[Botany • 2026] Sonerila taynguyenensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of Southern Vietnam

Sonerila taynguyenensis Dinh, C.H. Nguyen & C.W. Lin,  

in Dinh, Nguyen, Duong et Lin, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0128  

 facebook.com: Lin CW

 facebook.com/DiepDinhQuang

 Abstract

Sonerila taynguyenensis Dinh, C.H. Nguyen & C.W. Lin (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar especially to S. montana in its erect habit, ovate-lanceolate leaves and the presence of gland-tipped trichomes on the pedicels and hypanthium. It can, however, be readily distinguished by having a quadrangular to obtusely quadrangular stem (vs. terete), acrodromous to subacrodromous venation (vs. pinnate), larger petals up to 16 × 7 mm (vs. up to 9.5 × 6 mm) and 7–8 mm long anthers (vs. ca. 6.5 mm). Sonerila taynguyenensis is also compared with S. tenue. Based on the available data and following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, S. taynguyenensis is tentatively assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Sonerila taynguyenensis (from the holotype). 
A and A': Flowering branches. — B and B': Portion of leaf, adaxial surface. — B”: Portion of leaf, abaxial surface. — C: Portion of stem and petioles. — D and E: Hypanthium close-up. — F–I: Different trichomes in indumentum of reproductive structures. — J and J': Flower, frontal and side views. — K–K”': Stamens, frontal and side views. — L: Bracts. — M–M”: Hypanthiums. — N: Vertical section of ovary. — O: Old capsule.

Sonerila taynguyenensis (B–J from the holotype). 
A: Flowering plant in natural habitat (photographed at Dak Rong Commune on 2 March 2025). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Flowering branches. — D and E: Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. — F: Stem, petioles and portions of leaf. — G: Inflorescences. — H: Flowers, frontal and side views. — I: Stamens. — J: Vertical section of ovary.

Sonerila taynguyenensis (B–G from para-type NHC 20260118006). 
 A: Flowering plant in natural habitat (photographed at Kbang Commune, Gia Lai Province, 19 January 2026). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. — D: Leaf, adaxial surface. — E: Leaf, abaxial surface. — F: Stem and petioles. — G: Cross section of ovary.

 Quang Diep Dinh, Cuong Huu Nguyen, Nam Van Duong and Che-Wei Lin. 2026. Sonerila taynguyenensis (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of Southern Vietnam. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 213-219. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0128 (24 August 2026) 

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 facebook.com/DiepDinhQuang/posts/28871757869091548

[Botany • 2025] Sonerila cornuta & S. phaluongensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • New Species from northern Vietnam

 

Sonerila cornuta & S. phaluongensis 

K.S. Nguyen, Aver. & C.W. Lin, 

in Nguyen, Averyanov et Lin, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.696.2.5 

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Two new species, Sonerila cornuta and S. phaluongensis, discovered in Vietnam, are described and illustrated. The first, superficially similar to S. reptans, however, it is distinguished by an obclavate hypanthium (vs. cylindrical-campanulate or obconical) and purple anthers (vs. yellow), with the base having two prominent S-curved lobes (vs. lobes at the base of anther short, inconspicuous). The second, is morphologically similar to Sonerila betongensis but differs in having a quadrangular, 4-winged stem (vs. terete), glabrous leaves (vs. densely hispid), shortly cylindrical hypanthium (vs. cupuliform to campanulate) that is sparsely covered with glandular hispid hairs (vs. relatively densely hispid with simple hairs), and the anther base with two prominent lobes (vs. small, inconspicuous). In addition to the formal description, line drawings, color plates, information on distribution, ecology, and conservation status, as well as comparisons with morphologically similar species, are provided for each species.

endemism, flora of Vietnam, Melastomataceae tribe Sonerileae, Pha Luong Mountain, Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, plant diversity, plant taxonomy, Xuan Nha Natural Reserve, Eudicots

Sonerila cornuta K.S. Nguyen, Aver. & C.W. Lin, 

Sonerila phaluongensis K.S. Nguyen, Aver. & C.W. Lin 

Khang Sinh NGUYEN, Leonid V. AVERYANOV and Che Wei LIN. 2025. New Species, Sonerila cornuta and S. phaluongensis (Melastomataceae), from northern Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 696(2); 158-168. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.696.2.5 [2025-04-01] 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10228259657500175

[Botany • 2021] Sonerila erectifolia & S. souvannii (Melastomataceae) • Two New Species from Laos

Sonerila erectifolia Phonep., Soulad. & Tagane, 

Sonerila souvannii Phonep. & Soulad., 

 

in Phonepaseuth, Souladeth, Souvannakhoummane, Vongthavone et Tagane, 2021. 

