[Botany • 2019] Hedychium ziroense (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Ginger Lily from Northeast India

Hedychium ziroense  V.Gowda & Ashokan

in Ashokan & Gowda. 2019. 

DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.117.24951 

Abstract

We describe Hedychium ziroense sp. nov. from Northeast India (NE India) which was discovered during one of our recent botanical explorations in Arunachal Pradesh. We provide detailed morphological comparison of this species with four other Hedychium species (H. griersonianum R.M.Sm., H. ellipticum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., H. gomezianum Wall. and H. yunnanense Gagnep.), with which it shares some morphological similarities. The new species is characterised by a dense cylindrical spike, pubescent rachis, folded bracts, 2–3 flowers per cincinnus, deeply cleft labellum and a distinctive late monsoonal flowering phenology from August to September.

Keywords: Apatani, Arunachal Pradesh, Hedychium, taxonomy, Ziro

Hedychium ziroense sp. nov.  C Inflorescence D Flower E Floral dissection

a Bract b Bracteole c Unopened bud d Calyx e Dorsal corolla lobe f Lateral corolla lobe × 2 g Labellum h Lateral staminode × 2 i Floral tube j Filament k Anther l Stigma m Style n Epigynous nectary × 2 o Ovary. 

 A, B Shoot and inflorescence of Hedychium ziroense sp. nov. 

Hedychium ziroense V.Gowda & Ashokan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Based on inflorescence shape and floral characters such as flower colour, relative length of filament to the labellum, relative length of corolla lobes to lateral staminodes and labellum, Hedychium ziroense V.Gowda & Ashokan, sp. nov. is morphologically similar to H. griersonianum R.M.Sm., H. ellipticum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., H. gomezianum Wall. and H. yunnanense Gagnep., but it can be easily distinguished from the aforementioned species by lamina length (up to 60 cm long in H. ziroense vs. 40 cm or less in H. griersonianum, H. ellipticum, H. gomezianum and H. yunnanense), bract length (4 cm or more in H. ziroense and less than 4 cm in H. griersonianum, H. ellipticum, H. gomezianum and H. yunnanense), number of flowers per cincinnus (2-3 flowered in H. ziroense vs. 1-flowered in H. griersonianum, H. ellipticum, H. gomezianum and H. yunnanense), relative lengths of bract and calyx (bract always longer than calyx in H. ziroense vs. bract length equal or less compared to calyx in H. griersonianum, H. ellipticum, H. gomezianum and H. yunnanense) and anther colour (orange in H. ziroense vs. crimson in H. griersonianum, orange-red in H. ellipticum, red in both H. gomezianum and H. yunnanense), (Figs 2, 3 and 4; Table 1).

Figure 2. Hedychium ziroense V.Gowda & Ashokan, sp. nov.
A Habitat B Habit C Inflorescence D Flower E Floral dissection a Bract b Bracteole c Unopened bud d Calyx e Dorsal corolla lobe f Lateral corolla lobe × 2 g Labellum h Lateral staminode × 2 i Floral tube j Filament k Anther l Stigma m Style n Epigynous nectary × 2 o Ovary.

Photographed by Ajith Ashokan.

Figure 3. Comparison of Hedychium ziroense and H. griersonianum.

 A, B Shoot and inflorescence of H. ziroense sp. nov. 

C H. griersonianum D Holotype of H. griersonianum R.M.Sm.

 Photo Credits: A, B Ajith Ashokan C Andrew Grierson. © Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 2018; D  data.rbge.org.uk  © Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 2018.

Distribution and habitat: This species is known only from collection along road banks on the Itanagar-Ziro road, Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of more than 1700 m.

Etymology and vernacular name: The specific epithet, “ziroense”, is derived from the type locality ‘Ziro’, the closest town to where the species was found. The town of Ziro is the headquarters of Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro is also the name of the native tribal inhabitants of the valley much before the arrival and subsequent colonisation of Apatani tribe (Ngunu Ziro pers. com.). In Apatani language, members of Hedychium are known by the common name “papi” (Bouchery 2016).

