[Botany • 2019] Primulina chingipengii • Molecular Systematics of Chiritopsis-like Primulina (Gesneriaceae): One New Species, One New Name, Two New Combinations, and New Synonyms

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung, 

 

in Xu, Chang, Huang et Chung, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-019-0266-x

Abstract

Background: The Gesneriaceae genus Chiritopsis, confined almost exclusively to cave or cave-like microhabitats of limestone karsts of southern China, was described to distinguish it from Chirita by much smaller flowers and generally miniature plant sizes in the former genus. However, molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that Chiritopsis is polyphyletic and its species delimitation has been problematic. To understand how many times Chiritopsis-like species have evolved from within the recircumscribed Primulina and to further clarify their species identification, we sampled all but two recently described species of Chiritopsis-like Primulina and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationship based on DNA sequences of nuclear ITS and chloroplast trnL-F and trnH-psbA.

Results: With 182 accessions of 165 taxa of Primulina sampled, our analyses placed the 40 accessions of 25 taxa of Chiritopsis-like Primulina in 17 unrelated positions, indicating at least 17 independent origins of the traits associated with caves or cave-like microhabitats. Of the 17 clades containing Chiritopsis-like Primulina, Clade 1 is composed of P. bipinnatifida, P. cangwuensis, P. jianghuaensis, P. lingchuanensis, and P. zhoui, as well as additional samples that show variable and overlapping morphology in leaf shapes. Clade 10 includes P. cordifolia, P. huangii, and P. repanda, while Primulina repanda var. guilinensis is not placed within Clade 10. Primulina glandulosa var. yangshuoensis is not placed in the same clade of P. glandulosa.

Conclusions: Based on our data, P. cangwuensis, P. jianghuaensis, and P. lingchuanensis are proposed to synonymize under P. bipinnatifida, with P. zhoui treated as a variety of P. bipinnatifida. Primulina repanda var. guilinensis is transferred as P. subulata var. guilinensis comb. nov. and Primulina pseudoglandulosa nom. nov. is proposed for P. glandulosa var. yangshuoensis. One new species is named P. chingipengii to honor the late Dr. Ching-I Peng (1950–2018).

 

Keywords: Convergent evolution, Flora of China, Limestone cave flora, Primulina chingipengii, Primulina subulata var. guilinensis, Primulina pseudoglandulosa, Sino-Vietnamese limestone karst (SVLK), Taxonomy

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung.
 a habit, b enlarged part of blade, c flower, d corolla opened showing stamens and staminodes, e calyx, pistil and disc, f capsule. (Drawn by Han-Yao Huang based on the holotype)

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung.
a habitat, b habit, c flower (face view), d flower (side view), e upper surface of leaf, f lower surface of leaf, g opened corolla showing stamens and staminodes, h pistil and calyx.

All taken from type locality (W.-B. Xu et al. 13158)

Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Primulina chingipengii is similar to P. cordifolia (Fig. 2h–k) in corolla shape, differing by the leaf blade carnose, broadly ovate, cordate to suborbicular, 2–3 × 1.2–2 cm, densely pubescent on both surfaces, base broadly cuneate, round to cordate in the former species.

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Dr. Ching-I Peng (1950–2018), the late Research Fellow of Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, for his tremendous contribution to our knowledge of the East Asian flora and systematics of Asteraceae, Ludwigia, Begonia, and Sino-Vietnamese karst flora (Chung 2018).

Notes: Primulina chingipengii is similar to P. cordifolia in corolla shape, but it is easily distinguished from the latter by the leaf blades. Phenologically, P. chingipengii and P. cordifolia are also different. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. chingipengii is placed in a strongly supported clade also including P. albicalyx B.Pan & LiH.Yang, P. carinata Y.G.Wei, F.Wen & H.Z.Lü, P. fengshanensis F.Wen & YueWang, and P. pseudoeburnea (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber (Fig. 4b); however, only P. chingipengii possesses Chiritopsis-like corolla in this clade.

Wei-Bin Xu, Hsuan Chang, Jie Huang and Kuo-Fang Chung. 2019. Molecular Systematics of Chiritopsis-like Primulina (Gesneriaceae): One New Species, One New Name, Two New Combinations, and New Synonyms. Botanical Studies. 60, 18. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-019-0266-x

[Botany • 2023] Veronicastrum wulingense (Plantaginaceae) • A New Species from Southwestern Hubei, China

Veronicastrum wulingense G.W. Hu & Q.F. Wang, 

in Ding, Jiang, Tian, Ren, Mutie, Waswa, Hu et Wang, 2023. 

