 |
ว่านเทพประสิทธิ์ | Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk. & อุษา | Curcuma cinnabarina Škorničk. & Soonthornk. in Leong-Škorničková, Soonthornkalump & Suksathan, 2020. |
Abstract
Curcuma cinnabarina and C. eburnea (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae), two new species from Thailand, are described and illustrated here. They are compared with the morphologically closest species Curcuma rubrobracteata and C. pierreana, respectively. Detailed descriptions, colour plates, and information on their distribution, ecology, phenology and uses are also provided. Preliminary IUCN conservation assessments of these species are proposed.
Keywords: Curcuma pierreana, Curcuma rubrobracteata, Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Lampang province, Nong Bua Lam Phu province, Udon Thani province
 |
| FIG. 1. Curcuma cinnabarina Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov. A, Habit; B, base of the plant, with emerging inflorescence; C, entire plant; D and F, inflorescence; E, rhizome and root tubers. From Soonthornkalump, S. Sutt-209. (Photographs: W. Thongbai and S. Soonthornkalump.) |
Curcuma cinnabarina Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov.
Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Latin cinnabarinus, referring to the dark red colour of the bracts of this species.
Vernacular names and uses. Usa (ù-saa) (อุษา) (usa = dawn). The rhizomes are used in local medicine as an ingredient in balm, and plants are occasionally also sold as ornamentals.
 |
| FIG. 3. Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk., sp. nov. A, Habit (inset: detail of ligule); B, base of the plant, with emerging inflorescence; C, flowers; D, inflorescence (from above); E, flower dissection (from left to right, top to bottom: floral tube in longitudinal section, two lateral staminodes and labellum, stamen, calyx, ovary with epigynous glands, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes); F, stamen (front, side and back views). All from Leong-Škorničková, J. GRC-179. (Photographs: J. Leong-Škorničková.) |
 |
| FIG. 4. Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk., sp. nov. A, Habit (inset: detail of ligule); B, inflorescence; C, flower dissection (from left to right, top to bottom: floral tube in longitudinal section, two lateral staminodes and labellum, calyx, ovary with epigynous glands, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes, stamen); D, root tuber and rhizome; E, base of pseudostems, with rhizome. A–C from Leong-Škorničková, J. GRC-193, D and E from Leong-Škorničková, J. GRC-179. (Photographs: J. Leong-Škorničková.) |
Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk., sp. nov.
Etymology. The specific epithet derives from Latin eburneus and refers to the ivory/creamwhite colour of the bracts of this species.
Vernacular names and uses. In Lampang province, the plant is known as kai laen (ไข่แลน) (= monitor lizard eggs, referring to the colour of the bracts), and young inflorescences are eaten by the locals as a vegetable. According to Wannakrairoj (1996), the common name of this species in Thailand is thep prasit (theph pras̄ithṭhi) (ว่านเทพประสิทธิ์) (= plant created by an angel). Dried flowers are used in the composition of Buddhist amulets and usually soaked in sandalwood oil for the tattooing ritual.
J. Leong-Škorničková, S. Soonthornkalump and P. Suksathan. 2020. Curcuma cinnabarina and C. eburnea (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), Two New Species from Thailand. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77(3): 391 - 402. DOI: 10.1017/S0960428620000049