 Ajith Ashokan and Vinita Gowda. 2019. Hedychium ziroense (Zingiberaceae), A New Species of Ginger Lily from Northeast India. PhytoKeys. 117: 73-84. DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.117.24951

[Botany • 2019] Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Northeastern Thailand

Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis  Saensouk & P. Saensouk

in Saensouk & Saensouk, 2019. 

ว่านตูบหมูบสารคาม  ||  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.39 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Northeastern Thailand, is described, photographed and illustrated. It can be easily recognized by its erect and elongate psuedostem, length of leaf sheaths and leaves elliptic with apex acuminate. The new species resembles K. larsenii Sirirugsa but it differs in its two leaves, pseudostem high, blade broadly elliptic, leaf apex acute, length of leaf sheath, length of petiole, number flower per inflorescence, white flower and labellum white with two darker purple patches towards the base.

Keyword: Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis; Maha Sarakham; New species; Thailand; Zingiberaceae

Fig. 2. Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis:
 A. Habit, B. Habit showing rhizome and pseudostem, C. Habit showing rhizome and inflorescence, D. Fruit (arrow), E. Flower, Photos taken from the type locality by Surapon Saensouk.

Fig. 1. Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis: 

A. plant habit, showing leafy stem, rhizome and storage root, B. flower, C. top view of flower, D. bracteole, E. calyx tube, F. dorsal corolla lobe, G. lateral corolla lobe, H. bract, I. labellum, J. lateral staminode, K. anther with anther crest, L. ovary 

(scale bars; A= 5 cm; B-L = 1 cm), 

Drawing by Surapon Saensouk.

Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis Saensouk & P. Saensouk, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is collected from ‘Maha Sarakham Province’, the first discover place.

Distribution: Endemic to Thailand, which is found only in Doonlamphan Hunting Area, Na Chueak District, Maha Sarakham Province, Northeastern, Thailand. Moreover, it was presented common from the type locality.

Ecology: It grows on an open area and under the shade of dry deciduousforests and mixed deciduous forests. It appearsonly in the rainy season.

Vernacular Names: Wan-Toob-Moob-Sarakham (ว่านตูบหมูบสารคาม)

Surapon Saensouk and Piyaporn Saensouk. 2019. Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis, A New Species from Thailand. Taiwania. 64(1): 39-42. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.39 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/2215714665317017 

   

[Botany • 2019] Amomum nagamiense (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Amomum Roxb. from Nagaland, India

Amomum nagamiense  V.P. Thomas & M. Sabu

in Thomas, Sabu & Nissar, 2019. 

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.9 

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

A new species of Amomum from Nagaland is described and illustrated. The photographs and illustrations are provided. The species shows similarity with A. maximum in having bi-lobed ligule and white flowers and non-stoloniferous rhizome, but differs in slender habit, glabrous lamina, ligule with rounded apex, nonperishable, smaller bracteole, obtuse dorsal corolla lobe, pubescent anther lobe and ridged fruits.

Keyword: Amomum; India; Nagaland; New species; Zingiberaceae

Fig. 2. Photographs of Amomum nagamiense.
 A: habit. B & C: inflorescences. D: inner bract. E: bracteole. F: flower. G: calyx. H: corolla lobes. I: labellum. J: stamen. K: ovary with epigynous glands and style. L: stigma. M: fruit. Photos by V.P. Thomas.

Fig. 1. Illustration of Amomum nagamiense.
 A: habit. B: ligule. C: inflorescence. D: inner bract. E: bracteole. F: flower. G: calyx. H: corolla lobes. I: stamen. J: labellum. K: ovary with epigynous glands and style. L: stigma. M: cross section of ovary. N: fruit. Illustration by V.P. Thomas 

Amomum nagamiense V.P. Thomas & M. Sabu, sp. nov.

Similar to Amomum maximum in having bilobed ligule, white flowers, and non-stoloniferous rhizome, but differs in slender habit, glabrous lamina, ligule with rounded apex, non-perishable, smaller bracteole, obtuse dorsal corolla lobe, pubescent anther lobe and ridged fruits.

....

Distribution: India (Nagaland).

Ecology: Found growing as undergrowth in the semi-evergreen forest at an altitude of 1000 m asl in NE India. 

Etymology: Named for the Indian State Nagaland. 