武陵腹水草  ||  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-023-00367-y 

 Researchgate.net/publication/367767908

Abstract

Background: The genus Veronicastrum Heist. ex Fabr. are mainly distributed in East Asia, and only Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw. is disjunctively distributed in eastern North America. The south area of China (extending to Taiwan Island) is the richest in Veronicastrum species. It is of medicinal importance in China as traditional herbs used to treat ascites diseases that caused by schistosomiasis. During field investigation of plant resources in Pingbaying National Forest Park, Southwestern Hubei, China, an unknown flowering population of Veronicastrum was discovered from thick humus layers adjacent to rocks under broad-leaved forests by walkways. They were collected and morphological characters assesed for further taxonomic treatment. Molecular analysis was also conducted to ascertain its phylogenetic position in the genus Veronicastrum.

Results: This species is similar to Veronicastrum liukiuense (Ohwi) T.Yamaz. from the Ryukyu Islands, but can be distinctly differed by its axillary inflorescences (versus terminal on short leafy branches), pedicels up to 2.5 mm (versus sessile), corollas purple to purple-red (versus white tinged with pale purple) and florescence June to July (versus September to October). Also, phylogenetic studies showed the species was an independent clade in the genus Veronicastrum based on the maximum likelihood (ML) analyses using two different matrix sequences of concatenated molecular markers. The plastid genome of this new species is also reported in this study for the first time.

Conclusion: The morphological and molecular evidences support the recognition of Veronicastrum wulingense as a new species.

Keywords: Veronicastrum wulingense, New species, Southwestern Hubei, Phylogeny, Wulingshan region

Veronicastrum wulingense (type locality).
A–B habit; C leaf sawtooth; D individual; E leaves; F axillary inflorescence in the main axis; G inflorescences; H–I flowers; J anatomical flower; K infructescences.

Photographed by S.X. Ding

Veronicastrum wulingense G.W. Hu & Q.F. Wang sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Veronicastrum wulingense belongs to the typical Veronicastrum species of axillary inflorescences (Sect. Plagiostachys species). Morphologically, it is closely similar to V. liukiuense from the Ryukyu Islands, but can be distinctly differed by its axillary inflorescences (versus terminal on short leafy branches), pedicels up to 2.5 mm (versus sessile), corollas purple to purple-red (versus white tinged with pale purple), and florescence June to July (versus September to October) (Table 1). Also, these diagnostic characteristics of peduncles up to 7 cm, flowers clustered densely in rachis apex and steadily ca. 2–3 cm long, which are unique in the all known Veronicastrum species of axillary inflorescences.

Distribution and habitat: The new species Veronicastrum wulingense is currently known only from Sidong Gorge of Pingbaying National Forest Park in the Northcentral of Wulingshan Region, Southwestern Hubei, China—its type locality. All our collections were made from the thick humus layers adjacent to rocks under broad-leaved forests by walkways, at elevations of 1000–1400 m above sea level.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘wulingense’ refers to Wulingshan Region, where the new species is distributed.

 The Chinese name is ‘Wu Ling Fu Shui Cao (武陵腹水草)’.

Shi-Xiong Ding, Hui Jiang, Jing Tian, Jing Ren, Fredrick Munyao Mutie, Emmanuel Nyongesa Waswa, Guang-Wan Hu and Qing-Feng Wang. 2023. Veronicastrum wulingense (Plantaginaceae), A New Species from Southwestern Hubei, China. Botanical Studies. 64: 3. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-023-00367-y

  Researchgate.net/publication/367767908_Veronicastrum_wulingense_a_new_species_from_Southwestern_Hubei_China

 

[Botany • 2020] Impatiens wuyiensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from Fujian of Southeast China, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidences

 Impatiens wuyiensis J.S.Wang, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin. 

in Wang, Lu, ... et Jin, 2020.

