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| Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu, in Yang, Wu, Liang, M.-H. Zhang, X.-C. Zhang, Peng et Hu, 2024. |
Abstract
In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu, from the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province in Central China. It is morphologically assigned to Primula sect. Aleuritia based on its dwarf and hairless habit, long petiole, fruits longer than calyx and covered by farina on the scape. This new species is similar to P. gemmifera and P. munroi subsp. yargongensis in the same section, but it can be distinguished by its smaller calyxes, homostylous flowers, corolla tube throat without annular appendage and only 1–2 flowers in each inflorescence. Based on the assessment conducted according to the IUCN Red List criteria, we propose that P. weiliei be classified as a Critically Endangered (CR) species.
Key words: China, conservation, Primula, Section Aleuritia, Shennongjia
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| Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu A habit B leaf abaxial side C flower lateral view D corollas, long homostyly E ripe fruit F calyx, abaxial view (left), adaxial view (right). (Drawn by Ms Xiang-Li Wu). |
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| Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu A habitat B inflorescence C leaves D habits E corollas, long homostyly F corollas adaxial surface G calyxes, the upper abaxial, the lower adaxial H fruits I seeds. |
Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: This new species resembles Primula gemmifera and P. munroi subsp. yargongensis but differs significantly from the latter in several aspects: umbels are 1–2-flowered, scapes are 5–10 cm long, bracts measure 2–4 mm long, campanulate calyx is 3–4 mm long, flowers are homostylous, and the corolla throat lacks an annular appendage. Among the homostylous types in Primula sect. Aleuritia, P. clutterbuckii, P. meiotera, and P. weiliei share some similarities but are distinct from each other. P. clutterbuckii and P. meiotera feature multiple short stems with clustered leaves showing large and deep serrations along the leaf margin, along with a thick powder abaxially. In contrast, P. weiliei has a single rhizome, fewer leaves with fewer dentate or shallow teeth on the margin, and a slightly farinose abaxial surface.
Lin-Sen Yang, Zhi-Kun Wu, Hong-Wei Liang, Meng-Hua Zhang, Xian-Chun Zhang, Shuai Peng and Guang-Wan Hu. 2024. Primula weiliei (Primulaceae), A New Species from Hubei, Central China. PhytoKeys. 242: 1-8. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.242.119351