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.755.1403 

 facebook.com/PhongLearnmores 

ABSTRACT

Two new species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae), S. erectifolia Phonep., Soulad. & Tagane sp. nov. from southern Laos, and S. souvannii Phonep. & Soulad. sp. nov. from central Laos, are described and illustrated. Comparisons with morphologically similar species are presented, along with ecological information and preliminary conservation status. A key to the species of Sonerila in Laos is also provided.

 

Keywords: Bolaven Plateau, flora, Indochina, taxonomy, Vientiane Capital

Class Magnoliopsida Brongn.

Order Myrtales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl.

Family Melastomataceae Juss.

Genus Sonerila Roxb.

Sonerila erectifolia Phonep., Soulad. & Tagane sp. nov.
A. Habitat (on open moss-covered bedrock). B. Close-up of plant (left: pink flowers, common; right: white flowers, rare). C. Habit. D. Inflorescence (left: pink flowers; right: white flowers). E. Young fruits. F. Top view of young fruit. G. Cross sections of young fruit. H. Rhizome. I. Upper surface of lamina. J. Lower surface of lamina.

 Photos by P. Phonepaseuth on 17 September 2020.

Sonerila erectifolia Phonep., Soulad. & Tagane sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Sonerila erectifolia sp. nov. is similar to Sonerila violifolia in its scorpioid or subumbelliform inflorescence, but it differs in the length of stem (ca 1 cm long in S. erectifolia sp. nov. vs 10–18 cm long in S. violifolia), the venation of the leaves (2 veins running from the base of lamina vs pinnately veined with 2–3 lateral primary veins), hairiness of leaves (sparsely covered with whitish hairs on veins abaxially vs glabrous), the length of the petiole (6–10 cm long vs 1–7 cm long), and number of flowers per inflorescence (5–12(–18) flowers vs 1–9 flowers). For further comparison see Table 1.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the plant having erect leaves.

Vernacular name: ຊີດິນໃບຕັ້ງ [ʻSeedin Baitungʼ 

(meaning: ʻSonerila with erect leavesʼ)]

Sonerila souvannii Phonep. & Soulad. sp. nov. 
A. Habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Petals. D. Hypanthium and style, with portion of pedicel. E. Cross section of ovary. F. Stamens. G. Style and stigma. H. Capsule. I. Rachis and minute bracts.

Line drawings from holotype (Phonepaseuth P012) by K. Souvannakhoummane.

Sonerila souvannii Phonep. & Soulad. sp. nov.
A. Habitat (on sandstone rock). B. Habit. C. Petiole densely covered withvillous hairs. D. Rhizome and stem with rudimentary leaves. E. Flowers. F. Inflorescence (scorpioid cyme). G. Lateral view of flower. H. Back view of flower. I. Longitudinal section of fruit. J. Top view of fruit. K. Cross section of fruit. L. Infructescence of the last season.

Photos by P. Phonepaseuth on 12 September 2020.

Sonerila souvannii Phonep. & Soulad. sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Sonerila souvannii sp. nov. is similar to S. cardamomensis, described from Cambodia, in its acaulescent habit and in the shape of its leaves, but it differs in the shape of its rhizome (cylindrical in S. souvanii vs bulbous in S. cardamomensis), larger leaves (8–10 × 6–9 cm vs 1–4 × 0.9–2.7 cm), petiole length and color (8–15 cm long and light green vs 0.4–2.5 cm long and reddish brown), greater number of flowers per cyme (20–25 vs 5–11), and petal length and pubescence (9–10 × 6–7 mm and glabrous vs 5.5–6 × 3.5–4 mm with glandular trichomes on midveins abaxially). Sonerila souvannii sp. nov.is also similar to S. dongnathamensis from Thailand in the shape of its inflorescences, but differs in the rhizome shape (cylindrical vs globose), the shape of the leaf base (cordate vs obtuse to rounded), pedicel length (10–25 mm long vs 1–4 mm long), the number of flowers per cyme (20–25 vs 5–12), and in the length and outline of the petals (9–10 × 6–7 mm, acute vs 3–5 × 3–4 mm, acuminate with long seta).The new species is also related to S. tuberosa from Cambodia, but distinguished in the rhizome shape (cylindrical vs slightly bulbous), the shape of the leaf base (cordate vs very broadly ovate to orbicular), pedicel length (10–25 mm long vs 5–6 mm long), the number of flowers per cyme (20–25 vs 4–8), and in the length and outline of the petals (9–10 × 6–7 mm, acute vs 5 × 2.7 mm, elliptic, apiculate, pink) (Table 2)

