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| Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, in Wei, J.-Y. Li, Chen, Y. Nong, Hu, Y.-J. Li, Ji, Xu et Y.-K. Nong. 2026. |
Abstract
Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from the middle part of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological evidence. This new species resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long) its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube and styles ca. 3 mm long). The new species is currently known from a single population with approximately 60–100 mature individuals. Following IUCN Criteria, it is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. Photographs, an illustration and a distribution map are also provided.
Key words: Karst, new species, Ophiorrhiza, Spiradiclis, taxonomy
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| Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei. A. Habitat; B, C. Flowering plant; D. Stem, showing the linear stipules; E. Inflorescences; F. Fruiting plant; G. Dissected brevistylous flower; H. Dissected longistylous flower; I. Hypanthium, calyx, style and stigma; J. Ovary and calyx; K. Stigma; L. Bracts; M, N. Leaf (abaxially and adaxially); O. Capsule; P. Seeds. |
Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, sp. nov.
Chinese name. “xīn chéng luó xù cǎo” (忻城螺序草).
Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis is resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis (R.J.Wang) Razafim. & Rydin in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long), its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube, styles ca. 3 mm long).
Etymology. The specific epithet “xinchengensis” refers to the type location of the new species.
Gui-Yuan Wei, Jin-Yue Li, Rong Chen, You Nong, Qi-Min Hu, Ying-Jing Li, Xing-Yun Ji, Chuan-Gui Xu, Yun-Kai Nong. 2026. Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 1-14. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.194094 [24-07-2026]