Affinities: The species shows similarity with Amomum maximum in having bi-lobed ligule, white flowers, and non-stoloniferous rhizome, but differs in many attributes. A comparison with two other related species Amomum glabrum S. Q. Tong and A. menglaense S. Q. Tong are also presented (Table 1).  

Valukattil Ponnachan Thomas, Mamiyil Sabu and Vettathukattil Abdul Gafoor Muhammed Nissar. 2019. A New Species of Amomum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) from Nagaland, India. Taiwania. 64(1); 9-12. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.9  

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/2200728830148934

[Botany • 2019] Globba kanchigandhii (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Globba from North-East India

Globba kanchigandhii A. Joe & M. Sabu

in Joe, Sabu, Sanoj & Thomas, 2019.

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.4

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

A new species of Globba, Globba kanchigandhii, from North-East India is described, illustrated and compared with its allied species. A detailed description, illustration, photographs, distribution, ecology, phenology and relevant notes also provided. A comparison table is also provided.

Keyword: Globba kanchigandhii; G. multiflora; G. macroclada; India; Nagaland; Phek; Zingiberaceae

Fig 1. Globba kanchigandhii:
A: Habit. B: Bulbil. C: Entire flower. D: Bract. E: bracteole. F: Basal part of flower. G: Labellum with lateral staminode and stamen. H: Corolla lobes. I: Dorsal corolla lobe. J: Anther (ventral view). K: Stigma. L: Ovary with epigynous glands and base of style. M: Cross-section of ovary. Illustration by Alfred Joe.

Fig 2. Globba kanchigandhii.
 A: Habit. B: Bulbil. C: Inflorescence. D–E: Flower. D: Front view. E: Lateral view. F: Basal part of flower. G: Bract. H: Corolla lobes. I: Labellum with lateral staminodes. J: Lateral staminode. K: Stamen. L: CS of ovary. Photos by Alfred Joe.

Globba kanchigandhii A. Joe & M. Sabu sp. nov. 

Similar to Globba multiflora Wall. ex Baker, but differs from it in having lesser number of flowers in an inflorescence, glabrous peduncle, erect and horn-like free triangular lateral staminodes, short corolla tube, stigma cylindric and presence of persistent bracts even at flowering stage. 

Distribution and Habitat: Globba kanchigandhii  is so far only known from the type locality, ie. Phek, Nagaland and grows as undergrowth in the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. 

Etymology: This new species has been named in honour of Dr. Kanchi Gandhi, Harvard University for his valuable contributions to the field of plant nomenclature. 

Notes: This new species is closely allied to G. multiflora in its plant stature, bulbils and labellum colouration. But markedly differ from it in having fewer number flowers in inflorescence, erect and horn-like lateral staminodes, presence of persistent bracts and in its flowering period. The erect lateral staminodes make the species distinct from all known species of Globba. 

Fig. 3. Comparison of related species.
A–B: Globba kanchigandhii. C–D: G. multiflora. E–F: G. macroclada.

Photos A–E by Alfred Joe; F by E. Sanoj.

Alfred Joe, Mamiyil Sabu, E. Sanoj and Valukattil Ponnachan Thomas. 2019. A New Species of Globba (Zingiberaceae) from India. Taiwania. 64(1); 4-8. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2019.64.4  

facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/2200220473533103

     

[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 • 2018] Kaempferia graminifolia (Subgen. Protanthium: Zingiberaceae) • A New Endemic Species from Thailand

Kaempferia graminifolia Noppornch. & Jenjitt.

in Nopporncharoenkul & Jenjittikul, 2018. 
ดอกดินใบข้าว || DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.379.3.4 
facebook.com/iSIRBOOM

Abstract

Kaempferia graminifolia, a new species belonging to subgen. Protanthium with unique grass-like foliage is described and illustrated. A preliminary IUCN conservation assessment finds that the status of this endemic species is Vulnerable.

Keywords: grass-like leaves, Kaempferia rotunda, new taxa, precocious flowering Kaempferia, vulnerable, Monocots

 Nattapon Nopporncharoenkul and Thaya Jenjittikul. 2018. Kaempferia graminifolia (Subgen. Protanthium: Zingiberaceae), A New Endemic Species from Thailand. Phytotaxa.  379(3); 261-266. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.379.3.4

Kaempferia graminifolia Noppornch. & Jenjitt.