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Keooudone Souvannakhoummane (Centre for Development and Environment), a plant taxonomist who has greatly contributed to our understanding of plant diversity in Laos through the description of many new species in various families for the flora of Laos.

Vernacular name: ຊີດິນສຸວັນ [ʻSouvan’s Seedinʼ 

(meaning: ʻSouvan’s Sonerilaʼ)].

 

Phongphayboun Phonepaseuth, Phetlasy Souladeth, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone and Shuichiro Tagane. 2021. Two New Species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae) from Laos. European Journal of Taxonomy. 755(1), 136-148. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.755.1403

  facebook.com/PhongLearnmores/posts/2189865471155667

Researchgate.net/publication/352657670_Two_new_species_of_Sonerila_from_Laos

[Botany • 2023] Sonerila mapelo (Melastomataceae) • A New Species serendipitously discovered in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Southwestern Philippines with notes on S. woodii

Sonerila mapelo Naive, 

in Naive et Quakenbush, 2023. 

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1942

Abstract

A species new to science, Sonerila mapelo Naive, discovered in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao, Philippines, is herewith described and illustrated. Color plates, notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and a comparison to its allied species are provided below. In addition, we took this opportunity to lectotypify the name S. woodii and its synonym S. lilacina. With the discovery of the new species, the Philippines now has a total of three Sonerila taxa, of which two are known to be endemic.

Keyword: Lectotypifications, Sonerila metallica, Sonerila heterophylla, Sonerileae, Tropical botany, Zamboanga Peninsula

Sonerila mapelo Naive.
A. Flower (front view). B. Flower (profile view). C. Detail of flower (petals removed). D. Detail of fruit (front view). E. Detail of fruit (profile view).

Photos and prepared by: MAKN (MAK Naive 134, PNH, HNUL, HITBC).

Sonerila mapelo Naive.
A. Habit and habitat. B. Detail of Stem and petiole. C-D. Detail of leaves showing that two individuals exhibit different color forms (left, adaxial leaf; right, abaxial leaf).

 Photos and prepared by: MAKN (MAK Naive 134, PNH, HNUL, HITBC).

Sonerila mapelo Naive, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: This new species can be easily distinguished from all other Philippine Sonerila by having short petioles (≤6 mm) and strongly dimorphic leaves at each node. Sonerila mapelo closely resembles S. metallica C.W. Lin, C.F. Chen & T.Y.A. Yang. (Lin et al., 2015) from Sarawak, Borneo, however, it differs significantly in having these following characters: both sides of the leaves densely strigose with up to 6 major veins (vs. sparsely setose in 2 or 4 rows between main and lateral veins with 3–5 veins in S. metallica); broadly cordate small leaves (vs. suborbicular to obovatelanceolate small leaves in S. metallica); lanceolate bracts with acute apex (vs. acicular to linear bracts with apiculate apex in S. metallica); infundibuliform, angular hypanthium (vs. campanulate, terete hypanthium in S. metallica); elliptic, flat petals (vs. oblong to obovate involute petals in S. metallica); purplish-white filament, style and stigma (vs. cream filament, style and sigma in S. metallica); and infundibuliform, 3-ribbed, strigose capsule (vs. campanulate, densely hispid-setose capsule in S. metallica).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘mapelo’ was used as a noun in apposition. It is a chabacano word which means hairy, in reference to the pubescent overall morphology of this new species. Chabacano is the native language of about 50% of the population of Zamboanga City and the surrounding area in the extreme western part of Mindanao Island (Steinkrüger, 2013).

