Monday, November 7, 2022

[Botany • 2022] Acilepis nakhonphanomensis (Asteraceae) • A New Species from Northeastern Thailand


Acilepis nakhonphanomensis Chatan & Promprom,

in Promprom & Chatan, 2022. 

Abstract
Acilepis nakhonphanomensis Chatan & Promprom, a new species in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae) from northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It mainly differs from other previously known similar Acilepis species by the receptacle, leaf blade margin, involucre, floret, corolla tube, anther, style, and achene. Colour illustrations, line drawings, distribution map, and morphological comparisons with its allied species are provided. The conservation status of the new species was also assessed.

Keyword: Acilepis ngaoensis, Aster family, flowering plant, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Morphology of Acilepis nakhonphanomenis Chatan & Promprom.
A. habit. B. inflorescence. C. phyllaries (from left to right: the first, third and fifth ones are adaxial sides; the second, fourth and sixth ones are abaxial sides). D. floret. E. stamen. F. achene (pappus removed).
 Drawn by Wannachai Chatan.


Morphology of Acilepis nakhonphanomenis Chatan & Promprom.
 A. inflorescence. B. involucre. C. receptacle. D. adaxial side of phyllary. E. abaxial side of phyllary. F. floret. G. ovary. H. Achene. I. achene (magnified).

    

Acilepis nakhonphanomensis Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: The new species differs from A. ngaoensis (H.Koyama) H.Rob. & Skvarl by its inconspicuously ribbed stem, indistinctly serrate leaf blade margin, glabrous receptacle, subcoriaceous involucres, slightly tubular corolla tubes, obtuse appendage and cordate base of anther, and the longer anther, style and achene.

Distribution and Ecology: Acilepis nakhonphanomensis is restricted to the Phu Pha Yon National Park. The new species grows on rocky and dry soils in slightly shaded and shaded areas in the deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed deciduous forest, and dry evergreen forest at an elevation of 300–350 m (Fig. 4).

 Etymology: The epithet references the Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand, the locality where the species was collected and is, until now, endemic. 

Vernacular name: Muang Nakhon Phanom - ม่วงนครพนม.  


Wilawan Promprom and Wannachai Chatan. 2022. Acilepis nakhonphanomensis (Asteraceae), A New Species from Northeastern Thailand. Taiwania. 67(4); 571-575. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1876