ดอกดินใบข้าว (dok din bai khao)

พืชชนิดใหม่นี้ (รายงานการพบครั้งเเรกของโลก) ถูกพบโดยพี่นิด-วัชราพร เมื่อประมาณสิบปีที่แล้ว ต่อมาพี่จิ๋ว-สุนิสา เก็บตัวอย่างพืชชนิดนี้ในปี 2554 เป็น living specimen ไว้ที่โรงเรือน ณ สวนพฤกษศาสตร์สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ แม่ริม จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ พวกเรา (ดร.ทยา เจนจิตติกุล ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล และผม) เห็นพืชชนิดนี้ในตอนเเรกก็ตัดสินใจว่าเป็นเพียงฟอร์มหนึ่งของดอกดิน/ทิพยเนตร (K. rotunda) ที่มีใบแคบเรียวยาวคล้ายใบข้าวเท่านั้น เพราะดอกของพืชทั้ง 2 ชนิดแทบจะไม่ต่างอะไรกันเลย

หลังจากลงพื้นที่เก็บข้อมูลภาคสนามหลายครั้งตั้งแต่ปี 2559 จนถึงปัจจุบัน เราได้ข้อมูลเชิงลึกของพืชชนิดนี้มากขึ้น ทั้งนิสัยการออกดอก สภาพแหล่งที่อยู่ ตลอดจนชนิดดินที่พืชชนิดนี้ขึ้น พบว่าเเตกต่างจากพืชชนิดอื่นที่รู้จักมาก่อน

จนกระทั่งปีนี้ (2561) ผมได้หลักฐานทางพันธุกรรมที่หนักเเน่นและสามารถเเยกพืชชนิดนี้ออกจากดอกดินสกุลเปราะชนิดก่อนหน้าได้อย่างสิ้นเชิง ผมหยิบ manuscript ที่ร่างไว้เมื่อนานมาเเล้วขึ้นมาปัดฝุ่น แก้ไขคำบรรยายลักษณะ วาดภาพลายเส้นประกอบคำบรรยายเพิ่มเติม และส่งรายงานพืชนี้เป็นพืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกตามหลักพฤกษศาสตร์โดยให้ชื่อวิทยาศาสตร์ “Kaempferia graminifolia Noppornch. & Jenjitt.” ที่ระบุถึงลักษณะของใบคล้ายกับพืชในกลุ่มหญ้า และกำหนดชื่อไทยว่า “ดอกดินใบข้าว” ส่วนสถานะการอนุรักษ์ตาม IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) ของพืชชนิดนี้ พวกเราประเมินเบื้องต้นให้เป็น สิ่งมีชีวิตที่เกือบอยู่ในข่ายใกล้การสูญพันธุ์ (vulnerable) เนื่องจากจำนวนประชากรค่อนข้างน้อยและพื้นที่การกระจายพันธุ์จำกัด

ปัจจุบันพืชชนิดนี้ได้ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร Phytotaxa ฉบับปีที่ 379(3) วันที่ 29 พฤศจิกายน 2561 (2018) หน้า 261-266 biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/issue/view/phytotaxa.379.3

ขอบคุณทุกท่านที่มีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องกับงานชิ้นนี้ พี่จินาย-ดร.วัฒนา พี่ชอบ-ฉัตรทอง กวาง-ธัญชนก ที่ให้บัตรผ่านประตูศึกษาตัวอย่าง อสพ พี่นิด-วัชราพร พี่จิ๋ว-สุนิสา พี่อาร์ต-พสธร พี่แวนดี้-วันดี สำหรับข้อมูลพืช การช่วยเหลือระหว่างลงพื้นที่ภาคสนาม และนอนสถานีตำรวจเป็นเพื่อน ขอบคุณพิพิธภัณฑ์พืชทุกแห่ง และผู้สนับสนุนทุนวิจัยทุกท่านครับ

#NewSpecies #EndemicThailand #PlantScience #MahidolUniversity

   

facebook.com/iSIRBOOM/posts/2339985856031193

[Botany • 2018] Hedychium viridibracteatum (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi Autonomous Region, South China

Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu

in Hu, Huang, Tan, Wu & Chen, 2018. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.110.28710 

Abstract

Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, a new species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China, is described and illustrated. Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu is included in the short-anther group of Hedychium and is most similar to Hedychium villosum Wall. var. tenuiflorum Voigt ex Baker, H. villosum Wall. var. villosum Wall., and H. chingmeianum N. Odyuo & D. K. Roy.

