[Botany • 2026] Hellwigia opalina (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New Species of the enigmatic Jade Gingers of Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen,  

in Poulsen, Senjaya, Ardiyani et Newman, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.171221 

Abstract

The Indonesian Island of Sulawesi is home to a number of members of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, with unusual turquoise flowers not found anywhere else. A recent paper reinstating Hellwigia, using molecular evidence, placed these “jade gingers” in this genus. During a joint expedition between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Bogor Botanical Gardens 26 years ago, an interesting jade ginger was collected at Mt. Sojol. This is similar to two other named species from Sulawesi, H. coeruleoviridis and H. glacicaerulea, in having unusual dimorphic, turquoise-bluish green flowers but differs from both in the much shorter ligule without a demarcation line and is described here as Hellwigia opalina. In preparation for this, all available material of jade gingers from Sulawesi was examined, and all except the collections from Mt. Sojol had a long ligule with a demarcation line similar to H. coeruleoviridis and H. glacicaerulea. It is, however, questionable whether the identification by R.M. Smith of several collections from Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, matches the type of H. coeruleoviridis, which was lost in Berlin during the Second World War. Until this species has been recollected at its type locality, here identified as Mt. Tentolomatinan, 300 km away, the identification cannot be easily ascertained. Rhizomes from Mt. Sojol were cultivated in botanic gardens, and plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Garden flowered several times, which enabled detailed studies and dissection of both flower morphs. This is usually impossible during fieldwork and emphasizes the importance of cultivation of gingers—not just for ex situ conservation but also for research purposes. Detailed photographs taken of the cultivated plants were used to obtain a better morphological understanding and to illustrate Hellwigia opalina in the present paper.

Key words: Alpinia, ex situ conservation, Indonesia, monoecism, Wallacea

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.
A. Leafy shoots, inflorescence with functionally female flowers open; B. Leafy shoots, inflorescence with functionally male flowers open; C. Bases of leafy shoots; D. Part of pseudostem with one leaf blade; E. Close-up of ligule, petiole, and leaf base; F. Ligule, viewed from the inside; G. Close-up of midrib beneath.

All photographs of the type (A.D. Poulsen 3255) by A.D. Poulsen.  

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.
 Functionally female flowers: A. Inflorescence with first flowers; B. Flower; C. Bracteole; D. Calyx; E. Corolla lobes; F. Flower, bracteole removed; G. Inner part of cincinnus with functionally male flowers in bud; H. Labellum, ventral and dorsal view; J. Stamen, lateral and ventral view (staminodes); K. Gynoecium, ventral and lateral view. Functionally male flowers: L. Inflorescence; M. Flower; N. Calyx; O. Corolla lobes; P. Flower, bracteole removed; Q. Labellum, ventral and dorsal view; R. Floral tube and stamen, lateral view; S. Floral tube and staminodes; T. Floral tube and epigynous gland; U. Stamen, ventral view.

All photographs of the type (A.D. Poulsen 3255) by A.D. Poulsen.

Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Similar to Hellwigia glacicaerulea (R.M.Sm.) Senjaya & A.D.Poulsen in having inflorescences of secund cincinni bearing turquoise-blue, dimorphic flowers but differing in its shorter ligule (2–3.5 mm, coriaceous vs. 20–30 mm, marcescent), shorter petiole (7–12 mm vs. 20–30 mm), leaf blades being densely tomentose beneath (vs. shortly tomentose), and tomentose inflorescence rhachis (vs. shortly tomentose).

Etymology. The epithet means ‘opal-colored’ from Greek, opallios, an opal.

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Seni Kurnia Senjaya, Marlina Ardiyani and Mark Fleming Newman. 2026. Hellwigia opalina (Zingiberaceae) – A New Species of the enigmatic Jade Gingers of Sulawesi. PhytoKeys. 272: 169-180. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.171221 [03 Apr 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Etlingera cinnabarina, E. funakoshii & E. rigida (Zingiberaceae) • Three New Species from Samar Island, Philippines

 Etlingera rigida Docot;

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas;  

Etlingera funakoshii Docot

 in Docot, Ordas, Moran, Zamudio, Romeroso, Tandang et Poulsen, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.03 

