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| Primulina serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou, 金翅报春苣苔 in Mai, Chou et Wen, 2024. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); |
A new species of Primulina Hance (Gesneriaceae), P. serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou from northern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. versicolor F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang, but can be easily distinguished by its smaller bracts. In its natural habitat, this species exists only in two subpopulations, and they occupy an area of less than 40 m2 and, following IUCN guidelines, this new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Keywords. Lamiales, morphology, Primulina versicolor, taxonomy
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| Primulina serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou. A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Abaxial (right) and adaxial (left) surface of leaves. D. Flowering cyme. E. Indumentum on peduncle. F. Adaxial view of bracts. G. Pedicels. H. Corolla front (middle) and side views (left and right). I. Purple erect glandular hairs on corolla. J. Calyx lobes, dissected showing the abaxial surfaces. K. Opened corolla, showing stamens (anthers and filaments) and staminodes. L. Pistil (left), style and stigma (middle), and ovary plus calyx (right). (Photos: W.C. Chou, F. Wen & D.C. Meng) |
Primulina serina F.Wen & W.C.Chou, sp. nov.
The new species is most similar in leaf characteristics to Primulina versicolor F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang but differs by its lanceolate to narrowly ovate (vs broadly ovate or sub-rounded) bracts 3–3.5 × 1–1.2 mm (vs 50–55 × 44–50 mm).
Etymology. Primulina serina is named after the canary (Serinus canaria) owing to its exquisite yellow flowers. The specific epithet “serina” is derived from the Latin word “citrinus”, meaning “lemon yellow”, reflecting the canary’s bright yellow plumage.
Vernacular name. 金翅报春苣苔 (Jīn Chì Bào Chūn Jù Tái).
G.D. Mai, G.D., Chou, W.C. and Wen, F. 2024. Primulina serina, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from northern Guangxi, China. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); 285 - 291.