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| Rubus tingzhouensis C. An & G. C. Lin, in Chen, G.-C. Lin, Wang, Zhuang, Yao, Yang, Qin, Y.-X. Lin et An, 2025. |
Abstract
Rubus tingzhouensis C.An & G.C.Lin, a newly-defined species within the family Rosaceae from Fujian Province, China, is formally described and illustrated here. R. tingzhouensis is morphologically similar to R. swinhoei, but can be distinguished by several key characteristics, such as long, reddish-purple stipitate glands, soft bristles, light yellow short trichomes (vs. shortly grey tomentose at the early stage, glabrescent) and scattered epidermal prickles (vs. few to many curved prickles). Furthermore, the stipules are pinnately deeply laciniate, measuring 1–1.5 cm (vs. ovate-oblong to ovate-lanceolate, 0.5–0.8 cm). Phylogenetic analyses, based on partial sequences and the complete plastome data, provide robust support for a close relationship between R. tingzhouensis and R. swinhoei, while also highlighting distinct genetic differentiation between these two species. The chloroplast genome of R. tingzhouensis is 156,311 bp in length and comprises 132 unique genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNAs, eight ribosomal RNAs and one pseudogene.
Key words: Biodiversity, classification, floristic survey, morphology, new taxon
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| Rubus tingzhouensis C. An & G. C. Lin A plant in natural habitat B leaf (adaxial surface) C leaf (abaxial surface) D, E, F flower and inflorescence G androecium H stamen I stigma J petal K stipule. |
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| Illustration of Rubus tingzhouensis C. An & G. C. Lin A habit B petal C longitudinal section of flower D free lobes of calyx E stamen F pistil G flower H stipule I bract J margin and trichome of leaf K trichome of abaxial leaf L section of leafed stem. Drawn by Yunxiao Liu. |
Rubus tingzhouensis C.An & G.C.Lin, sp. nov.
Chinese name: 红毛木莓
Diagnosis: This species is similar to R. swinhoei in its growth habit, with ovate to oblong-lanceolate leaf blades and botryoid inflorescences that may be terminal or axillary. However, R. tingzhouensis can be distinguished by its dense indumentum of long, reddish-purple stipitate glands, soft setae and light yellow short trichomes on the plant surface. It also has scattered epidermal prickles, adding to its distinct appearance. Additionally, it has deeply laciniate stipules measuring 1–1.5 cm in length, which are significantly more divided than those of related species, making them a key distinguishing feature.
Etymology: The specific epithet ‘tingzhouensis’ refers to the ancient region Tingzhou (汀州) in south-western Fujian, China, where this species was discovered. The Chinese name, “红毛木莓” (hong mao mu mei), reflects the plant’s dense covering of reddish-purple long hairs.
Ming Chen, Gui-Can Lin, Tao Wang, Yi-Xue Zhuang, Yi-Xin Yao, Cheng-Zi Yang, Yuan Qin, Yan-Xiang Lin and Chang An. 2025. Rubus tingzhouensis (Rosaceae), A New Species from Fujian, China. PhytoKeys. 249: 251-267. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.138951
