[Botany • 2025] Newmania bambusifolia (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) • A New Species from Hon Ba Nature Reserve, southern Vietnam

 

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao, 

in Truong, Q.B. Nguyen, Q.C. Nguyen et Leong-Škorničková, 2025. 

Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1);   

ABSTRACT    

 Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao (Zingiberaceae:

Zingiberoideae), a new ginger species discovered in Hon Ba Nature Reserve, Khanh Hoa

Province in southern Vietnam is described and illustrated here with notes on distribution,

ecology, phenology, preliminary IUCN assessment, and etymology. It is distinct from all

known congeners by the very narrow leaf-blades, resembling those of bamboos. This discovery

increases the total number of species in Newmania to seven. We include an updated key to the

genus accommodating this novelty.

Keywords. Eastern Indochina, gingers, Khanh Hoa Province, Vulnerable, Zingibereae

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao in situ at Hon Ba Nature Reserve.
From the type, Truong et al. BV 1774. (Photo: B.V. Truong)

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao. 
A. Habit (inset: detail of cross-section of rhizome). Scale bar: 30 cm. B. Leaf blades from various parts of the leafy shoot (from the left: distal, middle part of pseudostem (two blades), basal). C. Pseudostem showing ligules, pulvinate petioles and bases of leaf blades. D, E. Detail of leaf sheaths and ligules. F. Rhizome with an inflorescence.

All from the type, Truong et al. BV 1774. (Photos: B.V. Truong)

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao.   
A. Distal part of the flower in different views. B. Details of stamen and stigma (left: entire stamen in adaxial view; top right: anther with part of filament in abaxial and lateral views; bottom right: details of stigma). C. Flower with bract, pedicel and part of rachis, and dissection below (from left: bract, bracteole, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe in abaxial view, lateral corolla lobes (one in adaxial and one in abaxial view), staminodes (one in abaxial and one in adaxial view), and labellum. Tweezers seen across the labellum were used to flatten it.

 All from the type, Truong et al. BV 1774. (Photos: B.V. Truong)

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao, sp. nov. 

Unique in the genus by its prominently narrow, bamboo-like leaf-blades and dark purple labellum with overlapping lobes. Flowers are most similar to Newmania cristata by the yellow to greenish floral tube and filament, but differ by having a small anther crest less than 1 mm long with entire rounded apex (vs anther crest 4.6–5 mm long with a bilobed apex).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the unusually narrow, bamboo-like leaf blades.  

Truong, B.V., Nguyen, Q.B., Nguyen, Q.C. & Leong-Škorničková, J. 2025. Newmania bambusifolia (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), A New Species from Hon Ba Nature Reserve, southern Vietnam. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1); 113 - 120.

[Botany • 2025] Curcuma corallina (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) • A New Species from south-central Vietnam

Curcuma corallina N.S.Lý & Škorničk.

in Phan, Nguyễn, Cao, Lý et Leong-Škorničková, 2025. 

 Nghệ hồng san hô, Nghệ san hô  ||  Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2); 

ABSTRACT

 Curcuma corallina N.S.Lý & Škorničk., a new ginger species discovered in the south-central region of Vietnam, is described here with colour plates and notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, etymology, and a preliminary IUCN conservation assessment. It is placed in Curcuma subg. Ecomatae Škorničk. & Šída f. and, for diagnostic purposes, is compared to C. rhomba Mood & K.Larsen, which is superficially similar in overall plant habit, a lack of bracteoles, and flower colour, but differs in rhizome structure, and the shape, size and colour of various floral parts. 

Keywords. Curcuma rhomba, Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae, deciduous forest, endemic species, monocots, Zingibereae

Curcuma corallina N.S.Lý & Škorničk.
A. Flowering plant in natural habit. B. Inflorescence (top view). C. Flowers (front view). D. Basal part of a flowering plant showing rhizome with root tubers, pseudostem with leaf sheaths and petioles, and inflorescences.

All from the type collection, Lý-1916. (Photos: A, B, N.G. Cao; C, D, N.S. Lý)

Curcuma corallina N.S.Lý & Škorničk.
A. Flowering plant. B. Rhizome with root tubers. C. Leaf (abaxial view). D. Ligules from a flowering plant (left) and a young plant (right). E. Inflorescence. F. Fertile bracts. G. Stamen in front, back and side views. H. A bract from the middle part of the thyrse supporting two flowers followed by the flower dissection: dorsal corolla lobe, lateral staminodes, lateral corolla lobes and labellum, calyx, floral tube with ovary and stamen attached, longitudinal dissection of floral tube, and ovary and epigynous glands.