DOI: 10.1186/s40529-020-00306-1

Abstract

Background: 

Southeast Asia, together with tropical Africa, Madagascar, South India and Sri Lanka, and the eastern Himalayas, are the five primary hotspots of species diversity of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae). China is also rich in Impatiens species, especially in the limestone karsts or ‘Danxia’ landforms. With zygomorphic flowers and diverse corolla morphology and color, the species in Impatiens are well-known for their ornamental use, but they are also notorious in taxonomy. During the preparation of revision of Impatiens in Zhejiang and adjacent regions, an unknown species was collected from Mt. Wuyi in Fujian Province, Southeast China.

Results: 

Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS, chloroplast atpB-rbcL and trnL-F sequences, together with micromorphology of pollen grains and seed coats, strongly supported the close relationship of the new species with Impatiens platysepala Y.L.Chen and I. chloroxantha Y.L.Chen. In turn, both molecular data and morphological characters also were sufficient to distinguish the new species from the other two counterparts.

Conclusions: 

Our detailed morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of Impatiens wuyiensis as a species new to science.

Keywords: Danxia landform, Flora of Southeast China, Impatiens wuyiensis, Sect. Impatiens, Taxonomy

 

Fig. 4:  Impatiens wuyiensis J.S.Wang, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin.
 a habit (showing lower part and roots); b habit (showing upper part); c bract; d lateral sepal; e lower sepal; f upper petal; g lateral petals; h stamens; i ovary; j seed

(Drawn by X.F. Jin from the holotype)

Fig. 5:  Impatiens wuyiensis J.S.Wang, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin. 
a, b habitat; c adaxial surface of leaf; d abaxial surface of leaf; e, f inflorescence; g lateral view of flower; h frontal view of flower; i pedicel and bract; j upper petal and lateral united petals; k flower structure; l capsule

Impatiens wuyiensis J.S.Wang, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin, sp. nov.: 

武夷凤仙花 

 

Diagnosis: Haec species in characteribus floralibus est affinis Impatienti platysepalae Y.L. Chen et I. chloroxanthae Y.L. Chen, a qua floribus luteis, sepalis lateralibus dense purpureo-rubro-maculatis, costas vexilli dorso in medio breviter clavatis vel cornutis, bracteis herbaceis linearis vel anguste ovato-lanceolatis, 3–4 mm longis, ca. 0.5 mm latis differt.

Distribution, habitat and ecology: Impatiens wuyiensis seems to be restricted to Mt. Wuyi. It is widely distributed along several scenic spots, such as Dawangfeng, Tianyoufeng, Shuiliandong and Lianhuafeng views. It grows in moist places by roadside or in grasslands, on rock face, under forest or at forest margins, at an elevation between 220 and 430 m (Fig. 5: a, b).

 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘wuyiensis’ is derived from the type locality, Mt. Wuyi, northern Fujian Province.

Jian-Sheng Wang, Yi-Fei Lu, Yue-Liang Xu, Shui-Hu Jin and Xiao-Feng Jin. 2020. Impatiens wuyiensis (Balsaminaceae), A New Species from Fujian of Southeast China, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidences. Botanical Studies. 61: 29. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-020-00306-1

[Botany • 2018] Sapria himalayana (Rafflesiaceae) on Vietnam’s Lang Biang Plateau: Identification, Sexual Dimorphism and Natural History

 Sapria himalayana Griff. f. albovinosa Bänziger & Hansen

in Trần, Lưu, Nguyễn, et al., 2018. 

  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-018-0243-9

 Photos: H.Đ. Trần

Abstract

Background: Sapria is a distinctive and narrowly host-specific holoparasitic genus belonging to the Rafflesiaceae. Sapria himalayana, rare throughout its range from NE India, SW China, Thailand to Vietnam, is a little-understood species first recorded for Vietnam in 1959, and only recollected there over half a century later in February 2017. This has facilitated an assessment of its taxonomic identity and our understanding of its morphology and natural history aspects.

Results: Six populations of Sapria at Vietnam’s Tuyền Lâm Lake, and another two populations at the Nam Ban Protection Forest and the Cam Ly area were found, in an area of about 20 km in radius. Previously documented size attributes, morphological details and colour patterns allowed clear identification of the Vietnamese taxon as Sapria himalayana f. albovinosa. A full description of the species for Vietnam is provided. Past authors have distinguished the sexes by column form and structure, colour of the upper disk, details of the inner surface of the perigone tube, and presence of ovarial chambers below the column in the female. We present additional observations that male flowers consistently have more steeply held perigone lobes than females, in which the lobes were more spread out at wider angles in fully open flowers, and that males have a much lower cupule than females. The latter difference, especially, appears to be useful for quick determination of the sex even in the advanced floral bud stage. The host plant was the lianescent Tetrastigma laoticum (Vitaceae), but superficially it was not possible to ascertain the clonal relationship of neighbouring host lianas. Male and female flowers were found mixed together in the same cluster from one individual liana. Potential pollinators included Calliphorid and Stratiomyid flies observed visiting open flowers.