Abstract  

Botanical field surveys performed in the largest terrestrial protected area in the Philippines, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), led to the discovery of three new species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) herein described. Etlingera cinnabarina sp. nov. can easily be distinguished by its red orange flowers, at least among Philippine species. Etlingera funakoshii sp. nov. was first identified and recorded in the Philippines as Etlingera brevilabrum, but the absence of black patches in the ligule, absence of reddish cloudy patches in the laminae, and 1-2 flowers per flowering shoot makes it a unique species. Etlingera rigida sp. nov. is closely resembling Etlingera pilosa but unique by the sessile leaves, purplish to reddish abaxial side of the lamina and rigid young fertile bracts. Each new species is provided with a detailed description, colour plate, and information on distribution, phenology, and habitat. Etlingera cinnabarina matches the criteria of the IUCN red list as Endangered (EN), whereas E. funakoshii and E. rigida as Critically Endangered (CN), since all three species have narrow distributions and threats in their respective habitats. A key to the Etlingera of Samar Island is also provided.

Keywords: Etlingera brevilabrum; Etlingera pilosa; Etlingera sayapensis; SINP; critically endangered; endangered 

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas.
a. Habit. b. Ligule. c Lamina; d. Inflorescence. e. Inflorescence. f. Fertile bract. g. Bracteole. h. Calyx. i. Flower (calyx removed). j. Dorsal corolla lobe. k. Lateral corolla lobes. l. Labellum. m. Stamen (front and back view). n. Epigynous glands. o. Ovary (R.V.A. Docot et al. 357).

Photos by R.V.A. Docot. Scale bars = 1 cm.

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas, sp. nov. 

 Similar to Etlingera sayapensis A.D.Poulsen & Ibrahim but differing by the sericeous ligule (vs pubescent); 10–15 mm long petiole (vs 50–70 mm); non-plicate lamina (vs prominently plicate); red orange labellum (vs deep red); lateral lobes of the labellum folded over the stamen forming a 13–16 mm long tube (vs adhering only to the sides of the stamen); and retuse anther crest (vs entire).  

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to its vermilion/red orange corolla lobes and labellum.

Etlingera funakoshii Docot.
a. Habit. b. Ligule. c Inflorescence (top view). d. Inflorescence (side view). e. Inflorescence (detached from the plant). f. Fertile bract. g. Bracteole. h. Calyx. i. Flower (calyx removed). j. Dorsal corolla lobe. k. Lateral corolla lobes. l. Labellum. m. Stamen (front and back view). n. Epigynous gland (front and back view) (S.G.S Zamudio et al. S21−183).

Photos by R.V.A. Docot.

Etlingera funakoshii Docot, sp. nov. 

Similar to Etlingera brevilabrum (Valeton) R.M.Sm. but differing by the glabrous ligule with black patches (vs scabrid without black patches); narrowly ovate lamina without reddish cloudy patches (vs oblong obovate with reddish cloudy patches); 1–2 flowers per flowering shoot (vs 1–6); mid pink corolla lobes (vs red); ecristate anther (vs 3 mm long anther crest); and dark purple stigma (vs dark red or white)  

Etymology. The first author named this species in honour of Dr. Hidenobu Funakoshi, who first saw and documented the species in the type locality. Since the early 2000’s, Dr. Funakoshi continues to share his interest in studying Philippine gingers up to the writing of this paper.

 Etlingera rigida Docot, sp. nov. 

 

Similar to Etlingera pilosa A.D.Poulsen & Docot but differing by the red and truncate apex of the ligule (vs greenish brown and rounded); sessile leaves (vs petiolate); red to greenish red abaxial side of the lamina (vs light green); rigid young fertile bracts (vs soft); pubescent dorsal side of the anther (vs glabrous); and fruit with few small warts near the apex when mature (vs prominently carinated). 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the rigid bracts.

 Docot, R.V.A. ; Ordas, J.A.D. ; Moran, C.B. ; Zamudio, S.G.S. ; Romeroso, R.B. ; Tandang, D.N. ; Poulsen, A.D. 2026. Three New Species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) from Samar Island, Philippines. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.03 [January 12, 2026]

 facebook.com/HidenobuFunakoshi/posts/25740427845569465

[Botany • 2025] Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen, 

in Docot, Haevermans, Sule et Poulsen. 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291 

 x.com/AxelGinger 

Researchgate.net/publication/390905548

Abstract

During explorations of the ginger flora of the Bismarck Archipelago in 2013 and 2023, we made collections of the ginger genus Alpinia sensu lato, some of which had unusually elongated cincinni composed of distichously arranged bracteoles and in the present paper we conclude that these collections document a distinct species new to science, Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen. The choice of epithet refers to the spider-like appearance of the inflorescence. Similar morphology of the cincinni is found in other lineages of Alpinia, but our molecular analysis using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) marker established a close relationship with A. oceanica from which the new species differs by having cincinni with more flowers and linear labellum. An ink drawing and colour plates, information on distribution and habitat, and provisional conservation status are provided for the new species as well as a key to species of Alpinia in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinia oceanica, Alpinia vittata, Bismarck Archipelago, ITS, Zingiberaceae

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen
A. Pseudostem showing the sheaths and ligules. B. Inflorescences in different stages. C. Cincinnus with supporting bract. D. Flower (front view). E. Fruits.