All from the type collection, Lý-1916. 

(Photos: A, D, N.G. Cao; B, C, E–H, N.S. Lý)

 

Curcuma corallina N.S.Lý & Škorničk., sp. nov. 

Resembles C. rhomba Mood & K.Larsen in its overall plant habit, lack of bracteoles, flower colour, and anther shape, but differs in having a much-branched rhizome (vs rhizome unbranched, except a single branch leading to a new shoot); coral pink and larger corolla lobes (dorsal 23–36 × 8–13 mm, lateral 21–24 × 8–11 mm vs dorsal c. 19 × 5 mm, lateral c. 18 × 4 mm, all rich red); a larger, broadly obovate labellum (19–24 × 16–21 mm) with a bluntly bilobed apex and an incision not exceeding one-third the length of the labellum (vs labellum c. 17 × 9 mm, narrowly rhomboid with a sharply bilobed apex and incision extending beyond half the length of the labellum); larger, broadly ovate staminodes (18–26 × 14–20 mm) that are rich orange with a paler base (vs c. 17 × 11 mm, narrowly rhomboid, uniformly orange with dark red dots at the base); and a shorter, truncate to slightly emarginate anther crest c. 0.5 mm long, not exceeding the stigma (vs rounded crest c. 1 mm long, exceeding the stigma). 

– TYPE: Vietnam, Ninh Thuan Province [now Khan Hoa Province], Bac Ai District, Phuoc Binh Commune, Phuoc Binh National Park [now Nui Chua-Phuoc Binh NP], ...

 

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Latin ‘corallinus’ and refers to the coral pink bracts and corolla lobes of the new species. 

Proposed vernacular name and uses. Nghệ hồng san hô, Nghệ san hô (Vietnamese; coral pink turmeric). No uses were so far reported by the local people.

Phan, N.M., Nguyễn, A.T., Cao, N.G., Lý, N.S. & Leong-Škorničková, J. 2025. Curcuma corallina (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), A New Species from south-central Vietnam. Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2); 249 - 258. 

[Botany • 2025] Curcuma princeps (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Southwestern Thailand

 

Curcuma princeps Soonthornk. & Škorničk.

in Soonthornkalump, Puangpairote, Niwesrat, Ongsakul et Leong-Škorničková, 2025. 

กระเจียวชมพูสิรินธร  |  Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8

Abstract

Curcuma princeps, a new species from the Curcuma subgen. Curcuma (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) from southwestern Thailand is described and illustrated. For the diagnostic purpose it is compared to the morphologically closest species Curcuma petiolata. Detailed description based on living flowering material, colour plates, notes on the distribution, habitat and phenology are provided. The provisional IUCN conservation status is proposed as Endangered for this species, based on the IUCN guidelines and criteria.

Keywords: Curcuma petiolata, Kanchanaburi, Sangkhla Buri, subgenus Curcuma, Zingiberoideae

Curcuma princeps Soonthornk. & Škorničk.
A.Plant habit (inset: close up of an inflorescence); B. Rhizome with slender lateral branch; C.Detail of stamen from front, back and side views; the base of filament includes4 mm of androecial tube; D.Flower dissection, from left: bracteole, flower, calyx, ovary with epigynous glands attached, floral tube (longitudinally dissected), lateral staminodes with dorsal lobe in between (upper part), lateral lobes with labellum in between (lower part) and stamen in the centre. Basal part of labellum, staminodes and filament include ca. 4 mm of androecial tube.

Scale bars: A= 10 cm, B= 2 cm, C= 3 mm, D= 1 cm. 

All from type. Photographed by Sutthinut Soonthornkalump.

Curcuma princeps Soonthornk. & Škorničk. sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.–Similar to Curcuma petiolata Roxb.in colour and shape of the flowers, but differs by the size of the main rhizome 2–3.5 × 2–3 cm and lateral branches long, slender and horizontally creeping, up to 0.5–1.1 cm in diam. (vs main rhizome 5–8 × 3–5 cm, lateral branches short, 1.5–2 cm in diam., arranged in palmate pattern and usually pointing upwards), lamina 17–31.5 × 10–16 cm, adaxially glabrous, abaxially densely puberulous (vs lamina 25–45 × 12–23 cm, glabrous on both sides or with a few hairs along secondary veins), thyrse not longer than 12 cm, composed of 12–15 fertile bracts and 4–5 comabracts (vs thyrse 13–30 × 6–8 cm, composed of 20–50 fertile bracts and 5–10 coma bracts), cincinnus 1–4 flowers (vs cincinnus of 3–6 flowers) (Table 1).

