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| Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, gen. nov. Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W. Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, in Deng, Gao, Xia et Peng, 2016. |
Abstract
A new genus, Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng (Acanthaceae), is described from the Hengduan Mountains, China. Wuacanthus is based on Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W.Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, originally published in Justicia and then moved to Mananthes. The new genus is characterized by its shrub habit, strongly 2-lipped corolla, the 2-lobed upper lip, 3-lobed lower lip, 2 stamens, bithecous anthers, parallel thecae with two spurs at the base, 2 ovules in each locule, and the 4-seeded capsule. Phylogenetic analyses show that the new genus belongs to the Pseuderanthemum lineage in tribe Justicieae. Wuacanthus is closely related to Pseuderanthemum but differs from the latter by its shorter corolla tube and two minute spurs at the base of each anther-theca. W. microdontus is assessed with the status EN B2ab (iii) based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Keywords: Acanthaceae, Jinshajiang Valley, Justicia, Justicieae, Pseuderanthemum lineage, Wuacanthus
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| Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W. Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng. A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Inflorescence; D. Flower; E. Calyx and pistil; F. Opened corolla showing androecium; G. Anther base showing spurs; H. Opened capsule. s: stamen; st: staminode; sp: spur. |
Wuacanthus Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng, gen. nov.
Type: Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W.Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng.
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| Wuacanthus microdontus (W.W. Sm.) Y.F. Deng, N.H. Xia & H. Peng. A. Flowering branch; B. Portion of stem; C. Upper leaf surface; D. Lower leaf surface; E. Bract; F. Bracteole; G. Calyx; H. Opened calyx; I. Flower; J. Opened corolla showing androecium; K. Anther; L. Pistil; M. Stigma; N. Capsule; O. Seed. A–G, I–M drawn from F. Ducloux 5741 (P) by Yun-Xiao Liu, G–H, N–O drawn by Ding-Han Cui from Y.F. Deng et al. 25860 (IBSC). |
Yunfei Deng, Chunming Gao, Nianhe Xia and Hua Peng. 2016. Wuacanthus (Acanthaceae), A New Chinese Endemic Genus segregated from Justicia (Acanthaceae). Plant Diversity. DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2016.11.010