Conclusions: Our observations have added to an increased understanding of the morphology of this highly specialized parasitic life form. More than this, we have ascertained its occurrence in Vietnam, with information made available to authorities of the Lâm Đồng Province where our studies were conducted, for the sites to be specially demarcated for conservation and carefully managed tourism use.

Figure 3: Sapria himalayana Griff. f. albovinosa Bänziger and Hansen, female flower.
 a Whole flower. b Habitat in natural forest at Tuyen Lam. c Longitudinal section of flower. d Ramenta on upper surface of diaphragm. e Cross section of ovary. f Lateral view of disk and upper part of column, with vestigial anthers (yellow structures in a ring below the disk) visible. g Ovules. Photos: H.Đ. Trần

Figure 4: Sapria himalayana Griff. f. albovinosa Bänziger and Hansen male flower.
a Whole flower. b Open flowers with more steeply held perigone lobes than in the female. c Longitudinal section of flower. d Ramenta on upper surface of diaphragm. e Part of upper disk surface. f Lateral view of column and disk, showing anthers (yellow structures) in a ring and longitudinal ridges on the inner surface of the perigone tube. g Anthers. Photos: H.Đ. Trần

Hữu Đăng Trần, Hồng Trường Lưu, Quốc Đạt Nguyễn, Hiếu Cường Nguyễn, Parusuraman Athen and K. M. Wong. 2018. Identification, Sexual Dimorphism and Aspects of the Natural History of Sapria himalayana (Rafflesiaceae) on Vietnam’s Lang Biang Plateau. Botanical Studies. 59: 29. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-018-0243-9

[Botany • 2018] Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Nickel Hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with Potential for Tropical Agromining

Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi Welzen, R.W.Bouman & Ent

in Bouman, van Welzen, Sumail, et al., 2018.

  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-018-0225-y

Abstract 

Background: Nickel hyperaccumulator plants are of much interest for their evolution and unique ecophysiology, and also for potential applications in agromining—a novel technology that uses plants to extract valuable metals from soil. The majority of nickel hyperaccumulators are known from ultramafc soils in tropical regions (Cuba, New Caledonia and Southeast Asia), and one genus, Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae), is globally the most represented taxonomic entity. A number of tropical Phyllanthus-species have the potential to be used as ‘metal crops’ in agromining operations mainly because of their ease in cultivation and their ability to attain high nickel concentrations and biomass yields. 

Results: One of the most promising species globally for agromining, is the here newly described species Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi. This species can be classifed in subgenus Gomphidium on account of its staminate nectar disc and pistillate entire style and represents the most western species of this diverse group. The fower structure indicates that this species is probably pollinated by Epicephala moths. 

Conclusions: Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi is an extremely rare taxon in the wild, restricted to Lompoyou Hill near Kinabalu Park in Sabah, Malaysia. Its utilization in agromining will be a mechanism for conservation of the taxon, and highlights the importance of habitat and germplasm preservation if rare species are to be used in novel green technologies. 

Keywords: Epicephala pollination, Nickel hyperaccumulation, Phyllanthaceae, Phyllanthus subgenus Gomphidium, Sabah

Fig. 2 Detail of Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi plants.
a Inflorescences of P. rufuschaneyi, note the difference between main stem and side stem with at the base small structures that signal phyllanthoid branching; b fruit capsules of P. rufuschaneyi. Images by A. van der Ent

Fig. 3 Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi Welzen, R.W.Bouman & Ent:
a a branch with only scars of cataphylls and cataphyllary stipules present at the base of branchlets as these are caducous (drawn from herbarium specimen with leaves glued sideways and staminate flowers sometimes upright instead of hanging); b detail of sidebranch with leaves and staminate flowers in natural position; c staminate flower; d staminate flower with part of sepals removed showing disc glands and androecium; e pistillate flower; f pistillate flower with part of sepals removed showing disc glands and ovary; g fruit

(a, c, d Daim Endau 225; b Lomudin Tadon g257; e, f SNP 32987; g Lomudin Tadon 257; all SNP). Drawing by Esmée Winkel (2017)

Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi Welzen, R.W.Bouman and Ent, sp. nov.

