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| Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao, in Song et Yao, 2024. |
Abstract
Phyllanthodendron can be readily morphologically distinguished from Glochidion, but recent molecular evidence showed that Phyllanthodendron is paraphyletic due to Glochidion being nested within it. In this study, a new species of the former Phyllanthodendron is described and illustrated as Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao from the limestone areas of South China. This is a peculiar new species and morphologically distinguished by its discoid flowers, T-shaped disc segments, and glabrous flowering branches. A key to Glochidion yangchunense and related species in China is provided here.
Key words: Karst, Malpighiales, Phyllantheae, Phyllanthodendron, Taxonomy
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| Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao A habit B detail of the apex of branches C fruiting branches D, E leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces, shapes and sizes F, G pistillate flower, front and lateral view H, I staminate flower, front and lateral view J branches with staminate and pistillate flowers as well as fruit K fruits and seeds. Arrows indicate disc segments. |
Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Glochidion yangchunense resembles Glochidion anthopotamicum (Hand.-Mazz) R.W. Bouman in general morphology, but much differs from the latter by its glabrous flowering branches (Fig. 1G, I) (vs. pubescent flowering branches; Fig. 3C–F), sepals with lateral veins (Fig. 1F, H) (vs. sepals without lateral veins; Fig. 3D–F), sepals jointly formed a discoid shape (Fig. 1F–I) (vs. sepals jointly formed a urceolate shape; Fig. 3D–F), T-shaped disc segments (Fig. 1F, H) (vs. linear disc segments; Fig. 3D), and short stipules (ca. 1 mm vs. 3 mm long).
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| Related species of Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao A–F Glochidion anthopotamicum (Hand.-Mazz.) R.W. Bouman G–L Glochidion dunnianus (H. Lév.) R.W. Bouman A, G habit B, H, I branches C–F, J–L flowers, front and lateral view H part of winged branch with stipules D, K pistillate flowers E, F, L staminate flowers. White arrows indicate disc segments and red arrow indicates stamen. |
Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Yangchun City in Guangdong Province, China, a hotspot for biodiversity research in Guangdong Province, where multiple new taxa of plant ... have been described (see Song et al. 2023).
Zhu-Qiu Song and Gang Yao. 2024. Glochidion yangchunense (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species with discoid flowers from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 239: 229-238. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.239.118411