Based from A.D. Poulsen et al. 2893 (type). Photos: A.D. Poulsen.

 Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: Similar to Alpinia oceanica Burkill in the vegetative characters but differs by the erect inflorescence (vs mostly pendulous); exposed distal peduncle (vs hidden within sheaths); cincinni laxly arranged (5–8 mm apart) along the rachis, 3–11 cm long with 2 mm long stalk at base and composed of up to 15 flowers (vs congested, 3–7 cm long, sessile, up to 7); and linear labellum with a retuse apex (vs narrowly triangular, apex truncate).

Etymology: The elongated cincinni suggest a spider-like resemblance.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Thomas Haevermans, Bernard Sule and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2025. Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 51-65. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1913203038895907107

 Researchgate.net/publication/390905548_Alpinia_arachniformis_a_new_species_from_New_Ireland_Papua_New_Guinea

[Botany • 2024] Srilankanthus gen. n. • The Cardamom Conundrum Resolved: Recircumscription and Placement of Elettaria (Zingiberaceae) in the only pantropically distributed ginger lineage

Srilankanthus Marasinghe & A.D.Poulsen, gen. nov.
 Srilankanthus nemoralis (Thwaites) Marasinghe & A.D. Poulsen comb. nov. 

in Poulsen, Fér, Darshika Marasinghe, Sabu, Hughes, Valderrama et Leong-Škorničková, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13242 

 x.com/AxelGinger

Abstract

The overarching aim of the present study is to sort out the taxonomy of a group of gingers that include the useful and worldwide economically important green cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, and its wild relatives, to highlight potentially overlooked genetic resources. These species occur naturally in India and Sri Lanka, and our study facilitates more appropriate management priorities for the remaining forest fragments in which they occur. We used NGS Hyb-Seq methods and sampled four species of the Alpinia I (Fax) clade, six representatives of Aframomum and Renealmia as well as two other basally flowering Sri Lankan species. This is the only pantropically distributed lineage within the entire family, and our result shows that the Alpinia I clade in fact is simply the genus Elettaria (confined to India and Sri Lanka), which is sister to the genera Aframomum (Africa) and Renealmia (Africa and Neotropics). The taxonomic implications are: (1) a recircumscription of Elettaria comprising seven species (E. cardamomum, E. ensal, E. floribunda, E. involucrata, E. rufescens as well as two new species, E. facifera and E. tulipifera described here); (2) the Sri Lankan endemic genus Cyphostigma should be retained; (3) the new monotypic genus, Srilankanthus endemic in Sri Lanka, is described with S. nemoralis, formerly Amomum nemorale, as type. A key is provided to the seven species of Elettaria and lectotypifications are made for five species (Cyphostigma pulchellum, Elettaria floribunda, E. involucrata, E. nemoralis, E. rufescens).

Keywords: Alpinioideae, Cyphostigma, Sri Lanka, Srilankanthus, Thwaites, Zingiberaceae

• Srilankanthus Marasinghe & A.D.Poulsen, gen. nov.

 Srilankanthus nemoralis (Thwaites) Marasinghe & A.D. Poulsen comb. nov. 

(≡ Elettaria nemoralis Thwaites).

Distribution.– Only one species, endemic in Sri Lanka. 

Etymology.– The generic name means “flower of Sri Lanka”. 

Ecology.– Primary lowland forest. 

 

 

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Tomáš Fér, Lakmini Darshika Kumarage Marasinghe, Mamiyil Sabu, Mark Hughes, Eugenio Valderrama and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2024. The Cardamom Conundrum Resolved: Recircumscription and Placement of Elettaria in the only pantropically distributed ginger lineage. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13242

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1837256202511684042  

 facebook.com/companyofenvironment76/posts/996680809137300

[Botany • 2024] Geocharis globosa • A Recircumscription of Geocharis (Zingiberaceae) as A Result of the Discovery of A New Species in Sumatra, Indonesia

Geocharis globosa Zulaspita & Nurainas, 

in Nurainas, Zulaspita, Febriamansyah, Syamsuardi et Poulsen, 2024. 

