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| Luvunga subanense K.R. Mazo & Tahil, in Mazo & Tahil, 2021. |
Abstract
After 113 years since the only Luvunga species was described from the Philippines and after 36 years since the latest species of the genus was formally described from Sabah, Borneo, a species new to science of Luvunga from Zamboanga del Norte, Southern Philippines, L. subanense, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from similar species, L. philippinensis and L. crassifolia, by having longer thorns, longer petioles and an inflorescence of four-flowered cymes. It further distinguishes from its most similar species, L. philippinensis, by having nine stamens (vs. 10), shorter filaments (4–4.5 mm vs. 6 mm) and ovoid ovary (vs. oblong) which is globular in cross-section (vs. quadrangular). Figures, a table of comparing the new species to L. philippinensis and L. crassifolia, notes on distribution, habitat and conservation status are provided. This novelty brings the total number of Luvunga species to 15 of which four are found in the Philippines.
Keywords: Luvunga philippinensis, Mindanao, morphology, Rutaceae, taxonomy, Zamboanga
Luvunga subanense K.R. Mazo & Tahil, sp. nov.
A similar species to both L. philippinensis Merr. and L. crassifolia Tan. by having generally oblongate leaflets and pubescent filaments, but differing in the length of thorns (2.5–3.0 vs. 1.2–1.5 vs. 2.0–2.5 cm) and petioles (14–24 vs. 9–13 vs. 11–14.5 cm) and the number of flower being produced in each cyme (4 vs. 3 vs. 6). It is further distinguished from a much closer species, L. philippinensis, by having nine stamens (vs. 10), shorter filaments (4–4.5 vs. 6 mm) and ovoid ovary (vs. oblong) which is globular in cross-section (vs. quadrangular).
Etymology: This taxonomic novelty is named in honor of the indigenous Subanen people of Zamboanga Peninsula.
Distribution and habitat: Luvunga subanense is only known in the disturbed tropical lowland forest of barangay Tinuyop, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippines along the river at elevation from 300–330 m elevation.
Kean Roe F. Mazo and Arkady A. Tahil. 2021. Historic Discovery of A New Species of Luvunga (Rutaceae) from Mindanao, southern Philippines. Harvard Papers in Botany. 26(2); 427–431. DOI: 10.3100/hpib.v26iss2.2021.n7