 

Sutthinut Soonthornkalump, Tidarat Puangpairote, Sira Niwesrat, Annop Ongsakul and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2025. Curcuma princeps (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Southwestern Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 8; 182-187  [2025-10-14]

[Botany • 2023] Curcuma maxwellii & C. rubroaurantiaca (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) • Two New Species from Thailand

ว่านเพชรม้าล้านนา Curcuma maxwellii Škorničk. & Suksathan, 

ว่านเพชรม้าอีสาน C. rubroaurantiaca Škorničk. & Soonthornk., 

 in Leong-Škorničková, Soonthornkalump, Lindström, Niwesrat, Lim et Suksathan, 2023. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.235.111400

Abstract

Curcuma maxwellii sp. nov. and Curcuma rubroaurantiaca sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae, Zingiberoideae, Zingibereae), two new red-orange-flowered species from Thailand, are described. They are compared to the morphologically closest species from the Curcuma subgen. Ecomatae and detailed descriptions, colour plates and information on their distribution, ecology, phenology and uses are provided. Preliminary IUCN conservation assessments for both of these species are proposed as Least Concern

Key words: Curcuma flammea, Curcuma lindstromii, Curcuma rhomba, gingers, subgenus Ecomatae, Least Concern, Zingibereae

Curcuma maxwellii Škorničk. & Suksathan at the type locality
A habit B inflorescence (top view) with detail of flower in front view C detail of leaf sheaths and ligules D rhizome E inflorescence with detail of flower in side view F two fertile bracts, three flower buds from the same cincinnus as the dissected flower, dissected flower (from left: floral tube with ovary, calyx and stamen attached, upper row dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, lower row lateral staminodes and labellum G stamen still attached to floral tube from front, back and side view.

All from the type collection, Suksathan et al. JLS-4210. 

Photographed by Jana Leong-Škorničková.

 

 Curcuma (Ecomatae) maxwellii Škorničk. & Suksathan, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Similar to Curcuma rhomba Mood & K.Larsen in general habit and flower colour, but differs by bracts green to green with slight reddish tinge, puberulent on both sides (versus solid dark red glossy bracts, glabrous on both sides), bracteoles present (vs. bracteoles absent), calyx puberulent throughout (vs. calyx glabrous, except few hairs on teeth), anther with 2–2.5 mm long narrowly conical spurs (vs. ca. 1 mm short broadly conical spurs with blunt apices).

Distribution: Only known from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces, N Thailand.

Eponymy: We name this species after our late colleague and remarkable botanist James Franklin Maxwell (1945–2015), also known simply as Max, who collected this species in 1992 (Fig. 2). With more than 32,000 high quality collections, rich in flowers and/or fruits and carefully prepared with many duplicates and mostly with labels that contain much information, Max ranks amongst the best collectors of Thai plants (van Welzen 2023).

Vernacular name and uses: As the vernacular name Wan Pet Ma (ว่านเพชรม้า) is used on several orange-flowered species with red corolla lobes including this species, we propose to use Wan Pet Ma Lanna (ว่านเพชรม้าล้านนา) for this species. Based on the information from the local herbal specialist of the Hmong community, this species, which is locally abundant, has no medicinal uses and only has potential as an ornamental plant.

 

Curcuma rubroaurantiaca Škorničk. & Soonthornk. at the type locality
A habit B inflorescence with detail of flower in front view C detail of leaf sheaths and ligules D rhizome E inflorescence with detail of flower in side view F two flowers and dissected flower (from left: ovary with epigynous glands, calyx, floral tube (dissected longitudinally), upper row dorsal and lateral corolla lobes and stamen, lower row lateral staminodes and labellum G stamen from front, back and side view.

All from the type collection, Soonthornkalump Sutt-242.

 Photographed by Sutthinut Soonthornkalump.

