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| Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin, in Yin, Yi et Zhang, 2025. |
Abstract
Rubus tianmuensis, a newly discovered species belonging to the genus Rubus and Rosaceae family, is native to the Tianmu Mountains in southeastern Anhui Province. Genetically, it is related closely to R. chingii; however, several key morphological features position R. tianmuensis apart from R. chingii. Morphological analysis indicated that R. tianmuensis is characterized by persistently pedate leaves (vegetative and reproductive) with differentiated terminal leaflets on distinct petiolules, a trait consistently observed in both wild populations and cultivated specimens under under standard growth conditions. Additionally, the pedicels exhibit dense pubescence comprising short glandular trichomes and recurved prickles. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences confirmed the distinctiveness of this new species from R. chingii.
Rubus tianmuensis, Flora of China, Rosaceae, Rubus, Eudicots
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| Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin. A. Flowering branch (showing the flowering leaf shape). B. Vegetative branch (showing leaf shape during the vegetative period). C. Upper part of the pedicel (showing the glandular and pubescent hairs). D. Lower part of the pedicel (showing the prickle). E. Stipules of flowering branches. F. Flower. Drawn by LiMing Zhang. |
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| Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin. A. Habitat. B. Leaf shape. C. Flowering branch. D. Flower. E. Upper part of the pedicel (showing the glandular and pubescent hairs). F. Fruit branch. G. Fruit. H. Seed. I. Stipules on flowering branches. J. Vegetative plant. K. Vegetative branch (showing leaf shape during the vegetative period). L. Local close-up of a leaf on the vegetative branch (showing the petiolule). |
Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin, sp. nov.
(天目悬钩子)
Type:—CHINA. Anhui Province: Jixi County, Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, at the edge of the hillside forest, 30°__N, 118°__E, alt. 778m, March, 28, 2019, K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin, R190328001 (holotype, ACM! ACM1903280011; isotype, ACM! ACM1903280012).
Diagnosis:—Rubus tianmuensis differs from R. chingii in several key morphological features. R. chingii has simple, palmately lobed leaves with five deep lobes, whereas the new species has compound, pedately divided leaves, with the terminal leaflet having a distinct petiolule. Additionally, the leaves of R. chingii are either hairy only along the veins or nearly glabrous on both sides, whereas the new species’ leaves are slightly pubescent on both sides. The stipules of R. chingii are linear lanceolate, whereas the stipules of the flowering branches in the new species are lanceolate, wider than those of R. chingii, and distinctly hairy. Furthermore, R. chingii has glabrous pedicels, whereas the pedicels of the new species are covered with distinct hairs, short glandular hairs, and hooked spines. These distinguishing features clearly delineate the two species.
Etymology:—Species name is derived from the mountain Tianmu where Rubus tianmuensis was discovered (天 目悬钩子).
Yongfei YIN, Shanyong YI and Ke ZHANG. 2025. Rubus tianmuensis (Rosaceae), A New Species from southeastern Anhui Province, China. Phytotaxa. 732(2); 193-202. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.2.6 [2025-12-04]