomenclature combination bring the total number of species in Pseuduvaria to 56. The taxonomic status of the enigmatic monotypic genus Oreomitra from New Guinea is furthermore evaluated, and the name shown to be synonymous with Pseuduvaria.

Keywords: classification, New Guinea, Peninsular Malaysia, systematics, taxonomy, Thailand

Figs . 3–8. Inflorescences and fruits of Pseuduvaria fragrans and P. gardneri.

Pseuduvaria fragrans Y. C. F. Su, Chaowasku & R. M. K. Saunders, sp. nov.

—TYPE: THAILAND. Klong Phanom National Park, Surat Thani Province, 14 Nov 2006, T. Chaowasku 27 (holotype: L!; isotype: HKU!).

Species Pseuduvariae multiovulatae (C. E. C. Fischer) J. Sinclair similis, sed pedicellis florum et fructuum brevissimis (3–10 mm et ca. 12 mm longis), petalis exterioribus minoribus (3–4 mm longis), petalis interioribus minoribus (4.5–5.5 mm longis), stamina parvis (ca. 24), carpellis parvis (ca. 3) parvis, monocarpiis sessilibus, et internodiis rhachium longioribus (ca. 10 mm) differt.

Pseuduvaria gardneri Y. C. F. Su, Chaowasku & R. M. K. Saunders, sp. nov.

—TYPE: THAILAND. Khao Nom Phrai, Huai Yot, Trang Province, 15 Feb 2006, S. Gardner & P. Sidisunthorn ST2313 (holotype: L!).

Species Pseuduvariae fragrans Y. C. F. Su, Chaowasku & R. M. K. Saunders similis, sed pedunculis florum et fructuum brevissimis (ca. 3–5 mm longis) et petalis interioribus glandulosis solitariis et cordatus differt.

Pseuduvaria glossopetala Y. C. F. Su & R. M. K. Saunders, sp. nov.

—TYPE: PENINSULAR MALAYSIA. Padang Rengas, Gunong Pondok, Perak, 12 Mar 1971, S. C. Chin 875 (holotype: L!; isotype: KEP!).

Species Pseuduvaria gardneri Y. C. F. Su, Chaowasku & R. M. K. Saunders similis, sed petalis interioribus glandibus glossus et basi unguiculata latus differt.

Yvonne C. F. Su, Tanawat Chaowasku, and Richard M. K. Saunders. 2010. An Extended Phylogeny of Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and a Reassessment of the Generic Status of Oreomitra. Systematic Botany. 35:1, 30-39 DOI: 10.1600/036364410790862533
researchgate.net/publication/227340152_An_extended_phylogeny_of_Pseuduvaria_%28Annonaceae%29_with_descriptions_of_three_new_species_and_a_reassessment_of_the_generic_status_of_Oreomitra

[Botany • 2004] อนุพรหม | Pseuduvaria (originally Craibella) phuyensis (Annonaceae) • new species from Western Thailand

Pseuduvaria phuyensis (R. M. K. Saunders, Y. C. F. Su, & Chalermglin)

Y. C. F. Su & R. M. K. Saunders, comb. nov. (2010)

Craibella phuyensis R. M. K. Saunders, Y. C. F. Su, & Chalermglin gen. et sp. nov. (2004)

ABSTRACT

A new genus and species, Craibella phuyensis (Annonaceae), is described from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. Craibella is a genus of small trees with pendent, unisexual flowers; the petals are in two whorls, with the larger inner whorl forming a mitriform dome over the reproductive organs. It is suggested that the genus is most closely related to Pseuduvaria and Orophea, but is distinguished from both by the combination of leaf-opposed inflorescences, elongated-conical torus in staminate flowers, and unusual staminal connectives that are apically expanded but do not extend distally over the thecae. Other significant differences include unisexual flowers, distinguishing Craibella from Orophea, and solitary pollen grains (monads), distinguishing it from Pseuduvaria.

FIG. 2. Flowers and fruits of Craibella phuyensis. A. Entire flower, with three reflexed outer petals and three connivent inner petals; sepals not visible. B. Staminate flower, with closest inner petal removed. C, D. Monocarps, illustrating color variation. (A, B, R. M. K. Saunders et al. 99/2; C, D, P. Chalermglin 420701). Scale bars: A, B 5 ca. 5 mm; C, D 5 ca. 10 mm.

Craibella R. M. K. Saunders, Y. C. F. Su & Chalermglin, gen. nov.

—TYPE SPECIES: Craibella phuyensis R. M. K. Saunders, Y. C. F. Su & Chalermglin, sp. nov.

Etymology: After William G. Craib (1882–1933), plant taxonomist based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, specializing on the flora of Thailand.

Craibella phuyensis R. M. K. Saunders, Y. C. F. Su & Chalermglin, sp. nov.

— TYPE: THAILAND. Kanchanaburi Province, Sangkhlaburi District: Phuye, ca. 35 km N of Thong Pha Phum, ca. 158 09 N, 988 409 E, undergrowth of closed canopy in primary forest, 15 December 1999, R. M. K. Saunders, A. D. Weerasooriya & P. Chalermglin 99/2 (holotype: BKF; isotypes: C [X 2], CMU, HKU, K [X 2], L [X 2]).

Distribution and Ecology. Apparently endemic to Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand (Fig. 5). Growing under closed canopy in a primary forest, at low elevations (150–300 m). Co-occurring species include: Arenga westerhoutii Griff. (Palmae); Dillenia indica L. (Dilleniaceae); Magnolia liliifera (L.) Baill. (Magnoliaceae); Miliusa thorelii Finet & Gagnep. (Annonaceae); Polyalthia simiarum Benth. & Hook. f. (Annonaceae); and Pseuduvaria setosa (King) J. Sinclair (Annonaceae). The creation of the Khao Laem Dam in 1984 (subsequently re-named the Wajiralongkorn Dam) resulted in the flooding of considerable areas of similar forest, and possibly reduced the number of populations of Craibella phuyensis. A more immediate risk to surviving populations, however, is the slash-and-burn cultivation practiced by the indigenous hill tribes.

Thai vernacular name. อนุพรหม Anuphrom.

Saunders, R. M. K., Y. C. F. Su, and P. Chalermglin. 2004. Craibella phuyensis (Annonaceae): a new genus and species from Thailand. Systematic Botany 29: 42–49. DOI: 10.1600/036364404772974202

Yvonne C. F. Su, Tanawat Chaowasku, and Richard M. K. Saunders. 2010. An Extended Phylogeny of Pseuduvaria (Annonaceae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and a Reassessment of the Generic Status of Oreomitra. Systematic Botany. 35:1, 30-39 DOI: 10.1600/036364410790862533