 Curcuma (Ecomatae) rubroaurantiaca Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Similar to Curcuma maxwellii by general habit and flower colour, but differs by leaf blades abaxially densely puberulent (vs. glabrous), inflorescence composed of up to 14 fertile bracts (vs. inflorescences composed of 15–34 bracts), bracteoles absent (vs. small bracteoles present), larger stamen 19–22 mm long (vs. 16–18 mm long), anther 16–17 mm long with flattened spurs, prominent anther crest 2–3 mm long with central longitudinal groove and anther thecae forming narrowly rhomboid shape (vs. anther 13–14 mm long with conical spurs, thick anther crest ca. 1 mm long without central longitudinal groove and anther thecae forming narrowly obovate shape).

Distribution: Known to occur in Loei, Sakon Nakhon, (NE Thailand), Chayaphum (E Thailand) and Phetchabun Provinces (N Thailand).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to its bright red and orange flowers.

Vernacular name and uses: Similarly to the previous species, the vernacular name Wan Pet Ma (ว่านเพชรม้า) is used also on this species; we, therefore, propose refining the vernacular name to Wan Pet Ma Isan (ว่านเพชรม้าอีสาน) for this species. No uses were reported, but the species has a good potential as an ornamental plant. 

 Jana Leong-Škorničková, Sutthinut Soonthornkalump, Anders Jan Lindström, Sira Niwesrat, Sarah Qing Lim and Piyakaset Suksathan. 2023. Curcuma maxwellii and C. rubroaurantiaca (Zingiberaceae, Zingiberoideae), Two New Species from Thailand. PhytoKeys. 235: 237-248. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.235.111400

[Botany • 2022] Cheilocostus candidus (Costaceae) • A New Species and New Combination in Basally Flowering Vietnam Costaceae

Cheilocostus candidus Škorničk., Böhmová & H.Ð.Trần, 

in Leong-Škorničková, Böhmová & Trần, 2022. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.190.76494

Abstract

Cheilocostus candidus sp. nov. (Costaceae), a basally flowering spiral ginger with cream white flowers from southern Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. A new combination, Cheilocostus tonkinensis (Gagnep.) Škorničk., is proposed here and the lectotype is designated. A key to Cheilocostus in Vietnam is included.

Keywords: Asia, Cheilocostus candidus, Cheilocostus tonkinensis, Costus, Hellenia, lectotype, spiral gingers

Cheilocostus candidus Škorničk., Böhmová & H.Ð.Trần sp. nov.
A habit B leaves C detail of young stem with pulvini and bases of leaf blades D detail of young and old stems covered with leaf sheaths E detail of lower surface of the leaf blade.

Based on plant used to prepare the type specimen Leong-Škorničková GRC-421, 

photo by Jana Leong-Škorničková.

Cheilocostus candidus Škorničk., Böhmová & H.Ð.Trần sp. nov.
 A old and young inflorescence B flower C flower dissection (from left): bract, bracteole, calyx, ovary, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes, floral and staminal tube with stamen attached, labellum D detail of floral (ft) and staminal tube (st) with stamen attached from side and dorsal view E detail of floral and staminal tube dissected with stamen attached to dorsal half (inset: detail of stigma).

Based on plant used to prepare the type specimen Leong-Škorničková GRC-421, 

photo by Jana Leong-Škorničková.

 

 Cheilocostus candidus Škorničk., Böhmová & H.Ð.Trần, sp.nov.

 

Diagnosis: Similar to Ch. tonkinensis by its inflorescence appearing at the base of the leafy shoots, but differs by its unbranched or very sparsely branched stems, densely puberulent leaf sheaths, densely puberulous lower side of lamina and cream-white flowers (compared to densely branched stems, glabrous leaf sheaths, glabrous lamina on both sides and yellow flowers with red markings on basal part of the labellum).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the white colour of the flower. 

 Jana Leong-Škorničková, Alžběta Böhmová and Hữu Đăng Trần. 2022. A New Species and New Combination in Basally Flowering Vietnam Costaceae. PhytoKeys. 190: 103-111.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.190.76494

[Botany • 2022] Curcuma lindstromii (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) • A New Species from southeastern Thailand

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk.,

in Leong-Škorničková, Soonthornkalump, Niwesrat & Lim, 2022. 

  www.NParks.gov.sg/SBG

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk. (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), a new species from Thailand, is described. It is compared to the morphologically closest species from Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Curcuma rhomba Mood & K.Larsen. A detailed description, a colour plate and information on its distribution, ecology, phenology and uses are provided. A provisional IUCN conservation assessment of Vulnerable is proposed for this species. A lectotype is designated for the name Curcuma stenochila Gagnep.