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.244.119306

Abstract

Recent fieldwork conducted in Sumatra resulted in unusual collections of the conspicuous ginger genus Geocharis, a genus that harbours a total of six species distributed in Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and the Philippines. After carefully reviewing types and protologues of existing taxa, we conclude that the recent collections represent a new species described here as Geocharis globosa, which is similar to G. aurantiaca, G. rubra and G. radicalis by the flowers spreading evenly in all directions but differs from these by the less divided labellum and by the unstructured and smooth globose fruits. We provide a detailed description and a photographic plate as well as a preliminary Red List Assessment for the new species. With the new species added to Geocharis macrostemon and G. radicalis, the number of species in Sumatra hereby increases to three. A recircumscription of the genus is provided, taking into account the unusual fruit character of the new species.

Key words: Geocharis globosa, globose fruit, Mount Marapi, taxonomy, West Sumatra, wild gingers

Geocharis globosa Zulaspita & Nurainas, sp. nov.
A habit B sheath (with tessellate pattern), ligule and base of leaf blade C inflorescence D flower dissection E infructescence F fruit G seeds with and without aril.

Photographs by T.A. Febriamansyah, edited by A.D. Poulsen.

 Geocharis globosa Zulaspita & Nurainas, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to G. aurantiaca, G. rubra and G. radicalis by the flowers spreading in all directions from an erect flowering shoot but differs from all of these by the labellum being incised only halfway from apex (not deeply or completely divided), and having a smooth and glabrous surface to the ovary and globose fruits (Table 2).

Etymology: The epithet refers to the shape of the fruit.

 Nurainas Nurainas, Witri Zulaspita, Thoriq Alfath Febriamansyah, Syamsuardi Syamsuardi and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2024. A Recircumscription of Geocharis (Zingiberaceae) as A Result of the Discovery of A New Species in Sumatra, Indonesia. PhytoKeys 244: 15-22. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.244.119306

[Botany • 2022] Wurfbainia rubrofasciata (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Palawan, Philippines

Wurfbainia rubrofasciata Docot & Domingo, 

in Docot, Domingo, Moran, Camangeg & Poulsen, 2022.    

DOI: 10.36253/jopt-13461

 Researchgate.net/publication/366395650

Abstract

 A ginger species collected in Palawan, Philippines was initially thought to be Wurfbainia palawanensis but differs by the dark brown fertile bracts and red spinose fruits. This species is also morphologically similar to the continental Asian Wurfbainia microcarpa but can be distinguished from this by the entire ligule, petiolate lamina, congested rachis, and presence of red stripes at the base of the labellum. Therefore, we here describe Wurfbainia rubrofasciata providing colour plates, data on phenology, distribution, habitat, and a provisional conservation assessment. A key to five species of Wurfbainia in the Philippines is provided and we discuss the likely closest relatives of Wurfbainia palawanensis. 

Keywords: Amomum s.l., endemic, endangered, taxonomy, Wurfbainia.

Wurfbainia rubrofasciata Docot & Domingo
 (A) Habit. (B) Ligule. (C) Inflorescence and infructescence. (D) Inflorescence showing different angle of the flowers. (E) Infructescence. (F) Floral dissection. (G) Stamen at different views. (notice the white arrow pointing a lateral staminode).

Based from C.B.M. Domingo & R.V.A. Docot PL18-006 (type). 

Abbreviations: br: bracteole; ca: calyx tube; dc: dorsal corolla lobe; fb: fertile bract; fl: flower; inf: inflorescence; la: labellum; lc: lateral corolla lobes; ov: ovary with epigynous glands on the top.

 Scale bars = 1 cm. (Photographs by R.V.A. Docot).

