[Botany • 2016] Strongylodon juangonzalezii • A Remarkable New Species of Strongylodon (Fabaceae) from Mulanay, Quezon Province, Philippines

Strongylodon juangonzalezii  

Hadsall, Alejado & Cajano  

  DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.73.10055 

Abstract

A new species, Strongylodon juangonzalezii Hadsall, Alejado & Cajano, collected from Buenavista Protected Landscape, Mulanay, Quezon, is hereby described. The new species is remarkable for its plagiotropic dense inflorescence made up of 27–31 flowers per cluster in a lateral branch. Flowers are lilac when young, then gradually turn blue when mature. A comparison of the morphology of S. juangonzalezii and related species of Strongylodon in the Philippines is provided. Detailed illustration based on the holotype and photos from its natural habitat are also included. With this new species, the Philippines now harbors eight endemic species of Strongylodon. A key to distinguish the species is provided.

Keywords: Mulanay, Fabaceae, Quezon, Philippines, Strongylodon

Figure 4. Strongylodon juangonzalezii sp. nov.
A inflorescence B inflorescence showing point of attachment C opened pod to show seeds D young pod E mature seeds from the wild.

Photographs by Mary Ann O. Cajano (deceased 6 December 2015) and Michelle DR. Alejado. 

   

Diagnosis: Strongylodon juangonzalezii a habens inflorescentiae racemi spicae densi plagiotropici, lilacinus cum iuvenibus et caerulei cum maturibus, et cum brachyblastae cylindricae et magis quam tres flores in congeners differt.

Strongylodon juangonzalezii differs from other species of Strongylodon in having dense plagiotropic raceme inflorescence with flowers that are lilac when young and turn blue when mature, and with brachyblasts that are cylindrical and more than 3 flowered.

Figure 2. Strongylodon juangonzalezii sp. nov.
A growth habit, inset shows the distinct middle and lateral stipules B portion of a flowering branch C Detached flower D dissected flower E calyx F androecium and anther G intact pod H pod opened to show the seeds I seeds, front and side view J brachyblast. 

Etymology: This new species is named after Dr. Juan Carlos Tecson Gonzalez, current director UPLB-MNH, professor of zoology, one of the Philippines ten outstanding young scientists in 2011, a passionate conservationist and ornithologist.

Distribution: So far only two thriving lianas of this species are known from Buenavista Protected Landscape, Mulanay, Quezon Province where it was collected.

Habitat and ecology: This liana thrives in a disturbed secondary growth forest climbing atop a large tree at an altitude of 295 m. The area is adjacent to an old coconut plantation.

Phenology: Flowering and fruiting from February to mid-March.

Annalee S. Hadsall, Michelle D.R. Alejado, Ariel R. Larona and Ivy Amor F. Lambio. 2016. Strongylodon juangonzalezii, A Remarkable New Species of Strongylodon (Fabaceae) from Mulanay, Quezon Province, Philippines.
 PhytoKeys. 73: 1-12. DOI:  10.3897/phytokeys.73.10055