Keywords. Curcuma rhomba, Curcuma stenochila, Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae, gingers, lectotypification, Vulnerable, Zingibereae

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk. cultivated at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
A. Inflorescences (top view). B. Habit. C. Flower in bract, flower removed from bract and dissected flower (from left: floral tube with ovary, calyx and stamen attached, upper row dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, lower row labellum and two lateral staminodes. D. Inflorescence with detail of flower in front view. E. Details of ligule. F. Rhizome. G. Stamen still attached to floral tube from front, back and side view.

 Scale bar: 1 cm. 

All from the type collection, Leong-Škorničková & Lim JLS-3833. (Photos: J. Leong-Škorničková)

Curcuma lindstromii Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov. 

(subgenus Ecomatae) 

Similar to Curcuma rhomba Mood & K.Larsen in general habit, flower colour and shape, but differs by the prominently clawed labellum with dark maroon tips (vs labellum without a basal claw and without differently coloured tips in C. rhomba), staminodes with dark maroon tip (vs tip of the same colour as the rest of the staminode), anther with 3–4 mm long narrowly conical spurs, producing mucilage (vs c. 1 mm short broadly conical spurs with blunt apices, not producing mucilage).

 – TYPE: Ex culta, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (acc. no. NN 9329), 31 August 2022, LeongŠkorničková & Lim JLS-3833 (holotype BKF (including flowers in spirit as part of a single specimen); isotypes E, QBG, SING (SING including flowers in spirit as part of a single specimen); originally collected in Thailand, Sa Kaeo Province, Aranyaprathet District, 29 August 1999, A. Lindstrom s.n.). (Fig. 1, 2)

Distribution. Only known from Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi provinces, Southeast Thailand. 

Habitat and phenology. Growing in semi-shade, in shallow mulch in limestone crevices on steep limestone cliffs in dry deciduous forests at 100–300 m above sea level. The species flowers from mid-July till September, with fruiting extending well into November.

  Eponymy. We name this species after our colleague Anders J. Lindstrom, an excellent botanist who has dedicated his life to cycad taxonomy and conservation, and to building ex situ living collections for various plant groups, including gingers, at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. The description of this species is based on his collections made more than 20 years ago and sustained in the research living collections of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. 

Vernacular name and uses. As the vernacular name Wan Pet Ma (ว่านเพชรม้า) is used for Curcuma stenochila Gagnep. as well as for this species, we propose Krachiao Lindstrom (กระเจียวลินด์สตรอม) [= Lindstrom’s Curcuma] for this species. No uses have been reported but the species has a good potential as an ornamental plant.

 

J. Leong-Škorničková, S. Soonthornkalump, S. Niwesrat and S.Q. Lim. 2022. Curcuma lindstromii (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), A New Species from southeastern Thailand. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 74(2): 243–250.  

 www.NParks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore

 www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg/research/publications/gardens'-bulletin-singapore/-/media/sbg/gardens-bulletin/gbs_74_02_y2022/74_02_09_y2022_v7402_gbs_pg243.ashx

facebook.com/100011002306764/posts/1760302494346477

 facebook.com/NongnoochGardenThailand/posts/3364451040439908

[Botany • 2022] Curcuma stahlianthoides (Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis, Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from northeastern Thailand dispersed by Ants

Curcuma stahlianthoides Škorničk. & Soonthornk.,

in Soonthornkalump, Kongphapa, ... et Leong-Skornickova, 2022.

บุศรินทร์  ||  DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2022.67.01.09

Abstract 

Curcuma stahlianthoides, a new species of Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae: Zingi­beroideae) from northeastern Thailand is described and illustrated here. The flower morphology of C. stahlianthoides resembles several other species formerly classified in the genus Stahlianthus, but the inflorescences are composed of up to 11 plain green fertile bracts, conforming to the typical inflorescence structure in the genus Curcuma. This combination of characters is similar to C. leonidii from Vietnam, to which it is compared for the diagnostic purposes. Previous molecular results indicate that Stahlianthus should be merged with Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis and C. stahlianthoides is the second species providing morphological justification to do so. A detailed description based on living flowering material, colour plates including the flower dissection, and notes on distribution, habitat and phenology are also provided. The status of Vulnerable is proposed for this species based on the IUCN guidelines and criteria. Observations on ant-aided seed dispersal of this species are reported and discussed within present knowledge of myrmecochory in gingers.

