 |
Somnuekia Duangjai, Chalermw., Sinbumr. & Suddee, gen. nov. Somnuekia flaviflora Duangjai, Chalermw., Sinbumr. & Suddee,in Chalermwong, Duangjai, Sinbumroong, Thananthaisong, Daonurai, Kaewmuan, Poopath, Bhuchaisri, Tangjaipitak, Chantarasuwan, Ngernsaengsaruay, Rueangruea et Suddee, 2025. ปอศรีสมนึก || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.141219 |
Abstract
Somnuekia is described as a new genus of Malvaceae, currently known only from a few locations in the upper part of Tenasserim in northern and peninsular Thailand. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on plastid DNA sequence regions, support the recognition of this new genus within the Brownlowioideae (Malvaceae). Its distinct phylogenetic position, along with a distinct set of morphological and palynological characteristics, strongly support the recognition of Somnuekia as a new genus. A formal description of Somnuekia flaviflora is provided along with illustrations, photographs, a distribution map and conservation notes. Furthermore, this new genus is compared to other Asian genera within the subfamily.
Key words: Endemic, monotypic, phylogenetic, taxonomy
 |
| Somnuekia flaviflora A habit, fruiting branch and leaf-like bracts B, C leaves B leaf showing adaxial surface C leaf showing abaxial surface and venation D mature flower bud E–K opened flower and its components E opened flower F sepals showing pilose adaxial surface G petals H staminode I stamens: anterior view (left), posterior view (middle) and lateral view (right) J dissected flower with sepals and petals removed, stamens: anterior view (left), posterior view (middle) and lateral view (right) K pistil L mature capsules M mature capsules at splitting stage N carpel in lateral view, split longitudinally to show seed arrangement O mature seeds. A–C, L–O from Chalermwong et al. 20220317-01 (type) D–K from Sinbumroong & Chalermwong 20190128-01. Drawings by W. Bhuchaisri. Scale bars: 5 cm (A–C); 1 cm (D, E); 5 mm (F); 1 cm (G); 5 mm (H); 1 mm (I); 5 mm (J); 5 mm (K); 2 cm (L–N); 2 mm (O). |
 |
| Somnuekia flaviflora A flowers and flower bud B–D flowers at different stages of anthesis B early blooming flower with indehiscent anther C blooming flower with dehiscent anther D late blooming flower with dehiscent anther E immature capsules with immature seeds, showing reddish-pink stellate scale covering F mature capsule with mature seeds, showing dark brown stellate scale covering. Flowers shown in A–C were taken from branches placed in a plastic bag overnight. |
 |
| Somnuekia flaviflora A habit B trunk and bark C lower-branch shoot and leaves C1 apical shoot of the lower-branch shoot, showing filiform stipules and trichome covering D terminal bud of upper branch shoot showing scale covering E leaf-like bracts in infructescence F mature flower buds and blooming flower G infructescence with immature and mature capsules H immature capsules with prominent ridges I lateral view of carpel, split longitudinally to show seed arrangement and mature seeds. |
Subfam. Brownlowioideae Burret
Somnuekia Duangjai, Chalermw., Sinbumr. & Suddee, gen. nov.
Somnuekia flaviflora Duangjai, Chalermw., Sinbumr. & Suddee
Diagnosis. Somnuekia Duangjai, Chalermw., Sinbumr. & Suddee resembles Pityranthe Thwaites morphologically, but differs from the latter by its unique pollen, having more numerous ovules in each loculus and fruit characters. The detailed distinguishing characters of this new genus and other genera are listed in Table 2.
....
Porntawat Chalermwong, Sutee Duangjai, Aroon Sinbumroong, Theerawat Thananthaisong, Kunanon Daonurai, Anusara Kaewmuan, Manop Poopath, Wanwisa Bhuchaisri, Kusol Tangjaipitak, Bhanumas Chantarasuwan, Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay, Sukid Rueangruea and Somran Suddee. 2025. Somnuekia flaviflora (Malvaceae, Brownlowioideae), A New Genus and Species from Thailand. PhytoKeys 254: 221-243. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.141219