Mark Arcebal K. Naive and J. Peter Quakenbush. 2023. A New Species of Sonerila (Melastomataceae) serendipitously discovered in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Southwestern Philippines with notes on S. woodii. Taiwania. 68(3); 318-322. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.318

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1942

[Botany • 2019] Sonerila epeduncula (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from South Western Ghats, India

 Sonerila epeduncula J.Mathew, 

in Mathew, Usha, Salim, Madhavan et Yohannan, 2019. 

 www.discoveryjournals.org/Species

  facebook.com/SalimPichan3

 Researchgate.net/publication/337136505

ABSTRACT 
A new species of Sonerila (Melastomataceae), S. epeduncula from South Western Ghats is described here. Taxonomic descriptions, morphological differences to their allied taxa and colour photographs are provided to facilitate easy identification in the field.

   

 Sonerila epeduncula J.Mathew.
 A: Whole plant. B-D:Long stem and leaves. E-G: Inflorescence on plant twig

 Sonerila epeduncula J.Mathew. sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Sonerila epeduncula is fairly similar to Sonerila nairii Soumya & Maya, in both vegetative and floral morphology but differs mainly in having: quadrangular, grooved and glabrous stem (vs cylindrical and hirsute stem in S. nairii), glabrescent leaves with five prominent nerves (vs hirsute leaves 3 prominent nerves in S. nairii), 1-5 flowered compressed cyme (1-2 flowered cyme in S. nairii), glabrous hypanthium (vs hypanthium with sparse glandular trichomes in S. nairii ) and anthers as long as filaments (vs anthers half the length of filaments in S. nairii )

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘epeduncula’ refers to the absence of the peduncle of the new species.

 Distribution and Habitat: Found in the montane forest ca. 1250 m. of the Parunthumpara Hills, 15 km away from Periyar Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India. Grows on the crevices of rocky cliffs in association with Didymocarpus tomentosa Wight and Drosera peltata Thunb and Satyrium nepalense D. Don

Conservation status: The conservation status of this variety is data deficient. However the distribution is limited with only a few plants observed at the few known locations (each with c. 30–100 plants). Further survey for this variety is suggested, which would need to be conducted in June to August when Monsoon starts and plants are flowering.


 Jose Mathew, Usha S.S., Pichan M. Salim, Radhamany P. Madhavan and Regy Yohannan. 2019. Sonerila epeduncula (Melastomataceae): A New Species from South Western Ghats, India. Species. 20, 72-75.

 www.discoveryjournals.org/Species/current_issue/2019/index.htm

 www.discoveryjournals.org/Species/current_issue/2019/A8.pdf

  facebook.com/SalimPichan3/posts/1139073146295512 

Researchgate.net/publication/337136505_Sonerila_epeduncula_A_new_species_from_South_Western_Ghats_India

[Botany • 2017] Sonerila janakiana (Melastomataceae) • A Stoloniferous Species from India

Sonerila janakiana Ratheesh, Sunil & Sivadasan,  

in Narayanan, Sunil, Sivadasan, ... et Sameh, 2017. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.01297 

 Researchgate.net/publication/316497132

 Abstract

Sonerila janakiana, a new tuberous, scapigerous and stoloniferous species of Melastomataceae collected from exposed wet rocks of evergreen and semi evergreen forests in the Nilgiris and Wayanad districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala states on the Western Ghats in India is described and illustrated. Apart from other characteristics, it is distinguished from all hitherto known species of the genus in India by having stolons and dimorphic leaves. The stolons produced from tubers terminate and develop into new tubers producing new plants.

  Sonerila janakiana sp. nov.
(A) habit, (B) flower bud, (C) single flower, (D) petal, abaxial view, (E) stamen, (F) hypanthium, (G) seeds.

Rl = rudimentary leaf, st = stolon. 

Drawings by V. V. Naveen Kumar.

Sonerila janakiana Ratheesh, Sunil & Sivadasan sp. nov. 
 (A) habit, (B) habit showing stolon, (C) tubers with stolon, (D) base of the plant showing rudimentary leaves, stolon and tubers, (E) apical portion of peduncle with flower buds and immature fruits, (F) single flower, (G) petal, abaxial view, (H) stamen, (I) fruit. Rl = rudimentary leaf, st = stolon.

Sonerila janakiana Ratheesh, Sunil & Sivadasan sp. nov.

