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Aspidistra purpureomaculata H.C. Xi, J.T. Yin & W.G. Wang
in Xi, Yin, Ma & Wang, 2020.
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Abstract
Aspidistra purpureomaculata, a new species from Pakse, Laos, is described and illustrated. This new species resembles A. xuansonensis in the shape of perianth and stigma, but can be distinguished by its perianth tube colour mainly purple and stamens in the middle of the perianth tube. Aspidistra purpureomaculata is also similar to A. laongamensis in the shape of perianth and the position of stamens but is distinguishable by perianth lobes 6, pale green or white inside, and stigma 6-lobed. Detailed description is provided.
Keyword: Asparagaceae, Aspidistra, new taxon, taxonomy, Laos
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| Fig. 1. Aspidistra purpureomaculata H.C. Xi, J.T. Yin & W.G. Wang: A. Flowering plant; B. Leaf surface, adaxial and abaxial; C. Peduncle and Flower; D. Partial enlargement of peduncle showing purple spots; E. Flowers, apical view; F. Flower, side view; G. Partial enlargement of flower showing purple spots; H. Flower with half of perianth removed showing stamens and pistil; I. Flower with half of perianth removed showing vertical section of pistil; J. Stigma, apical view; K. Pistil, side view. (Photos: A-D, F-K. by W.G. Wang; E. by H.C. Xi) |
Aspidistra purpureomaculata H.C. Xi, J.T. Yin & W.G. Wang, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: The new species resembles Aspidistra xuansonensis N.Vislobokov in the shape of perianth tube and lobes and the shape of stigma, but can be distinguished by its leaf size (especially shorter petiole length), perianth tube colour mainly purple (vs. mainly white) and stamens position in the perianth tube (in the middle vs. at the lower part). Aspidistra purpureomaculata is also similar to Aspidistra laongamensis C. R. Lin & X. Y. Huang in the shape of perianth and the stamens in the middle of perianth tube but is distinguishable by perianth lobes 6, pale green or white inside (vs. usually 8, yellow), stigma 6-lobed (vs. usually 4-lobed). A detailed morphological comparison of these 3 species is presented in Table 1.
Etymology: The specific epithet “purpureomaculata” refers to the purple-spotted flowers, peduncles and cataphylls of the new species.
Distribution and Habitat: Currently known only from the type locality and found growing alongside a river at an elevation of ca. 300 m above sea level.
Hou-Cheng Xi, Jian-Tao Yin, Xing-Da Ma and Wen-Guang Wang. 2020. Aspidistra purpureomaculata, A New Species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae) from Laos. Taiwania. 65(2); 228-231. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1677
