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| Sinocrassula cuonaensis N.Wei & Q.F.Wang, in Qiu, Shi, Feng, Zhang, Wang, N. Wei et Q.-F. Wang. 2025. |
Abstract
Sinocrassula cuonaensis, a new species of Crassulaceae from southern Xizang, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological evidence. Phylogenetically, it is sister to S. densirosulata with robust support. Morphologically, this new species is similar to S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, and S. jiaozishanensis in having glabrous indumentum and long inflorescences, but it can be easily distinguished by its rosulate, thick, and near-cylindrical basal leaves, greenish white flowers, and sub-rectangular nectar scales. A key for identification of the genus, including the new species, is provided.
Key words: Biodiversity hotspot, phylogeny, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, taxonomy
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| Sinocrassula cuonaensis. A. Flowers; B. Basal leaves; C. Stem leaves; D. Flower (top view); E. Flower with sepals and one petal removed (side view); F. Flower structure (with sepals and carpels removed); G. Sepals; H. Stamen; I. Petals and nectar scales; J. Carpels; K, L. Seeds under the scanning electron microscope. [N.Wei & Z.H.Xin WN43 (HIB)]. According to the description, flowering and fruiting are at different times of the year. If so, these pictures belong to two different gatherings. |
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| Sinocrassula cuonaensis. A. Its habitat in a deep valley; B. Its rocky habitat; C. The whole individuals; D. A flowering branch; E. The whole individuals of mature plants; F. The whole individuals of seedlings. [Voucher specimens: X.D.Qiu et al. XZ08 (HIB!)]. |
Sinocrassula cuonaensis N.Wei & Q.F.Wang, sp. nov.
Chinese name: 错那石莲
Diagnostic description. Sinocrassula cuonaensis is similar to S. indica var. viridiflava, S. densirosulata, S. jiaozishanensis in having glabrous plant and long inflorescence, but its rosulate, thick, and near-cylindrical basal leaves (vs. rosulate, spatulate, not rosulate, respectively) and greenish white flowers (vs. greenish yellow, purplish red, reddish purple, respectively) differ from the others. Besides, this new species has sub-rectangular nectar scales that are similar to S. indica var. viridiflava (vs. near-rectangular oblong) and S. densirosulata (vs. spatulate-quadrate) but different from S. jiaozishanensis (vs. oblong) (Table 2).
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Xiang-Dong Qiu, Jia-Jing Shi, Ya-Lin Feng, Feng-Di Zhang, Sheng-Wei Wang, Neng Wei and Qing-Feng Wang. 2025. Sinocrassula cuonaensis (Crassulaceae), A New succulent Species from Southern Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 263: 115-128. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159143
