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| Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples, in Ples, Patykowski, Udasco, Altomonte, Tobias et Bustamante, 2025. Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2) |
ABSTRACT
Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples—a new species of the genus Clerodendrum L. (Lamiaceae) from the montane forests of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon Island, Philippines—is described and illustrated. The species shares morphological features that are uncommon for the genus with both Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blanco) Merr. (purple abaxial leaf surfaces) and C. mindorense Merr. (reduced fruiting calyx lobes), but differs from both in having lax (vs dense/compact) inflorescences bearing flowers with shorter corolla tubes and reddish-pink (vs green or purple) calyces with ovate (vs triangular or lanceolate) lobes. Additionally, a lectotype for C. mindorense is assigned. Preliminary assessment of its conservation status following IUCN guidelines places Clerodendrum kelli in the category of Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)).
Keywords. Lamiales, Luzon Island, Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve, understorey shrub
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| Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples. A. Flowering twig. B. Leaf. C. Flower. D. Anther. E. Stigma. F. Developing fruit and fruiting calyx without lobes. Illustrated by Julieferd Torres. |
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| Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples. A. Habit. B. Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surface. C. Flowers and immature fruits. D. Inflorescence and flowers (front view). E. Longitudinal section of flower. F. Inflorescence and flowers (side view). (Photos: A, E, A.B. Tobias; B, D, J.P. Collantes; C, J.A. Mansibang; F, J.M. Agcaoili) |
Clerodendrum kelli R.Bustam., A.B.Tobias & Ples, sp. nov.
This species shares characters that are uncommon for the genus with both Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blanco) Merr. (purple abaxial leaf surfaces) and Clerodendrum mindorense Merr. (reduced fruiting calyx lobes). However, it differs from both in having lax (vs dense/compact) inflorescences bearing flowers with shorter (1.2–1.5 vs 2–3 and 4.5–11 cm long) corollas and reddish-pink (vs green or purple) calyces with ovate (vs triangular or lanceolate) lobes.
Etymology and uses. The specific epithet kelli is the Bugkalot name for this species. The Bugkalot recognise Clerodendrum kelli as a species that occurs in the colder areas of the mountain; they traditionally mix extracts from the mashed leaves of this plant with food preparations for sick dogs to restore their health (Udasco, pers. comm.).
Ples, D.J.R., Patykowski, J., Udasco, L.C., Altomonte, J.C., Tobias, A.B. & Bustamante, R.A.A. 2025. Clerodendrum kelli (Lamiaceae), A New Species from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and lectotypification of Clerodendrum mindorense. Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2); 225 - 224.
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore/-/media/sbg/gardens-bulletin/gbs_77_02_y2025/77_02_07_y2025_v77p2_gbs_pg225.pdf