Wurfbainia rubrofasciata Docot & Domingo, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Wurfbainia rubrofasciata is morphologically similar to W. microcarpa (C.F.Liang & D.Fang) Skornick. & A.D.Poulsen in having white flowers with a clawed and saccate labellum but differs in the entire ligule (vs emarginate to bilobed), 7−11 mm long petiole (vs < 2 mm); 2−4 flowers open at a time (vs 1−2); congested rachis (vs elongated); white calyx tube and corolla lobes (vs white to red), presence of 10−12 red stripes at the base of the labellum (vs minute red dots) and ovate and petaloid lateral lobes of the anther crest (vs oblong and fleshy).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the red stripes at the base of the labellum.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Carl Bryan M. Domingo, Cecilia B. Moran, Lea M. Camangeg and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2022. Wurfbainia rubrofasciata (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Palawan, Philippines. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography.  77(2); 277-283. DOI: 10.36253/jopt-13461 

Researchgate.net/publication/366395650_Wurfbainia_rubrofasciata_a_new_species_from_Palawan_Philippines

[Botany • 2022] Three Species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) recollected in the Footsteps of Rudolf Schlechter in Papua New Guinea

Etlingera densiuscula (Valeton) R. M. Sm., 
Etlingera grandiflora (Valeton) R. M. Sm.
Etlingera vestita (Valeton) R. M. Sm.

in Poulsen, Pomoso & Magun, 2022.

DOI: 10.3372/wi.52.52201 

 twitter.com/AxelGinger

 Abstract

The German botanist, F. R. R. Schlechter, collected three species of Etlingera around 1907 in “Kaiser-Wilhelmsland”, now the northern part of Papua New Guinea. Based on these collections, Valeton described three new species in 1914 in Geanthus, but the types collected by Schlechter kept in the Berlin Herbarium were lost during the Second World War. Using a map published by Schlechter in 1911, it was possible to pin down where the types had been collected, and during fieldwork in November 2019 these species were recollected near their type localities. Two of the species had meanwhile been collected from several other places in Papua New Guinea. The current paper includes much improved descriptions and illustrations (ink drawings and a plate with colour photographs) of the three species. Lectotypes are designated for E. densiuscula and E. grandiflora and a neotype is designated for E. vestita.

 KEYWORDS: Etlingera, Geanthus, Papua New Guinea, Rudolf Schlechter, Typification, Valeton, Zingiberaceae

A–D: Etlingera densisucula; A: pseudostem with ligule and leaf base; B: inflorescence; C: labellum, stamen and stigma; D: infructescence.
 E–H: Etlingera grandiflora; E: habit; F: pseudostem with ligule and leaf base; G: inflorescence; H: circular inset with close up of labellum, stamen and stigma.
 I–L: Etlingera vestita; I: pseudostem with ligule and leaf base (lamina golden-sericeous beneath); J: young inflorescence; K: flowers; L: fruit.

 A–D: Poulsen & al. 3189; E–H: Poulsen & al. 3191; I–K: Poulsen & al. 3190; L: Poulsen & al. 3003.

 Photographs by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

A–D: Etlingera densisucula; A: pseudostem with ligule and leaf base; B: inflorescence; C: labellum, stamen and stigma; D: infructescence.

 A–D: Poulsen & al. 3189.

 Photographs by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

Tracing Etlingera collections made by Schlechter

1. Etlingera densiuscula (Valeton) R. M. Sm. in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 43: 244. 1986 

≡ Geanthus densiusculus Valeton in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 52: 56. 1914. 

Etymology — The specific epithet means “moderately dense”, possibly referring to the flower head.

Vernacular name and uses —mbsang (Amung language, Poulsen & al. 3189), no uses informed, tastes sour-aromatic similar to Etlingera elatior (Jack) R. M. Sm.; momo waimamo (Nabak language, Poulsen & al. 3129), used as substitute for betel nut (Areca cathechu L.).

E–H: Etlingera grandiflora; E: habit; F: pseudostem with ligule and leaf base; G: inflorescence; H: circular inset with close up of labellum, stamen and stigma.

E–H: Poulsen & al. 3191.

 Photographs by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

2. Etlingera grandiflora (Valeton) R. M. Sm. in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 43: 245. 1986 

≡ Geanthus grandiflorus Valeton in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 52: 56. 1914. 

Etymology — The specific epithet means “large flowered” and Valeton (1914) emphasized the large flowers as a diagnostic character compared to other species from New Guinea that he knew at the time.

Vernacular name and uses — saru (Amung language, Poulsen & al. 3191), no uses informed.

 I–L: Etlingera vestita; I: pseudostem with ligule and leaf base (lamina golden-sericeous beneath); J: young inflorescence; K: flowers; L: fruit.

– I–K: Poulsen & al. 3190; L: Poulsen & al. 3003.

 Photographs by Axel Dalberg Poulsen.

3. Etlingera vestita (Valeton) R. M. Sm. in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 43: 250. 1986 

≡ Geanthus vestitus Valeton in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 52: 55. 1914. 