—TYPE: MALAYSIA. Sabah, near Kampong Nalumad, eastern boundary Kinabalu Park, Lompoyou Hill, Antony Van der Ent et al. SNP 32987! (holo SNP; iso L). 

Paratype: SNP 22039!, Lompoyou Hill, Sabah, Malaysia (Figs. 2, 3, 4). 

This species is most similar to P. securinegoides from the Philippines, from which it can be distinguished by its smaller leaves, staminate fowers with connate flaments and pistillate fowers with connate tubular stigmas

Etymology: The specific epithet “rufuschaneyi” honours Dr. Rufus L. Chaney (b. 1942), an agronomist who is widely credited for inventing phytomining (agromining) (Chaney 1983), leading to the technology being patented (Chaney et al. 1998). Dr. Chaney has worked for 47 years at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USA) on risk assessment for metals in soils and crops, and the food-chain transfer and bioavailability of soil and crop metals to humans. He published over 490 publications and won the Gordon Award for Lifetime Achievement and Excellence in Phytoremediation Research. The fact that P. rufuschaneyi is the most promising tropical Ni ‘metal crop’ presently known, makes this recognition fitting.

Distribution, habitat and ecology: Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi is known only from two populations; one (very small) population at the foot of Bukit Hampuan, and another larger population on Lompoyou Hill approximately 5 km from the first population. The habitat in both localities is open secondary scrub that has been affected by recurring forest fires (Fig. 1). Lompoyou Hill is close to the villages of Nalumad and Pahu. The hill (400 m asl) has been burnt at least once as a result of an uncontrolled forest fire in 1998. Prior to burning, the site was already disturbed by logging. The area has a short and open scrub community (dominated by shrubs 1–3 m tall) with pioneer species such as Macaranga kinabaluensis Airy Shaw (Euphorbiaceae). In this habitat type several other Ni hyperaccumulator plant species occur, including Phyllanthus balgooyi, Actephila alanbakeri, Mischocarpus sundaicus Blume (Sapindaceae), and Xylosma luzonensis Clos (Salicaceae). The local conditions are xeric, and the soils are shallow and heavily eroded with limited amounts of organic matter. In pot experiments P. rufuschaneyi responded negatively to increasing organic matter amendments (Nkrumah et al. 2017). Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi occurs exclusively on these young eroded soils (hypermagnesian Cambisols) that occur at low elevation (700 m asl) on strongly serpentinised bedrock. These soils have extremely high magnesium (Mg) to calcium (Ca), circum-neutral pH, and high available Ni as a result of the disintegration of phyllosilicates and re-sorption onto secondary iron (Fe)-oxides or high-charge clays (Echevarria 2018). In Sabah, Ni hyperaccumulator plant species are restricted to these soils with a pH > 6.3 and relatively high total soil Ni concentrations > 630 μg g−1 (Van der Ent et al. 2016b).

Roderick Bouman, Peter van Welzen, Sukaibin Sumail , Guillaume Echevarria, Peter D. Erskine and Antony van der Ent. 2018. Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi: A New Nickel Hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with Potential for Tropical Agromining.  Botanical Studies: An International Journal. 59:9.  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-018-0225-y

[Botany • 2017] Begonia myanmarica • A New Species (Begoniaceae) from Myanmar, and Molecular Phylogenetics of Begonia sect. Monopteron

Begonia myanmarica C.-I Peng & Y. D. Kim

 a Habit and habitat. f Male flower, face view. g Male flower, side view. h Female flower, face view. i Female flower, side view. 

DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9  

 Abstract

Background

A new species, Begonia myanmarica, was discovered from Myanmar and herein documented. Characterized by a single developed wing in the ovary/fruit, this species would be assigned to sect. Monopteron (sensu Doorenbos et al. in The sections of Begonia including descriptions, keys and species lists: studies in Begoniaceae VI. Wageningen Agricultural University, Wageningen, 1998) that is known by B. griffithiana and B. nepalensis from the Himalaya. To confirm its sectional assignment, we conducted morphological, phylogenetic and cytological studies.

