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| Impatiens ngariensis S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, Li, Yuan, T. Hu, G.-W. Hu, Peng et Wang, 2026. |
Abstract
A new species, Impatiens ngariensis (Balsaminaceae) from western Xizang, China, is described in this study. Morphological and phylogenetic evidence supports its taxonomic placement within I. sect. Racemosae. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that I. ngariensis forms a clade with I. thomsonii, I. bomiensis, I. fragicolor, I. edgeworthii and I. glandulifera. Morphologically, the new species closely resembles I. sulcata in petiole with 2 basal glands, subcorymbose-racemose inflorescences, lateral sepals ovate, dorsal petal suborbicular and capsule linear, but can be distinguished by several key characteristics, including a suborbicular dorsal petal with a cordate base and a shorter spur.
Key words: Impatiens, New Taxon, Phylogeny, Xizang
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| Impatiens ngariensis. A. Habitat; B. Whole plant; C. Adaxial and abaxial view of leaf; D. Glands; E. Roots and basal part of stem, showing node; F. Inflorescences; G. Front view of flower; H. Lateral view of flower; I. Dissection of a flower (a. dorsal petal; b. lateral sepals; c. lateral united petals; d. lower sepal; e. stamens and pedicel); J. Inflorescences with immature fruit; K. Seeds. Photographed by Shuai Peng and Ru-Ping Li. |
Impatiens ngariensis S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Impatiens ngariensis is morphologically allied to I. thomsonii and I. sulcata, but differs from the former by its larger flowers, suborbicular (vs. orbicular) dorsal petal and a markedly shorter spur (4–6 mm vs. 1 cm); from the latter, it is distinguished by the oblong (vs. broadly dolabriform to broadly elliptic or ovate) upper petal, dolabriform (vs. subdolabriform to oblong-ovate) lower petal and a broadly funnel-form (vs. saccate) lower sepal.
Ru-Ping Li, Tao-Hua Yuan, Tian Hu, Guang-Wan Hu, Shuai Peng and Qing-Feng Wang. 2026. Impatiens ngariensis (Balsaminaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 271: 1-13. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.177400 [10-02-2026]