  

Etymology — The specific epithet means “clothed” and Valeton (1914) was probably referring to the densely silky-haired, almost felted, abaxial surface of the leaf blade.

Vernacular name and uses — mbsang (Amung language, Poulsen & al. 3190), no uses informed, tastes slightly bitter; sukur yaulib or sukur pai (Aiku language; saingil means long, Poulsen & al. 3063), no uses informed, lamina smells of chocolate.

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Philip Pomoso and Thomas Magun. 2022. Three Species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) recollected in the Footsteps of Rudolf Schlechter in Papua New Guinea. Willdenowia. 52(2); 153-165. DOI: 10.3372/wi.52.52201

  twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1540963389781835776

[Botany • 2019] Reinstatement and Revision of the Genus Adelmeria (Zingiberaceae) Endemic to the Philippines

Adelmeria isarogensis Docot & Banag

in Docot, Banag & Poulsen, 2019.

 DOI: 10.1002/tax.12071  

twitter.com/AxelGinger

  facebook.com/CeciliaBanag5

Abstract

In 1909, Ridley published Adelmeria characterized by its congested terminal inflorescence with large persistent floral bracts. All five species at some point placed in Adelmeria were synonymized in Alpinia by Loesener and subsequent authors. Several phylogenetic studies revealed that Alpinia is highly polyphyletic, suggesting that it should be split into several genera. In the present study, we sampled all five species initially placed in Adelmeria plus additional ones with a similar morphology. The combined analysis of the ITS and trnK/matK regions showed that these species formed a strongly supported monophyletic group inside the Alpinia eubractea clade of the tribe Alpinieae. Although not completely diagnostic, the following morphological characters separate Adelmeria from most of the species currently inside the Alpinia eubractea clade: bilobed ligules; congested inflorescences; utricular bracteoles; sessile flowers; crestless anthers; obovoid fruits. Considering this molecular and morphological evidence, the recognition of Adelmeria is highly justified. In this present paper, we reinstate the genus which is endemic to the Philippines and provide a comprehensive taxonomic revision including a discussion of the application of the name Elmeria. A key to nine species of Adelmeria, four of which (Adelmeria dicranochila, A. isarogensis, A. leonardoi, A. undulata) are new to science, is provided as well as full descriptions and preliminary conservation assessments. Interestingly, monoecy was observed in A. oblonga and reported for the first time for Adelmeria. Four lectotypes and one epitype are designated in this study.

Keywords: Alpinia, Alpinia eubractea clade, Elmeria, ITS, phylogeny, trnK/matK

Adelmeria Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 603. 1909 

≡ Elmeria Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 569. 1909, nom. illeg., 

non Elmera Rydb. in N. Amer. Fl. 22(2): 97. 1905 

– Type (designated by Smith in Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 34: 175. 1975): A. paradoxa (Ridl.) Merr. (≡ Hornstedtia paradoxa Ridl.).

Adelmeria dicranochila Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – The specific epithet is derived from the Greek words “dicranos” meaning forked and “cheilos” meaning lip.

Adelmeria isarogensis Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – The specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Mount Isarog, which is considered as the last tropical rainforest of Bicol Peninsula.


Adelmeria leonardoi Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – This very unique species was first noticed by the first author on the website of Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines (see Pelser et al., 2011–) which includes photographs taken by Leonardo L. Co (1953–2010), who was one of the great botanists of the Philippines and shared a huge interest in gingers. Therefore, this species is named after him.

Adelmeria undulata Docot & Banag, sp. nov.

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to its coarsely undulated leaf margin.

Adelmeria alpina Elmer in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 8: 2885. 1915 (‘alpinum’) 

≡ Alpinia alpina (Elmer) R.M.Sm. 

ex M.F.Newman, Lhuillier & A.D.Poulsen in Blumea, 

Suppl. 16: 7. 2004

Local names. – Pusadok and lurasising (Bisaya language). 

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to the alpine regions of Mount Apo (2954 m), the highest mountain in the Philippines, where this species was first collected.

Adelmeria gigantifolia (Elmer) Elmer in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 8: 2963. 1919 (‘gigantifolium’) 

≡ Zingiber gigantifolium Elmer in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 8: 2916. 1915 

≡ Alpinia gigantifolia (Elmer) R.M.Sm. in Edinburgh J. Bot. 47(1): 65. 1990 

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to the large leaves.