Keywords: Curcuma leonidii; Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis; Stahlianthus; ant-aided seed dispersal; myrmecochory; vulnerable

Curcuma stahlianthoides Škorničk. & Soonthornk.
 a–b. Inflorescences with flowers shown in different angles in situ; c. flower in bracts (right) and partially removed bract showing the cincinnus (left); d. flower and fruits in partly opened bract, and seeds; e. detail of stamen in front, back and side view; f. flower dissection (Sutthinut Soonthornkalump Sutt-228).

 — Photos: S. Soonthornkalump.

Curcuma stahlianthoides Škorničk. & Soonthornk.
a. Habitat; b. habit of the plants growing in areas shaded by bamboos; c. rhizome with root tubers; d. habit of plants growing in grassy areas in full sun; e. infructescences with dehisced capsules; f. infructescences with seeds being carried away by ants (Sutthinut Soonthornkalump Sutt-228).

— Photos: S. Soonthornkalump.

Curcuma stahlianthoides Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov. 

(subg. Hitcheniopsis) 

Similar to Curcuma leonidii Škorničk. & Luu in overall habit, having an inflorescence composed of multiple green bracts, and overall shape of the flowers, but differs in having branched rhizomes with short and stout branches, cream in cross section (vs rhizomes not branched, globose, c. 1 by 1 cm, light orange in cross section), leaf blades narrowly elliptic up to 25 by 2.9 cm, plication obscure (vs elliptic, up to 22 by 6.5 cm, prominently plicate) and labellum white with yellow median band (vs labellum with median band red at base, yellow distally). 

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘stahlianthoides’ refers to the flowers, which are so typical for the alliance of species previously treated in the separate genus Stahlianthus.

 

 

Sutthinut Soonthornkalump, Juthamas Kongphapa, Sukontip Vianmana, Natcha Kunlapa and Jana Leong-Skornickova. 2022. Curcuma stahlianthoides (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from northeastern Thailand dispersed by Ants. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 67(1); 71–75. DOI: 10.3767/blumea.2022.67.01.09

Researchgate.net/publication/361345600_2022_Curcuma_stahlianthoides_a_new_species_from_northeastern_Thailand_dispersed_by_ants

[Botany • 2021] Amomum fangdingii (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China [Taxonomic Studies on Amomum in China III]

Amomum fangdingii X.E.Ye, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia 

in Ye, Leong-Škorničková, Bai et Xia, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.490.3.4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/350101039 

 

Abstract

A plant formerly misidentified as Amomum maximum in Guangxi, China, is described here as a new species, namely A. fangdingii. A detailed description, distribution map and illustrations are provided together with a taxonomic key distinguishing A. fangdingii from eight morphologically similar species characterised by cincinnate inflorescences occurring in Cambodia, China, Laos and Vietnam.

Keywords: Amomum maximum, A. velutinum, gingers, misidentification, Monocots. 

FIGURE 2. Amomum fangdingii X.E.Ye, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia 
(A) Habit, (B) Bladeless leaf sheaths with crisped margins, (C) Infructescence, (D) Dissection of a flower (from left to right): calyx (split open), corolla lobes, ovary with epigynous glands, style and pedicel, labellum, floral tube with stamen and two minute lateral staminodes (front view, side view & back view).

Photos by Ye Xing-Er; (A)-(C) based on X.E. Ye 160, (D) based on X.E. Ye 12.

FIGURE 1. Amomum fangdingii X.E.Ye, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia 
(A) Habit, (B) Leaves, (C) Ligule, (D) Rhizome with inflorescences, (E) Bladeless leaf sheaths with crisped margins, (F) Flower (front view), (G) Flower (side view), (H) A single inflorescence and dissection of a cincinnus (from left to right): cincinnus, bract, single flower, single flower bud, bracteole, (I) Infructescence.

Photos (A)-(H) by Ye Xing-Er; based on X.E. Ye 127. 

Photo (I) by Chen Juan; based on J.B. Ni & J. Chen 061008.

Amomum fangdingii X.E.Ye, Škorničk. & N.H.Xia sp. nov.

