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| Pyrus zhaoxuanii X.W.Yi, B.B.Liu & Q.Fan, |
Abstract
Pyrus zhaoxuanii is described as a new species from Guangdong Province, China, within the genus Pyrus, specifically under P. subg. Pashia. Although it shares morphological similarities with P. calleryana, P. zhaoxuanii can be distinguished by its uniquely small, obovate, leathery leaves, which have an obtuse apex and short petioles. A phylogenetic analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicated that P. zhaoxuanii forms an independent branch within Pyrus and is categorized in the Oriental clade, P. subg. Pashia. Currently, this species has only been recorded in the Danxiashan National Nature Reserve. Considering its potential distribution and population size, we recommend classifying this species as Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List classifications and criteria.
Key words: Danxia landscape, new species, phylogeny, Pyrus
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| Line drawing of Pyrus zhaoxuanii A flowering plant B fruiting plant C flower D appearance of fruit E leaf F pistil G longitudinal section of flower H longitudinal and cross section of fruit I bud scales J stamens. Scale bars: 5 cm (A, B); 1 cm (C, D, E, F, G); 2 cm (H); 2 mm (I); 5 mm (J). Illustrated by Si-Rui Pan. |
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| Flower and pome of Pyrus zhaoxuanii A frontal dissection of the flower B stamens C longitudinal section of the flower D front view of the entire flower E cross and longitudinal sections of the fruit F cross-section of the ovary. Scale bars: 1 cm (A, E); 5 mm (B, C, D, F). |
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| Pyrus zhaoxuanii A plant, stem with many branches and thorn B habitat, growing on the edge of cliffs or steep slopes C branches with many subdivisions and thorns D lenticels on young branches E surface of the stem F, G leaves during the fruiting period H, I leaf buds and bud scales with hair J, K flowers L, M fruits N, O comparison of P. zhaoxuanii(left) and P. calleryana (right). |
Pyrus zhaoxuanii X.W.Yi, B.B.Liu & Q.Fan, sp. nov.
Chinese name. 昭璇梨
Diagnose. Pyrus zhaoxuanii is similar to P. calleryana, but can be differentiated by its small, obovate leaves, short petioles, pronounced stem thorns, and shrubby habit.
Etymology. Pyrus zhaoxuanii is named in honor of Prof. Zhao-Xuan Zeng (1921–2007), a famous geographer of South China Normal University, who made significant contribution to the study of danxia landscape.
Xiao-Wei Yi, Ying-Yu Wu, Qiang Fan, Fang Chen, Zai-Xiong Chen, Bin-Bin Liu and Cui-Ying Huang. 2025. Pyrus zhaoxuanii (Rosaceae), A New pear Species from Danxiashan Mountain, Guangdong, China. PhytoKeys. 254: 161-173. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.138039
