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| Argostemma mirae F.A.Blasco, Tandang & Alejandro, in Blasco, Tandang et Alejandro. 2024. |
Abstract
We describe Argostemma mirae (Rubiaceae) a new species from Mt. Tingtingan, Badong, Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. It grows on a shady mossy limestone forest on a lower elevation. A. mirae resembles A. solaniflorum in having branching and pubescent stems, oblanceolate leaves, pubescent petioles, terminal to axillary inflorescence, and white corollas but differs in having shorter stems, smaller leaf blades, 4 calyx lobes and 4 corollas. Based on IUCN criteria we proposed data deficient (DD) since there is only one population currently known.
Argostemma solaniflorum, corolla, lithophytic, medicinal plants, Surigao provinces, Eudicots
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| Argostemma mirae Blasco, Tandang & Alejandro. A. Habit & Habitat; B. Young flower; C. Matured flower; D. Fruit. |
Argostemma mirae Blasco, Tandang & Alejandro, sp. nov.
Diagnosis — Argostemma mirae closely resembles A. solaniflorum Elmer over A. arachnosum Merrill and A. distichum Valeton in having erect, branching and pubescent stems, glabrous stipules, pubescent petioles, oblanceolate leaves, dark green lamina, abaxially pubescent leaf surface, acute base, margin entire, pubescent calyx lobes, corolla lobes surface abaxially pubescent, white corollas and pubescent pedicel but differs in having shorter stems 10–13 cm. (vs. 16), stipules broadly ovate (vs. oblong), smaller leaf blades 2.5–3. × 1– 1.3 cm (vs. 7 × 2), acuminate apex (vs. obtuse), adaxially glabrous leaf surface (vs. pubescent), lateral leaf veins 4–5 pairs (vs. 7–8), inflorescences 2 (vs. 5), 4 calyx lobes (vs. 5), 4 corolla lobes (vs. 5 star-shaped), corolla lobes surface adaxially glabrous (vs. pubescent), longer pedicel 15–17 mm (vs. short 8), anthers length 3–4 mm (vs. 7) and opening by longitudinal slits (vs. apical pore).
Etymology —The species is named after Mrs. Evangeline A. Mira to honor her 45 years of service to Saint Theresa College of Tandag. Ma’am Mira, as she is fondly called by her students, colleagues and friends is a biology and language teacher and a dear friend.
Freddie A. BLASCO, Danilo N. TANDANG and Grecebio Jonathan D. ALEJANDRO. 2024. Argostemma mirae (Rubiaceae) A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 640(1); 65-70. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.640.1.7 [2024-03-07]