Xing-Er Ye, Jana Leong-Škorničková, Lin Bai and Nian-He Xia. 2021. Taxonomic Studies on Amomum (Zingiberaceae) in China III: Amomum fangdingii, A New Species from Guangxi. Phytotaxa. 490.3; 263–270. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.490.3.4  

Researchgate.net/publication/350101039_Amomum_fangdingii_a_new_species_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2021] Zingiber magang & Z. tamii (Zingiberaceae) • Two New Species from central Vietnam

 

 Zingiber tamii N.S.Lý & Škorničk.

in Ly, Do, Cao, ... et Leong-Skornickova, 2021. 

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw 

Abstract

Zingiber magang and Z. tamii, two new species of Zingiber sect. Cryptanthium (Zingiberaceae) from central Vietnam are described and illustrated. Information on their distribution, ecology, phenology, uses and vernacular names are provided. A preliminary IUCN conservation assessment of each of these species is proposed. A key to species of Zingiber sect. Cryptanthium in Vietnam is also given.

Keyword: Annamite range, endemic species, monocots, taxonomy, Zingiber sect. Cryptanthium

Fig. 2. Zingiber magang N.S.Lý & Škorničk. 
A. Habit. B. Detail of pseudostem. C. Basal part of the plant with an inflorescence. D. Inflorescence with flowers (top view). E. Fertile bract (basal part of the inflorescence), flower enclosed in fertile bract (middle part of the inflorescence), bract, bracteole. F. corolla lobes, labellum, ovary with floral tube and stamen (calyx removed), calyx. G. Stamen from side and front view, ovary with epigynous glands. H. Young fruit from outside and when open with young seed in between.

Photos Ngọc-Sâm Lý from the type Lý-1327.

Fig. 1. Zingiber magang N.S.Lý & Škorničk. 
A. Habit. B. Basal part of the plant with an inflorescence. C. Inflorescence with a flower (side view).

Photos Ngọc-Sâm Lý from the type Lý-1327.

Zingiber magang N.S.Lý & Škorničk. sp. nov. 

 Zingiber magang is rather distinct from its congeners by combination of leafy shoots composed of only 3–5 prominently petiolate leaves with weakly plicate and somewhat shiny leathery laminae, and inflorescences with basal part of basal bracts convex and slightly inflated giving it somewhat bullate appearance. 

Vernacular names and uses: This species is locally known as magang (Kinh minority), Pagieng or Pagang (Co, Ca Dong and Hre minorities). Rhizomes of this species are harvested, crushed and applied for healing wounds and bone fractures. 

Etymology: The specific epithet “magang” is derived from the common name applied to this species by local people from Kinh tribe in Quảng Ngãi province

 

    

Fig. 4. Zingiber tamii N.S.Lý & Škorničk.
A. Basal portion of flowering plant showing rhizome, inflorescence and leafless sheaths. B. Fertile bracts (external and internal view), bracteole, flower in side view with bracteole attached. C. Flowerin side view with calyx removed. D. Flower dissection (from left): floral tube with ovary and stamen attached (calyx removed), ovary with epigynous glands, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes, labellum with basally connate lateral staminodes

 Photos Ngọc-Sâm Lý from the type Lý-1323.

Fig. 3. Zingiber tamii N.S.Lý & Škorničk.
A. Plant habit. B. Leaves and petioles. C. Inflorescence with a flower (side view). D. Inflorescence with a flower (semi-top view).

Photos Ngọc-Sâm Lý from the type Lý-1323.

Zingiber tamii N.S.Lý & Škorničk. sp. nov. 

 Similar to Z. vuquangense N.S.Lý et al. by overall similarity in leafy shoots consisting of prominently petiolate, broadly elliptic and prominently plicate laminae, but differs by overall smaller size 0.5–0.7 m, shorter ligules 3–5 mm long, smaller abaxially glabrous laminae 15.8–21.5 × 7.5–9.5 cm, narrowly ovate bracts, shorter calyx 10–12 mm long, pale yellow and externally sparsely puberulous corolla lobes, pale yellow lateral staminodes and ovate to elliptic ovate very dark purple labellum with small yellow blotches and yellow margin (compared to larger size 1.2–1.8 m, ligules 12–30 mm long, larger laminae abaxially densely pubescent along midrib 26–50.8 × 9–14.7 cm, oblong to club-shaped bracts, longer calyx 17–18 mm long, bright yellow and glabrous corolla lobes, lateral staminodes yellow with pink purple apex and obovate pink-purple labellum with pale yellow spots in Z. vuquangense).  

Distribution and habitat: Near streams and in the moist and shady understorey of primary and secondary tropical broadleaved forests between 520–930 m elevation. 

