Wednesday, February 22, 2023

[Botany • 2022] Oreocharis polyneura (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southern Yunnan, China


Oreocharis polyneura Y.H.Tan, F.Wen & Y.X.Gong, 

in Gong, Ding, Yan, Wen, Tian et Tan, 2022. 
多脉马铃苣苔  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.214.93901

Abstract
Oreocharis polyneura, a new species from southern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to O. rhytidophylla by having more obvious lateral veins forming a crosslinked network on the adaxial surface of leaf blades, but can be distinguished by having more lateral veins (12–15 pairs vs. 7–9 pairs) of leaf blades, shorter corolla tubes (the length ratio of corolla tube to corolla lobes = 1.2–2.9 vs. 3.4–6) and shorter pistils (6–8 mm long vs. 27–30 mm long). In addition, a detailed morphological description, a photographic illustration, the distribution and phenology of the new species are presented.

Keywords: flora of Yunnan, morphology, new taxon, Oreocharis rhytidophylla, taxonomy

Oreocharis polyneura Y.H.Tan, F.Wen & Y.X.Gong, sp. nov.
 A habit B inflorescence C behind view of flower D fruit E whole plant F inflorescence with scale G adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces H bracts I, J calyces K opened corolla showing stamens and staminode L pistil with disc and calyces M cross section of fruit.
 Photographed by Yan-Xiong Gong.
 
 Oreocharis polyneura Y.H.Tan, F.Wen & Y.X.Gong, sp. nov.
 
Diagnosis: Oreocharis polyneura is similar to O. rhytidophylla in having more obvious lateral veins forming crosslinked network on the adaxial surface of leaf blades, but can be distinguished by having more lateral veins (12–15 pairs vs. 7–9 pairs) of leaf blades, shorter corolla tubes (the length ratio of corolla tube to corolla lobes = 1.2–2.9 vs. 3.4–6) and shorter pistils (6–8 mm long vs. 27–30 mm long).

Etymology: Greek polys, many, and neuron, nerve, alluding to abaxially conspicuous lateral leaf veins

Vernacular name: The Chinese name of the new species is “Duō Mài Mǎ Líng Jù Tái” (多脉马铃苣苔). The first two words, Duō Mài mean the numerous veins of the leaf blades, and the rest four words mean the genus Oreocharis in mandarin.


Yan-Xiong Gong, Hong-Bo Ding, Xiang-Shuai Yan, Fang Wen, Yao-Hua Tian and Yun-Hong Tan. 2022. Oreocharis polyneura, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from southern Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 214: 7-15. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.214.93901