Adelmeria oblonga Merr. in Philipp. J. Sci. 9: 443. 1914 

≡ Alpinia oblonga (Merr.) Loes. in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 15a: 620. 1930

Etymology. – The specific epithet refers to the oblong inflorescence.

Adelmeria paradoxa (Ridl.) Merr. in Philipp. J. Sci. C 9: 444. 1914 

≡ Hornstedtia paradoxa Ridl. in Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35: 85. 1905 

≡ Elmeria bifida Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 569. 1909, nom. illeg. 

≡ Adelmeria bifida Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 603. 1909, nom. illeg. 

≡ Alpinia paradoxa (Ridl.) Loes. in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 15a: 620. 1930

Etymology. – The specific epithet was chosen by Ridley to reflect his confusion regarding in which genus to place his new species as he found the characters of this species contradicting.

Adelmeria pinetorum (Ridl.) Ridl. in Philipp. J. Sci. C 4: 179. 1909 

≡ Elmeria pinetorum Ridl. in Leafl. Philipp. Bot. 2: 570. 1909 ≡ Alpinia pinetorum (Ridl.) Loes. in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2, 15a: 620. 1930

Etymology. – This species was discovered in the pine regions of Baguio, hence its specific epithet “pinetorum”, meaning associated with pines.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Cecilia I. Banag and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2019. Reinstatement and Revision of the Genus Adelmeria (Zingiberaceae) Endemic to the Philippines. TAXON. 68(3); 499-521. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12071

 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1187548087440429057 

 facebook.com/CeciliaBanag5/posts/10156401449866969

 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1200058327029473286

[Botany • 2022] Hornstedtia albomucronata (Zingiberaceae) • A New and Unusual Ginger Species from Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines

Hornstedtia albomucronata Docot, Mazo & Mendez 

in Docot, Mazo, Mendez et Poulsen, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.03573

facebook.com/groups/philippineplants 

 twitter.com/AxelGinger

 

Abstract

A collection of a ginger from Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, superficially resembles Hornstedtia but is very different from all other known Philippine species especially by the elongate rachis and absence of sterile bracts. Furthermore, it does not match any other species elsewhere. In order to ascertain its generic placement, phylogenetic analyses using ITS and trnK/matK regions were conducted revealing a close relationship with H. tomentosa from Borneo, Java and Sumatra. The mystery species, H. tomentosa and the type of Hornstedtia are placed within a highly supported clade. Morphologically, it is similar to H. tomentosa having an elongate rachis with red bracts and yellow flowers but differs by the swollen and white mucro to the fertile bract, presence of a bracteole and the petaloid labellum. As a result, Hornstedtia albomucronata, is described as a new species here, and illustrations and information on its distribution, habitat, phenology and provisional IUCN conservation status are provided. An updated key to the nine Hornstedtia species in the Philippines is included.

Keywords: endangered, Hornstedtia, ITS, phylogeny, trnK/matK, Zamboanga, Zingiberaceae

Hornstedtia albomucronata Docot, Mazo & Mendez 

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Kean Roe F. Mazo, Noe P. Mendez and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2022. Using Molecular Data to Test the Generic Placement of A New and Unusual Ginger Species from the Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03573

 facebook.com/groups/philippineplants/posts/5053863504692276 

 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1504441061032218626

Researchgate.net/publication/359213814_a_new_and_unusual_ginger_species_from_the_Philippines

[Botany • 2021] Etlingera comosa (Zingiberaceae: Alpinioidea) • A New Species from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Etlingera comosa Ardiyani & Ardi, 

in Ardiyani, Ardi, Hutabarat & Poulsen, 2021.

DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v20i2.4243

  twitter.com/AxelGinger 

Etlingera comosa Ardiyani & Ardi, a new and unusual species from Tentena, Central Sulawesi exhibiting terrestrial as well as epiphytic habit is described here. It is compared to the morphologically closest Etlingera sublimata A.D.Poulsen, but differs in having tufted sheath, bilobed and asymmetric ligule, loose peduncular bracts, densely pubescent fertile bracts and longer filament. Colour plates, notes on its conservation status and DNA barcode data for the new species are also provided.

Keywords: Acanthodes group, DNA barcode, epiphytic, Etlingera sublimata, Indonesia, Zingiberales

 

Etlingera comosa Ardiyani & Ardi spec. nov. 

