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| Saraca laotica Tagane & Soulad., in Tagane, Phengmala, Kongxaisavath, Sengthong, Yamamoto, Phonepaseuth, Pham, Dang et Souladeth, 2026. |
Abstract
A new species of Saraca (Fabaceae-Detarioideae), S. laotica, is described and illustrated from Laos. It is characterized by leaflets with (9–)11–20 pairs of secondary veins, relatively larger, persistent and showy bracts of 1.4–3.3 × 0.6–0.9 cm, calyx tube of 27–36 mm, 4 stamens, anthers 1.9 mm long, by which combination, it is clearly distinguished from previously known species in the genus. Information on its habitat, phenology, vernacular name, and preliminary conservation assessment are also provided.
Detarioideae, endemic, Fabales, Leguminosae, limestones, plant taxonomy, Eudicots
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| Saraca laotica Tagane & Soulad. A. Flowering branch; B & C. Portion of abaxial leaf surface; D. Hollowed twig inhabited by ants. E. Nest entrance on twig; F. Base of leaf showing petiole and petiolules; G. Young inflorescence; H & I. Bracts; J. portion of inflorescence, showing bracts and flower buds; K. Full-blooming inflorescence; L. Flowers, lateral view; M. Mouth of calyx tube showing ovary and filaments base; N. Bracteole (adaxial side); O. Anthers, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right) sides; P. Stigma; Q. Infructescence; R. Seeds. Scale bars C, O & P = 1 mm, H = 5 mm, N = 2 mm, R = 1 cm. Photographed A & H from Tagane et al. Z1615, B, C, F, G, I–Q from Tagane et al. Z3281, D & E from Tagane et al. Z2639, R from Tagane et al. Z3281 (above three) and Z2639 (bottom), taken by S. Tagane. |
Saraca laotica Tagane & Soulad., sp. nov.
Diagnosis:—Similar to Saraca griffithiana and S. declinata in having persistent bracts and 4 stamens, but distinguished from the former by its midrib sunken adaxially (vs. prominent in S. griffithiana), longer bracts (1.4–3.3 cm long vs. shorter than 0.5 cm), and longer calyx tube (27–36 mm vs. 12–18 mm), and from the latter by more leaflets [5–9 pairs vs. 3–5(–7) pairs in S. declinata], more secondary veins [(9–)11–20 pairs vs. (6–)8–10(–12) pairs], larger bracts (1.4–3.3 × 0.6–0.9 cm vs. 0.3–1.2 × 0.1–0.7 cm), and longer anthers (1.9–2.2 mm vs. 0.75 mm long).
Etymology:—The specific epithet “laotica” refers to the country Laos, where the new species was discovered.
Vernacular name:—ຄໍາລາວ (Kham Lao) (proposed here). In Lao, “Kham” means golden, referring to the color of the flowers, and “Lao” is the country name, indicating the locality where this species is found.
Shuichiro TAGANE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Anousone SENGTHONG, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Quoc Trong PHAM, Van-Son DANG and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2026. Saraca laotica (Fabaceae), A New Species from Laos. Phytotaxa. 749(1); 1-9. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.1 [2026-03-25]
