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| Strobilanthes danxiaensis B.H.Wu, J.F.Zhang & J.Q.Guo, in Wu, Zhang, Guo, Wang, Dai, Liu et Fan, 2025. |
Abstract
Strobilanthes danxiaensis, a new species endemic to the Danxia Mountain region of Guangdong, China, is described herein. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ITS sequences indicates that S. danxiaensis, S. japonica, S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis form a well-supported clade. Morphologically, S. danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis; however, it is readily distinguished from S. tetrasperma by its longer corolla, much broader oblong–obovate and emarginate corolla lobes, and a longer style. It further differs from S. austrosinensis in having larger oblong–obovate, emarginate corolla lobes, shorter filaments, and a longer style. The integration of morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of S. danxiaensis as a distinct species.
Key words: Biodiversity, Shaoguan, taxonomy
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| Strobilanthes danxiaensis. A. Wild individuals; B. Habitat; C. Flowering branch; D. Leaves; E. Inflorescence; F. Bud; G. Side view of flower; H. Front view of flower; I. Bracts; J. Bracteoles; K. Calyxs; L. Gynoecium; M. Dissected corolla showing stamens; N. Infructescence; O. Dissected capsule. Photographed by Jian-Qiang Guo and Bao-Huan Wu. |
Strobilanthes danxiaensis B.H.Wu, J.F.Zhang & J.Q.Guo, sp. nov.
Chinese name: “dān xiá mă lán” (丹霞马蓝)
Diagnosis. Morphologically, Strobilanthes danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma, but differs in its longer corolla (2.8–4 cm vs. 1.5–2 cm), with larger, emarginate oblong–obovate corolla lobes (ca. 1 × 1 cm vs. oblong lobes ca. 4 × 5 mm with obtuse apices), and a much longer style (3 cm vs. 1.5 cm).
Bao-Huan Wu, Ji-Fang Zhang, Jian-Qiang Guo, Wei Wang, Se-Ping Dai, Guo-Feng Liu and Qiang Fan. 2025. Strobilanthes danxiaensis, A New Species of Acanthaceae endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys 268: 69-79. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.268.172546
