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| Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, in Xiong, Fu, Qin, Pan, Liu et Wen, 2026. (All photographed by Chi Xiong). |
Abstract
A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, from the limestone karsts of Northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it resembles Pri. pingguoensis H.S.Ma & B.Pan and Pri. pseudoeburnea (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Mich. Möller & A. Weber in corolla shape and coloration, particularly in the presence of purple stripes extending from the throat to the lobes. However, it can be readily distinguished by a combination of characters, including the shape of the leaf blades, bracts, and calyx lobes, the length of the peduncle and pistil, and the height of the disc. Currently, only a single population is known from the type locality, comprising approximately 60–80 mature individuals. Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the species is provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN C2 b).
Key words: Baise, Guangxi, limestone, new taxon, taxonomy
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| Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, sp. nov. A. Flowering plant cultivated in GCCC; B. Abaxial (above) and adaxial (below) sides of leaf blade; C. Cymes (arrow shows bracts); D. Bracts, dissected; E. Side view of flower; F. Ventral view of flower; G. Dorsal view of flower; H. Front view of flower; I. Sepals, dissected; J. Pistil and disc; K. Stigma; L. Disc; M. Opened corolla showing stamens and staminodes; N. Stamens. (All photographed by Chi Xiong). |
Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Within Primulina, Pri. acutiloba is readily distinguished by its triangular corolla lobes with prominent stripes. In overall corolla shape, coloration, and the presence of purple stripes extending from the throat to the lobes, it resembles Pri. pingguoensis and Pri. pseudoeburnea (Fig. 3). However, it differs from both species in having peduncle 3–8 cm long (vs. 8–16.5 cm in Pri. pingguoensis and 10–19 cm in Pri. pseudoeburnea), elliptic bracts (vs. linear or linear-lanceolate in Pri. pingguoensis and lanceolate in Pri. pseudoeburnea), corolla 25–28 mm long (vs. ca. 16–20 mm in Pri. pingguoensis and ca. 30 mm in Pri. pseudoeburnea), and pistil 21–24 mm long (vs. ca. 11–15 mm in Pri. pingguoensis and ca. 20 mm in Pri. pseudoeburnea).
Etymology. The specific epithet ‘acutiloba’ is derived from the Latin acutus (meaning ‘acute’) and lobus (meaning ‘lobe’), referring to the characteristically acute apices of the corolla lobes.
Vernacular name. jiān bàn bào chūn jǔ tái (Chinese pronunciation);
尖瓣报春苣苔 (Chinese name).
Chi Xiong, Jia-Xin Fu, Qi Qin, Bo Pan, Hong Liu and Fang Wen. 2026. Primulina acutiloba (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Northwest Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 272: 11-20. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.178656 [18 Mar. 2026]