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| Camellia shangshii Shi Y.Wang & Q.Fan, in Wang, Liu, Tan, Shen, Z. Chen, F. Chen et Fan, 2026. |
Abstract
Camellia shangshii, a new species discovered in the danxia landscape of Danxiashan Mountain, Guangdong Province, China, is formally described and illustrated here. Morphologically, C. shangshii is similar to C. grijsii but can be distinguished by its petals connate at the base, smaller leaves, and fewer bracteoles and sepals. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes indicated that C. shangshii is a sister species to C. grijsii. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the recognition of C. shangshii as a new species of C. sect. Paracamellia.
Key words: Camellia, Danxia landscape, morphology, new species, phylogeny
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| Camellia shangshii sp. nov. A. Flowering and fruiting branch; B. Flowers; C. Bracteoles and sepals; D. Leaf; E. Stamens; F. Pistil; G. Pistil in longitudinal section and ovary in transverse section; H. Fruits and seeds. Illustrated by Rong-En Wu. |
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| Camellia shangshii. A. Flowering individual and habitat; B. Flowering branch; C. Fruiting branches; D. Leaves; E. Flower; F. Petals, bracteoles, and sepals, pubescent; G. Flower buds; H. Androecium; I. Pistil; J. Fruit and seed. Photographed by Shiyang Wang, Yinyu Wu, and Xiaowei Yi. |
Camellia shangshii Shi Y.Wang & Q.Fan, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Camellia shangshii resembles C. grijsii, but it can be distinguished from the latter species by its petals connate at the base, smaller leaves, fewer bracteoles/sepals (6–8 vs. 9–10), and glabrous young branchlets (vs. puberulent).
Etymology. The specific epithet “shangshii” is dedicated in honor of Dr. Shangshi Wu (1904–1947), whose seminal work on the danxia landscape established its theoretical framework.
Shiyang Wang, Hua Liu, Shimin Tan, Liran Shen, Zaixiong Chen, Fang Chen and Qiang Fan. 2026. Camellia shangshii (Theaceae), A New Species endemic to Danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 270: 13-23. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.172597