Results

Morphological observations indicated that B. myanmarica was distinguishable from the two known species of sect. Monopteron by the leaf shape and size, 1-locular ovary, parietal placentation and chromosome number. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using nrITS sequences showed that B. myanmarica was not allied with the clade of sect. Monopteron, though both were nested within sect. Platycentrum-sect. Sphenanthera clade.

Conclusions

Studies of morphology, molecular phylogenetics and cytology support the recognition of the new species, Begonia myanmarica, which is fully described and illustrated. Our results also indicate that B. myanmarica is not closely related to species previously assigned to sect. Monopteron, suggesting that the fruit morphology of a single developed wing in the ovary/fruit characterizing sect. Monopteron is homoplasious.

Keywords: Begonia griffithiana; Begonia nepalensis;Chromosome; Morphology

Begonia myanmarica C.-I Peng & Y. D. Kim

DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

Diagnosis: Begonia myanmarica is a unique species with an erect habit; large, ovate to broadly ovate leaves (ca. 20–40 cm long, 22–30 mm across); sole, much protruded wing in ovary/fruit; 1-locular ovary with parietal placentation and 2 placentae; and the somatic chromosomes are determined as 2n = 38.

Etymology: The epithet refers to Myanmar (formerly Burma) where it was discovered.

Fig. 2 Begonia myanmarica C.-I Peng & Y. D. Kim.
a Habit and habitat. b Cultivated plant at anthesis. c Leaf abaxial view. d Stipule. e Bract. f Male flower, face view. g Male flower, side view. h Female flower, face view. i Female flower, side view. j Cross section of ovaries. k Capsule

DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

Conclusion: 

Studies of morphology, molecular phylogenetics and cytology support the recognition of the new species, Begonia myanmarica, which is fully described and illustrated. Our results also indicate that B. myanmarica is not closely related to species previously assigned to sect. Monopteron, suggesting that the fruit morphology of a single developed wing in the ovary/fruit characterizing sect. Monopteron is homoplasious.

Yu-Hsin Tseng, Young-Dong Kim, Ching-I Peng, Khin Myo Htwe, Seong-Hyun Cho, Yoshiko Kono and Kuo-Fang Chung. 2017. Begonia myanmarica (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Myanmar, and Molecular Phylogenetics of Begonia sect. Monopteron.  Botanical Studies. DOI: 10.1186/s40529-017-0175-9

[Botany • 2010] Rubovietnamia nonggangensis • A New Species (Rubiaceae) from Guangxi, China

Rubovietnamia nonggangensis  F.J.Mou & D.X.Zhang

ABSTRACT

 A new Rubiaceae species, Rubovietnamia nonggangensis F. J. Mou & D. X. Zhang, is described and illustrated from Guangxi, China. The somatic chromosome number (2n = 22) and pollen morphology of the species are reported. The new species is characterized prominently by having dense hairs on many organs, such as young branches, leaves, and inflorescences, enlarged and foliaceous calyx lobes caducous after anthesis, and indehiscent and globose fruits with persistent yellowish annular floral disks on the apex. All morphological data support that it belongs to the genus Rubovietnamia, a genus distributed in Vietnam and southern China, currently classified in the tribe Gardenieae of the subfamily Ixoroideae.

Keywords: Chromosome number; Gardenieae; Molecular phylogeny; New species; Pollen morphology; Rubiaceae; Rubovietnamia; Rubovietnamia nonggangensis

 Feng-Juan Mou and Dian-Xiang Zhang. 2010. Rubovietnamia nonggangensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from China. Botanical Studies (Taipei) 51:119-126.

http://ejournal.sinica.edu.tw/bbas/content/2010/1/Bot511-14.pdf

[Botany • 2011] Cotoneaster rosiflorus • A New Species (Rosaceae) from Taiwan

 Cotoneaster rosiflorus 

 K. C. Chang & F. Y. Lu 

  TSPS.org.tw

Abstract

A new species of Rosaceae subfam. Spiraeoideae, tribe Pyreae (formerly subfamily Maloideae) from Taiwan is described. A taxonomic treatment, line drawings, color photographs and pollen SEM micrographs are provided to illustrate the species. A somatic chromosome number of 2n = 68 is reported for the first time for Cotoneaster rosiflorus. Cotoneaster rosiflorus occurs mainly at 2,500-3,500 m altitude in central Taiwan. It resembles C. morrisonensis vegetatively, but is distinct by the erect to slightly spreading pink petals, pink or reddish filaments, 3-5 styles, and 3-5 pyrenes.