Keywords: Hedychium, Zingiberaceae, new species, Guangxi Autonomous Region

Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, sp. nov. is morphologically similar to H. villosum Wall. var. tenuiflorum Voigt ex Baker by having sagittate anther, long filament, relatively thick and small leaves, more than two flower per-bract, but can be easily distinguished from it by its green (vs. brown) shorter bracts (1.3–1.5 × 0.4–0.5 cm vs. 2.7–2.9 × 1.1–1.2 cm) and bracteoles (1.0–1.1 × 0.3–0.4 cm vs. 2.1–2.2 × 0.7–0.75 cm), pure white flowers (vs. white with red stamen), dentate (vs. acute) tips to the lateral staminodes, and the apex of the labellum incised to the middle (vs. deeply divided).

....

Figure 1. Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, sp. nov., holotype.
A upper leaves and inflorescence B flower C bract D ovary and glands E calyx tube F floral tube with calyx tube wrapped outside G corolla lobe H lateral staminodes I labellum J stamen K anther L stigma.

Drawings Y. X. Liu.

Figure 3. Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu sp. nov. 
A habit (growing on rocks) B rachis and bracts (pubescent) C ligule (glabrous) D inflorescence at anthesis E leaf blade surface (adaxial view) F leaf blade surface (abaxial view) G rhizome H portions of inflorescence (2–4 flowers per bract).

 Figure 2. Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, sp. nov., flowers and their parts:
A bract B bracteole C ovary D calyx tube E floral tube F corolla lobe G lateral staminodes H labellum I labellum claw J filament K anther. 

Etymology: The new species is named after its green bracts and pure white flowers which are highly diagnostic.

Habitat: This species is currently found on limestone rocks in Guangxi Autonomous Region (Napo, Longzhou and Jingxi Counties) mainly growing under forest at altitudes of 600–800 m.

Xiu Hu, Jia-qi Huang, Jia-chuan Tan, Yong-qing Wu and Juan Chen. 2018. Hedychium viridibracteatum X.Hu, A New Species from Guangxi Autonomous Region, South China. PhytoKeys. 110: 69-79. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.110.28710

   

[Botany • 2018] Sulettaria gen. nov. • A New Ginger Genus Disjunct from Elettaria cardamomum

Sulettaria surculosa (K.Schum.) A.D.Poulsen & Mathisen

in Poulsen, Mathisen, Newman, et al., 2018.

  DOI: 10.12705/674.3 

 twitter.com/AxelGinger 

Abstract

In 1950, Holttum placed species from Malaysia in the cardamom genus, Elettaria, while noting that they may, in fact, belong elsewhere in the tribe Alpinieae. We tested this hypothesis applying phylogenetic methods using nuclear ITS and At103, and plastid matK, ndhF and trnL-F sequences from several samples of the genus. In the resulting molecular phylogeny, these samples appeared in three separate places of the Alpinieae. Elettaria s. str. is endemic in India and Sri Lanka while all species from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo are placed in a new genus, Sulettaria which, furthermore, includes six species with basionyms in Amomum, A. kandariense from Sulawesi and the other five from Borneo. Fifteen new combinations are made, an identification key provided and lectotypes designated for three species. Plants labelled as cardamom and exhibited in some botanic gardens have been misidentified and represent a species in the Alpinia zerumbet clade.

Keywords:  At103; Elettaria; Geocharis; ITS; matK; ndhF; trnL-F; Zingiberaceae

Sulettaria surculosa  

— Photo: Axel D. Poulsen.  

 twitter.com/AxelGinger

Sulettaria A.D.Poulsen & Mathisen, gen. nov. 

