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| Selaginella guihaia X.C.Zhang |
Abstract
Selaginella guihaia sp. nov. (Selaginellaceae), a new species of spikemoss from southern China and northern Vietnam around the Gulf of Tonkin (Beibu Gulf), is described and illustrated. Morphological and molecular comparisons of the new species with other similar species (S. doederleinii, S. ornata and S. trachyphylla) are provided. The morphological and molecular evidence clearly indicates S. guihaia is a distinct species. Morphologically S. guihaia differs from other species by its obviously white–margined leaves, the ventral leaves scabrous on upper surfaces throughout the basiscopic or also rarely present on upper halves, and the ovate axillary leaves.
Keywords: Lycopodiophyta, lycophytes, taxonomy, new species, rbcL, ITS
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| Figure 2. Selaginella guihaia X.C.Zhang A Habit B Dorsal leaf C Ventral leaf D Part of main stem showing ventral leaves, dorsal leaves, and strobili E Part of main stem showing ventral leaves, axillary leaves, and strobili F Megasporophyll G Microsporophyll
(Drawn by C.Z. Ji from Beijing Youth Expedition 0980, PE).
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| Figure 4. Selaginella guihaia X.C.Zhang, sp. nov. A Dorsal view of branch B Ventral view of branch. C Strobilus D Rhizophore E Habit. |
Selaginella guihaia X.C.Zhang, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: The new species is similar to Selaginella doederleinii, S. ornata and S. trachyphylla in the habit and the morphology of dorsal leaves, ventral leaves, axillary leaves and sporophylls. However, S. guihaia can be easily recognized by its obvious white–margined leaves. The white-margin is about three cells wide in S. guihaia, but it is only one cell wide in S. doederleinii, S. ornata, and S. trachyphylla.
Type: China, Guangxi: Pingxiang, Mt. Daqingshan, alt. 600m, 27 Aug 1986, Beijing Youth Expedition 0980 (Holotype: PE![No. 1365103]) (Figure 3).
Distribution and ecology: Widely distributed in southern China (Guangxi and Hainan) and northern Vietnam around the Gulf of Tonkin (Beibu Gulf), growing in evergreen broad–leaved forests at 250 to 1000 m a.s.l. (Figures 4, 5).
Etymology: The specific epithet “guihaia” alludes to the ancient Chinese name for the remote geographic region where the species occurs.
Yu-Dong Wu, Hong-Rui Zhang and Xian-Chun Zhang. 2017. Selaginella guihaia (Selaginellaceae): A New Spikemoss Species from southern China and northern Vietnam around the Gulf of Tonkin. PhytoKeys. 80; 41-52. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.80.11126