 A species resembling S. wallichii in general morphology, but differing by having a stoloniferous habit, up to 11 leaves, inflorescence with up to 15 flowers, glabrous peduncle, pedicel and hypanthium, urn-shaped glabrous capsules and seeds with non-excurrent raphe. It also resembles S. vatphouensis in its stoloniferous tubers and S. tuberosa in its foliar dimorphism, but strikingly differs in size, shape, structure and texture of petioles and flowers. 

Etymology: The epithet is proposed in honor of the late Dr E. K. Janaki Ammal, a renowned Indian botanist, in recognition of her valuable contributions in cytogenetics, phytogeography and ethnobotany and also for her service in reorganizing the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in her initial capacity as Officer on Special Duty and later as the Director-General of the BSI. She was honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions including the award Padma Shri by the Government of India. Th e Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has instituted the E. K. Janaki Ammal National Award on Taxonomy, in her commemoration to encourage and promote taxonomy in India. 

 M. K. Ratheesh Narayanan, C. N. Sunil, M. Sivadasan, M. K. Nandakumar, V. V. Naveen Kumar, A. H. Alfarhan and M. H. Sameh. 2017. Sonerila janakiana sp. nov., A Stoloniferous Species of Melastomataceae from India. Nordic Journal of Botany.  35(4);  417-422. DOI: 10.1111/njb.01297   

Researchgate.net/publication/316497132_Sonerila_janakiana_a_stoloniferous_species_from_India

    

[Botany • 2020] Sonerila sulpheyi (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from the Southern Western Ghats, India

Sonerila sulpheyi

in Salim, Mathew & Hrideek, 2020. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.435.1.10 

Abstract

A new species of Sonerila (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), Sonerila sulpheyi, from the Southern Western Ghats of India is described. The branched inflorescence is the distinguishable character of this new species amongst acaulescent members of Western Ghats Sonerila. A taxonomic description, morphological comparisons with its allied taxa, diagnostic characters and colour photographs of the new taxon are provided.

Keywords: Acaulescent, New taxon, Wayanad, Kerala, Eudicots

 

 Pichan M. Salim, Jose Mathew and Thoduvayil K. Hrideek. 2020. Sonerila sulpheyi (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae): A New Species from the Southern Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa. 435(1); 76–80. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.435.1.10  [2020-03-04]

New plant species spotted 

thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-plant-species-spotted/article31034459.ece

[Botany • 2019] Sonerila coimbatorensis (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from the Western Ghats of India

Sonerila coimbatorensis Murug., V.Ravich. & Murugan, 

in Murugesan, Ravichandran & Murugan. 2019. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.404.1.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/333147174 

Abstract

Sonerila coimbatorensis sp. nov. is described here. The new species is closely allied to S. gadgiliana Ratheesh & Sivad., by its acaulescent habit and the presence of a tuber, but differs in having smaller leaves (1.5–4.5 cm wide) with 3–5 nerves, sparsely glandular petiole, single inflorescence with 1–4 flowers, terete peduncle with 6–18 cm long, pedicel and hypanthium green, petals abaxially with a glabrous midrib and with acuminate apex, style 0.4 cm long and glabrous capsule.

Keywords: Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Coimbatore, Sonerilae, Endemism, Tamil Nadu, Eudicots

Sonerila coimbatorensis Murug., V.Ravich. & Murugan
A. Habitat. B. Tuber. C. Habit with branched inflorescence. D–E.Leaves. D. Adaxial surface. E. Abaxial surface. F–G. Flowers. F. Top view. G. Lateral view. H. Stamens detail. I. Stigma detail . J–K.Capsules. J. Lateral view. K. Top view.

(Photographs: V. Ravichandran)

Sonerila coimbatorensis Murug., V.Ravich. & Murugan, sp. nov.

 

Maruthakkutty Murugesan, Vellingiri Ravichandran and Chidambaram Murugan. 2019. A New Species of Sonerila (Melastomataceae) from the Western Ghats of India.  Phytotaxa. 404(1); 58–62. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.404.1.6  

Researchgate.net/publication/333147174_A_new_species_of_Sonerila_from_the_Western_Ghats_of_India

[Botany • 2021] Sonerila konkanensis (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from South Goa, India

 

Sonerila konkanensis Resmi & Nampy 

in Resmi, Nampy & Akshatra, 2021. 