 Type: Sulettaria surculosa (K.Schum.) A.D.Poulsen & Mathisen

 (≡ Amomum surculosum K.Schum.).

Etymology. – The genus name reflects its similarity to Elettaria and its occurrence in Sundaland and Sulawesi.

Fig. 5. Distribution of Elettaria and Sulettaria.

  Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Helena Båserud Mathisen, Mark F. Newman, Marlina Ardiyani, Øystein Lofthus, and Charlotte Sletten Bjorå. 2018.  Sulettaria: A New Ginger Genus Disjunct from Elettaria cardamomum.  Taxon. 67(4); 725-738.  DOI: 10.12705/674.3 

 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1034748112621985792

[Botany • 2018] Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species of Vanoverberghia from the Philippines

Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata  Docot & Ambida

in Ambida, Alviar, Co, Concepcion, Banag & Docot, 2018. 

DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.07 

Abstract 

A new species from the Philippines, Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata, is described and illustrated here. The new species is most similar to Vanoverberghia sepulchrei from which it differs in its leaves with oblong to narrowly elliptic lamina, unevenly truncate ligule apex, glabrous and red floral bracts, red calyx, white or pink corolla tube and lobes, and absence of spots on the style.

Keywords: Philippines; Vanoverberghia; Zingiberaceae; least concern; new species

Fig. 1 Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida.
a. Habit; b. ligule; c. inflorescence; d. leaf apex; e. flower at anthesis; f. mature fruit; g. flower (all from type locality).

— Scale bars = 1 cm. — Photos by R.V.A. Docot. 

Abbreviations: an: anther; br: bracts; ca: calyx; dc: dorsal corolla lobes; fl: flower; lc: lateral corolla lobes; la: labellum; nc: nectaries (epigynous glands); ov: ovary; pe: pedicel; sg: stigma.

Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida, sp. nov. 

Similar to Vanoverberghia sepulchrei Merr. but differs in the shape of the lamina (oblong to narrowly elliptic not oblong only), shape of the ligule apex (unevenly truncate not rounded), surface and colour of the floral bracts (glabrous and red not pubescent and white), colour of the calyx (red not pinkish white), colour of the corolla tube and lobes (white or pink not white only), and absence of spots on the style. 

— Type: R.V.A. Docot 0123 (holo PNH no. 256337; iso E, NY, SING, USTH), Philippines, Luzon, Quezon, Tayabas, Barangay Lalo, Mount Banahaw, ..., 1432 m, 12 Nov. 2017. 

 Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the red floral bracts.

Vernacular names — Akbab (Igorot language), Bagombong (Tagalog), and Tagbak (Bisaya). 

Fig. 3 Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida.
a. Mountain Province; b. Ifugao ; c. Negros Occidental; d. Antique

(a, c: without voucher; b: D.N. Tandang & R.T. Angeles s.n.; d: R.V.A. Docot 0118).

 — Photos by: a. H. Funakoshi; b. D.N. Tandang; c. P.B. Pelser; d. R.V.A. Docot.

Map 1 Distribution of Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata Docot & Ambida (★),
V. sasakiana Funak. & H.Ohashi (◆) and V. sepulchrei Merr. (■).

Distribution & Habitat — Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata is endemic to the Philippines and occurs in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Ifugao, Quezon, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Rizal, and Sorsogon. It inhabits montane forests along streams and ravines from 1000–1600 m.

Notes — Vanoverberghia rubrobracteata and V. sepulchrei both occur in the provinces of Ifugao and Mountain Province. The population of the new species in these two provinces which are located more northerly, however, are quite distinct from the populations distributed more southerly by having pink corolla tube and lobes (vs white) (Fig. 3a, b). Since only the colour of the corolla tube and lobes was found to be different, this study cannot warrant the populations from Ifugao and Mountain Province to be recognized as a separate species nor a variety.

J.H.B. Ambida, A.M.A. Alviar, P.S.A. Co, F.G.M. Concepcion, C.I. Banag and R.V.A. Docot. 2018. A New Species of Vanoverberghia (Zingiberaceae) from the Philippines.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plant. DOI:  10.3767/blumea.2018.63.02.07