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| Thismia latiffiana Siti-Munirah & Dome, in Siti-Munirah & Dome, 2022. |
Abstract
Thismia latiffiana Siti-Munirah & Dome, a new species from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from all other species of Thismia, described so far, in having golden trichomes that are present on the outer surface of its floral tube and mitre, as well as pyramidal protuberances on the inner surface of the floral tube. Additionally, it is remarkable in its supraconnective apically bearing two long trichomes. Thismia latiffiana is assigned a preliminary conservation status as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Criteria.
Keywords: Hulu Nerus Forest Reserve, lowland dipterocarp forest, mycoheterotrophic, taxonomy
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Illustration of Thismia latiffiana Siti-Munirah & Dome A habit, showing roots, young bud (Ai; note stems covered with trichomes), mature flower (Aii) and fruit (Aiii; note glabrescent stem with trichomes detached) B Leaf (adaxial) C bract (adaxial), smaller bract (Ci) D longitudinally dissected floral tube showing inner (abaxial) view of stamens and apical parts of connectives E portion of inner surface of floral tube (upper part) F trichomes on outer surface of floral tube; G outer (adaxial) view of stamens showing lateral appendages H stamen, view from below I gynoecium, longitudinal section, showing pistil with trilobed stigma and ovary J seed. All from FRI94686 (spirit material). Drawings by Mohamad Aidil Noordin. |
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| Thismia latiffiana Siti-Munirah & Dome A walking trail near the habitat B plant in its habitat C plant ex-situ. Photos by Siti-Munirah MY (A, C) and Dome Nikong (B). |
Thismia latiffiana Siti-Munirah & Dome, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Thismia latiffiana differs from all its congeners by the following combination of traits: the presence of golden trichomes on the outer surface of floral tube and mitre, outer tepals absent, inner tepals form a mitre without appendages, an inner surface of floral tube covered by pyramidal protuberances and supraconnective bilobed with each lobe terminated by a long, needle-like trichome.
Distribution: Endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu. Currently known only from the type locality.
Ecology: In a lowland dipterocarp forest, on moist soil, under shade, near an open place (walking trail) (Figure 4) at elevation of 220 m. Flowering from December to February.
Etymology: Thismia latiffiana is named in honour of Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Abdul Latiff Mohamad, a prominent botanist and conservationist in Malaysia.
Vernacular name: We suggest a local name as ‘Thismia burung hantu’ in Malay, due to its appearance resembling an owl (‘burung hantu’ = owl).
Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah and Nikong Dome. 2022. Thismia latiffiana (Thismiaceae), An Unusual New Species from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. PhytoKeys. 188: 105-114. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.188.77061