Similar to Etlingera sublimata A.D.Poulsen by the spiny bracts and thecae dehiscent through their entire length but E. comosa differs from E. sublimata in having tufted sheath (vs. not tufted), bilobed, asymmetric ligule (vs. entire), peduncular bracts only loosely enclosing base of spike and partly exposed the axis (vs. peduncular bracts enclosing base of spike, peduncle axis not exposed), fertile bracts densely pubescent (vs. glabrous with ciliate margin), longer stamen (9 mm vs. 5 mm), longer filament (3.5–4.5 mm vs. 0.5 mm) and shorter anther (4 mm vs. 5–5.5 mm).  

Etymology. The epithet comosa refers to the tufted hairs of the sheath. 

 

 

  Marlina Ardiyani, Wisnu Handoyo Ardi, Prima Wahyu Kusuma Hutabarat and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2021. Etlingera comosa, A New Species (Zingiberaceae: Alpinioidea) from Central Sulawesi. Reinwardtia. 20(2); 63−68.  DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v20i2.4243

  twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1476299223293378574

[Botany • 2020] Etlingera tjiasmantoi (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Etlingera tjiasmantoi Ardiyani & Ardi 

in Ardiyani, Ardi, Santoso & Poulsen, 2020.

DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v19i2.3972

 twitter.com/AxelGinger

Abstract

 A new species of Etlingera, Etlingera tjiasmantoi Ardiyani & Ardi, was discovered at Tentena, Central Sulawesi, and is described here. This species resembles Etlingera flexuosa A.D.Poulsen and Etlingera mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani but differs from both in having thecae dehiscing through their entire length and in the obovoid, glabrous and spineless fruits. The DNA barcode data, the line drawings of flower and fruit and the plate of E. tjiasmantoi were presented.

               

Keywords: DNA barcode, Etlingera flexuosa, E. mamasarum, Indonesia, Zingiberales.

Inflorescences of Etlingera species.
A. Etlingera flexuosa (Poulsen et al. 2655, the type).
B. E. mamasarum (Ardiyani et al. Sulbar 004, the type).
C. Etlingera tjiasmantoi (M. Ardiyani et al. 1007, the type).

Photos by A. D. Poulsen, M. Ardiyani & W. H. Ardi.

Fig. 1. Etlingera tjiasmantoi Ardiyani & Ardi spec. nov.
A. Leaves (upper surface). B. Leaves (lower surface). C. Leaf base, ligule and petiole. D. Base of leafy shoot and inflorescence arising from the rhizome. E. Inflorescence with three freshly opened flowers. F. Infructescence. G. a. Two flowers with a fertile bract each. b. Bract. c. Bracteole. d. Calyx. e. Flower with bracteole and calyx removed. f. Corolla lobes. g. Labellum. h. Flower with calyx, corolla lobes and labellum removed. i. Fruit.

From M. Ardiyani et al. 1007. Photos by M. Ardiyani & W.H. Ardi.

Etlingera tjiasmantoi Ardiyani & Ardi spec. nov. 

Etlingera tjiasmantoi is similar to E. flexuosa A.D.Poulsen and E. mamasarum A.D.Poulsen & Ardiyani in having entire ligules with ± emarginate apex, long petioles (around 4 cm), elongated elliptic to narrowly ovate laminas, pointed calyces, and ± pink flowers but E. tjiasmantoi differs from both in having thecae dehiscing through their entire length (vs. in upper part) and in the obovoid, glabrous and spineless fruits (vs. pyriform or round, pubescent and with small spines).

Habitat & Ecology. Grows in secondary forest by the road between Tentena and Bada, near a waterfall and a stream at about 1,700 m asl.

 Etymology. The epithet honours Mr. Wewin Tjiasmanto who funded the botanical trip to Central Sulawesi, and who is greatly concerned for wildlife, taxonomy, exploration and conservation.

 

 Marlina Ardiyani, Wisnu Handoyo Ardi, Wahyudi Santoso and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2020. Etlingera tjiasmantoi (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Central Sulawesi. Reinwardtia. 19(2); ; 103‒108. DOI: 10.14203/reinwardtia.v19i2.3972

Researchgate.net/publication/348068671_ETLINGERA_TJIASMANTOI_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_CENTRAL_SULAWESI

Congratulations to Dr. Marlina Ardiyani @MarlinaArdiyani and Wisnu Ardi @Begonia_Wisnu who in March this year, discovered a new species of Etlingera in Central Sulawesi. Today, E. tjiasmantoi is published in REINWARDTIA bringing the number of Etlingera species in Sulawesi to 48.

 twitter.com/AxelGinger/status/1341318087665197056