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| Cornukaempferia puangpeniae P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Boonma & Techa, in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Boonma, Techa, Rakarcha, Ragsasilp et Nguyen, 2025. |
Abstract
Thailand hosts a diverse array of plants in the Zingiberaceae family, with over 150 endemic species, highlighting its significance in global biodiversity. The genus Cornukaempferia stands out for its ornamental and medicinal value. During a research expedition in Northern Thailand, a previously unknown Cornukaempferia species was discovered in Sukhothai province, expanding the known distribution range. It was confirmed through comprehensive taxonomic analysis as a new species, Cornukaempferia puangpeniae. Additionally, a new variety, C. aurantiiflora var. vespera, was identified in Uttaradit Province. The genus now encompasses eight species and two varieties with the addition of these taxa, exhibiting a notable prevalence in Thailand and highlighting its significant endemism. Particularly, C. larsenii is noteworthy for being native to Thailand and Laos. Detailed morphological descriptions, including diagnoses with related taxa, were provided. The species' ecological characteristics, pollen morphology, traditional uses, and conservation status were documented. A revised key to species and varieties in the genus Cornukaempferia, including a UPGMA cluster analysis dendrogram elucidating morphological relationships within the genus, was presented. These discoveries contribute to the botanical knowledge of the region, underscoring the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in preserving its rich flora.
Keywords: Cornukaempferia, new species, Sukhothai, Taxonomy, Uttaradit, Zingiberaceae
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| Cornukaempferia puangpeniae P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Boonma & Techa sp. nov.; (A) young leaf is rolled and erect before unfurling; (B) flower; (C) habit; (D) habitat (Photographs: A–B by T. Boonma, C by S. Saensouk, D by C. Techa). |
Cornukaempferia puangpeniae P.Saensouk, Saensouk, Boonma & Techa sp. nov
Diagnosis: Similar to C. kamolwaniae Picheans., Yupparach & Wongsuwan, but differs, particularly in dormancy characteristics, in having a tuberous root with two layers: a light brown core and an outer yellow layer (vs. C. kamolwaniae, which have a brownish inner core, followed by an orange-brownish middle layer, and finally an outer layer in yellow-oak); leaf sheath 5–7 cm long (vs. 3.5–4 cm long); lamina adaxially dark green with a dark reddish-purple tinge (vs. dark green without a dark reddish-purple tinge); bracts pubescent (vs. glabrous with a pubescent apex); floral tube sparsely hairy (vs. glabrous); staminodes apex acute (vs. apex rounded); labellum apex acute without incision (vs. apex rounded with an incision 2–3 mm long); filament 4.5–5 mm long, sparsely hairy (vs. 7–9 mm long, glabrous); anther 2.5–2.8 cm long (vs. 1.5–1.8 cm long); epigynous glands measure approximately 4 mm in length (vs. 1–2 mm in length).
Etymology: The specific epithet “puangpeniae” is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Puangpen Sirirugsa, a renowned botanist with expertise in Zingiberaceae. She holds the distinction of being the first Thai researcher to conduct extensive studies on the Zingiberaceae family in Thailand.
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| Cornukaempferia aurantiiflora var. vespera P. Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma var. nov.; (A) habit in natural habitat; (B) top view of flower; (C) top view of habit (Photographs: A by T. Boonma, B–C by S. Saensouk). |
Cornukaempferia aurantiiflora var. vespera P.Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma var. nov
Etymology: “vespera” is derived from the Latin word “vesperum”, meaning “evening”, which refers to its flower blooming in the evening.
Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Chainarong Techa, Sarayut Rakarcha, Areerat Ragsasilp and Danh Duc Nguyen. 2025. Cornukaempferia puangpeniae sp. nov. and C. aurantiiflora var. vespera var. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from Northern Thailand. Heliyon. 11(2), e41603. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41603
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