Figure 2. Cotoneaster rosiflorus K. C. Chang & F. Y. Lu.
A, Habit, flowering; B, Habit, fruiting; C, Flower, viewed from above; D, Flower, longitudinal section; E, Petal; F, Immature pome; G, Immature pome, longitudinal section; H, Immature pome, cross section; I, Ripe pome; J, Pyrenes. 

 K.-C. Chang, C.-C. Wang, S.-L. Deng, Yoshiko Kono, F.-L. Lu and Ching-I Peng. 2011.  Cotoneaster rosiflorus (Rosaceae), A New Species from Taiwan.

 Botanical Studies. 52(2); 211-218.

 researchgate.net/publication/296517112_Cotoneaster_rosiflorus_ROSACEAE_a_new_species_from_Taiwan

[Botany • 2014] Haniffia santubongensis • A New Haniffia Species (Zingiberaceae) and A New Generic record from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

 Haniffia santubongensis  

 S.Y. Wong & P.C. Boyce    
 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-014-0051-9

Abstract

Background

Haniffia Holttum is a genus of three described species of terrestrial gingers hitherto restricted to Peninsular Thailand and various localities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Results

With generic placement confirmed using nrITS, trnK and matK plastid sequence data, Haniffia santubongensis S.Y. Wong & P.C. Boyce is described as a taxonomically novel species representing a new generic record for Borneo, to where it is endemic to Mount Santubong, Kuching Division, NW Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. An identification key to all species is given and H. santubongensis is illustrated from living plants.

Conclusion

Haniffia santubongensis is the fourth species of Haniffia so far described, and the first occurring on sandstone.

Keywords: Haniffia santubongensis; Mount Santubong; Phylogeny; Taxonomy

Figure 2. Haniffia santubongensis S.Y. Wong & P. C. Boyce.
A. Plant in habitat. B. Detail of ligule; note the blackish colour of the free portion. C. Inflorescence. D. Single flower; note the bifid tips to the lateral staminodes and the yellow callus in the middle of the labellum. E. Infructescence. F. Detail of single fruit; note the semi-glossy slightly warty surface, and the prominent floral remains.

DOI: 10.1186/s40529-014-0051-9

Sin Yeng Wong, Im Hin Ooi and Peter C Boyce. 2014. A New Haniffia Species (Zingiberaceae) and A New Generic record from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
Botanical Studies. 55:51  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-014-0051-9

[Botany • 2015] Six New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Limestone Areas in northern Vietnam

Abstract

Background:

Species of Begonia are richly represented in limestone karst areas across the Sino-Vietnamese border. More than one hundred species were known, many of which were documented recently. 

 Results: 

In continuation of our systematic studies of Asian Begonia, we report six species of Begonia that are unknown to science, namely B. caobangensis [sect. Platycentrum], B. circularis, B. melanobullata, B. langsonensis, B.locii and B. montaniformis [sect. Coelocentrum] from Northern Vietnam. Diagnostic features that separate them from morphologically allied species are provided. Somatic chromosome numbers were determined, which supports their placement in the respective sections. Foliar SEM microphotographs were taken and described.

Conclusion:

A careful study of the literature, herbarium specimens and living plants, both in the wild and in cultivation in the experimental greenhouse, supports the recognition of the six new species, which are described and illustrated.

Keywords: Begonia caobangensis; Begonia circularis; Begonia melanobullata; Begonia langsonensis; Begonia locii; Begonia montaniformis; Limestone; New species; sect. Coelocentrum; sect. Platycentrum; Vietnam 

Ching-I Peng, Che-Wei Lin, Hsun-An Yang, Yoshiko Kono and Hieu Quang Nguyen. 2015. Six New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Limestone Areas in Northern Vietnam. Botanical Studies. 56:9; 1-23. doi:10.1186/s40529-015-0089-3

http://www.as-botanicalstudies.com/content/pdf/s40529-015-0089-3.pdf

http://www.biodivn.com/2015/05/sau-loai-thu-hai-duong-begonia-moi-cho-khoa-hoc.html