 Eponymy: This species is named in honour of Mr. Trương Quang Tâm, a forestry engineer at Institute of Tropical Biology.

Ngọc-Sam Ly, Dang-Giap Do, Ngọc-Giang Cao, Ba-Vuong Truong, Van-Thanh Nguyen and Jana Leong-Skornickova. 2021. Zingiber magang and Z. tamii (Zingiberaceae), Two New Species from central Vietnam. Taiwania. 66(2); 232‒240. 

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract.php?type=abstract&id=1754

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/2847014462187031

[Botany • 2020] Curcuma cinnabarina & C. eburnea (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae) • Two New Species from Thailand

ว่านเทพประสิทธิ์ | Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk.  & 

อุษา | Curcuma cinnabarina Škorničk. & Soonthornk.

in Leong-Škorničková, Soonthornkalump & Suksathan, 2020. 

DOI: 10.1017/S0960428620000049 

 Researchgate.net/publication/341054442

Abstract 

Curcuma cinnabarina and C. eburnea (Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Zingiberaceae), two new species from Thailand, are described and illustrated here. They are compared with the morphologically closest species Curcuma rubrobracteata and C. pierreana, respectively. Detailed descriptions, colour plates, and information on their distribution, ecology, phenology and uses are also provided. Preliminary IUCN conservation assessments of these species are proposed.

Keywords: Curcuma pierreana, Curcuma rubrobracteata, Curcuma subg. Ecomatae, Lampang province, Nong Bua Lam Phu province, Udon Thani province

FIG. 1. Curcuma cinnabarina Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov.
 A, Habit; B, base of the plant, with emerging inflorescence; C, entire plant; D and F, inflorescence; E, rhizome and root tubers.

From Soonthornkalump, S. Sutt-209. 

(Photographs: W. Thongbai and S. Soonthornkalump.)

Curcuma cinnabarina Škorničk. & Soonthornk., sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Latin cinnabarinus, referring to the dark red colour of the bracts of this species. 

Vernacular names and uses. Usa (ù-saa) (อุษา) (usa = dawn). The rhizomes are used in local medicine as an ingredient in balm, and plants are occasionally also sold as ornamentals. 

FIG. 3. Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk., sp. nov.
A, Habit (inset: detail of ligule); B, base of the plant, with emerging inflorescence; C, flowers; D, inflorescence (from above); E, flower dissection (from left to right, top to bottom: floral tube in longitudinal section, two lateral staminodes and labellum, stamen, calyx, ovary with epigynous glands, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes); F, stamen (front, side and back views).

All from Leong-Škorničková, J. GRC-179.

 (Photographs: J. Leong-Škorničková.)

FIG. 4. Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk., sp. nov.
 A, Habit (inset: detail of ligule); B, inflorescence; C, flower dissection (from left to right, top to bottom: floral tube in longitudinal section, two lateral staminodes and labellum, calyx, ovary with epigynous glands, dorsal corolla lobe, two lateral corolla lobes, stamen); D, root tuber and rhizome; E, base of pseudostems, with rhizome.

 A–C from Leong-Škorničková, J. GRC-193, D and E from Leong-Škorničková, J. GRC-179. 

(Photographs: J. Leong-Škorničková.)

Curcuma eburnea Škorničk., Suksathan & Soonthornk., sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet derives from Latin eburneus and refers to the ivory/creamwhite colour of the bracts of this species. 

Vernacular names and uses. In Lampang province, the plant is known as kai laen (ไข่แลน) (= monitor lizard eggs, referring to the colour of the bracts), and young inflorescences are eaten by the locals as a vegetable. According to Wannakrairoj (1996), the common name of this species in Thailand is thep prasit (theph pras̄ithṭhi) (ว่านเทพประสิทธิ์) (= plant created by an angel). Dried flowers are used in the composition of Buddhist amulets and usually soaked in sandalwood oil for the tattooing ritual. 

 

J. Leong-Škorničková, S. Soonthornkalump and P. Suksathan. 2020. Curcuma cinnabarina and C. eburnea (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), Two New Species from Thailand. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77(3): 391 - 402. DOI: 10.1017/S0960428620000049

Researchgate.net/publication/341054442_CURCUMA_CINNABARINA_AND_C_EBURNEA_TWO_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_THAILAND

epharmacognosy.com/2020/05/curcuma-cinnabarina-and-c-eburnea.html