[Botany • 2025] Petrocosmea miechangensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

Petrocosmea miechangensis Sheng H.Tang & Cong R.Li,

in Tang et Li, 2025.  

篾厂石蝴蝶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.164730 

photographed by Hui-Kui Wang & Sheng-Hu Tang

Abstract

A new species in Gesneriaceae, Petrocosmea miechangensis, is described from southeastern Yunnan, China. This species bears a resemblance to P. sericea in the shape of the adaxial corolla lip and in having very densely appressed hairs on the abaxial leaf blade. However, it can be distinguished by its flowering period, the hairs on the leaf blade, calyx, and filaments, as well as the shape of the filaments. An identification key to P. miechangensis and its related species is presented.

Key words: Didymocarpoideae, Flora of China, karst, Maguan County

Petrocosmea miechangensis sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Flowering plant; C, E. Abaxial surface of leaf blade; D. Adaxial surface of leaf blade; F. Flower in front view; G. Flower in side view and a calyx lobe (inset); H. Flower in top view; I, J. Opened corollas; K. Mature stamens; L. Pistil, stigma (inset, top) and a part of style (inset, down); M. Capsule and seeds (inset).

(A was captured on camera by Hui-Kui Wang, while the others were photographed by Sheng-Hu Tang).

 Petrocosmea miechangensis Sheng H.Tang & Cong R.Li, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species displays the following characteristics: the corolla tube is shorter than the limb, and the adaxial corolla lip is significantly shorter than the abaxial corolla lip. Consequently, it should be classified within sect. Minor Z.J.Qiu within the genus Petrocosmea. Species in sect. Minor Z.J.Qiu typically exhibit minor variations in their flowers, fruits and seeds, but they display significant differences in their leaves and hairs. P. miechangensis and P. sericea are found in Wenshan City, Yunnan Province, China and they both possess similar leaf blade hairs (the silvery-white, glossy, silk-like hairs are unique to the genus Petrocosmea). So P. miechangensis is most ...

 

 Sheng-Hu Tang and Cong-Rui Li. 2025. Petrocosmea miechangensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 265: 13-23. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.164730