 DOI: 10.15553/c2021v761a14

Abstract

A new tuberous species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae) from Chandreshwar hills, South Goa is described in the course of a taxonomic revision of the genus in India. Sonerila konkanensis Resmi & Nampy is similar to Sonerila talbotii G.S. Giri & M.P. Nayar and Sonerila sreenarayaniana Sunil et al. but differs in several characters that are detailed in the morphological discussion presented herein. The status of the new taxon is assessed as “Vulnerable” according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. We also provide explanatory images of living plants as well as SEM images of pollen grains and seeds and information concerning the habitat.

KEYWORDS: Melastomataceae, Sonerila, South India, Goa, new species

Sonerila konkanensis Resmi & Nampy

 

Sekarathil Resmi, Santhosh Nampy and Pracy Fernandes Akshatra. 2021. Sonerila konkanensis (Melastomataceae), A New Species from South Goa, India. Candollea. 76(1);  139-143. DOI: 10.15553/c2021v761a14

 navhindtimes.in/2021/06/05/magazines/zest/a-green-discovery

[Botany • 2021] Sonerila kanjilasseriensis (Melastomataceae) • A New Tuberous Species from Kerala, India

Sonerila kanjilasseriensis Arunraj, R.Reshma & Vishnupr.

 

in Arunraj, Reshma & Vishnuprasad, 2021.

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-021-09929-4

  facebook.com/KewBulletin 

Summary

A new tuberous species of Sonerila from suburban areas of Kozhikode district of Kerala, India is described and illustrated as Sonerila kanjilasseriensis sp. nov. The new species resembles S. rheedei Wall. ex Wight & Arn., but differs in having a subterranean tuber, cylindrical to sub-quadrangular stem, many-flowered cyme, acuminate apex of the petals and distinctly 4 – 6-ribbed hypanthium and capsule. A detailed description, comparison, photographs and illustrations are provided.

 Key Words: Endemic, new species, taxonomy

Fig. 2. Sonerila kanjilasseriensis Arunraj, R.Reshma & Vishnupr.
A subterranean tuber; B cross sections of stem; C inflorescence D single flower; E hypanthium; F petal; G capsule; H seeds.

photos: P. T. Arunraj.

Fig. 1. Sonerila kanjilasseriensis Arunraj, R.Reshma & Vishnupr.
A habit; B, C & D colour variation in leaves.

photos: P. T. Arunraj & C. P. Vishnuprasad.

Sonerila kanjilasseriensis Arunraj, R.Reshma & Vishnupr., sp. nov.

 RECOGNITION. Sonerila kanjilasseriensis is closely similar to S. rheedei Wall. ex Wight & Arn. (a species endemic to the southern Western Ghats) in its caulescent habit, non-glandular hairs on leaves and stem, large ovate-elliptic leaves with obtuse to acute tip, petiole up to 6 cm long, peduncle up to 12 cm long, glabrous petal margins, beaked anthers and campanulate capsules. But the former can be easily distinguished from the latter in having a subterranean tuber (vs absence of subterranean tuber), the cylindrical to subquadrangular stem (vs quadrangular stem), (10 –) 12 – 24 (– 29) flowers per cyme (vs 6 – 12 flowers per cyme, very rarely up to 14), petals with an acuminate apex (vs mostly acute or rarely mucronate apex), and the distinctly 4 – 6-ribbed hypanthium and capsule (vs indistinctly ribbed hypanthium and capsule).

ETYMOLOGY. The specific epithet corresponds to the type locality

P. T. Arunraj, Reshma Raju and C. P. Vishnuprasad. 2021. Sonerila kanjilasseriensis (Melastomataceae), A New Tuberous Species from Kerala, India. Kew Bulletin. 76; 77–84. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-021-09929-4

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[Botany • 2021] Sonerila bolavenensis (Melastomataceae) ຊີດິນບໍລະເວນ • A New Species from the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos

 Sonerila bolavenensis Soulad., Tagane & Suddee,

 

in Souladeth, Tagane, ... et Rueangruea, 2021.

ຊີດິນບໍລະເວນ || DOI: 10.20531/tfb.2021.49.1.13

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ABSTRACT

A new species, Sonerila bolavenensis (Melastomataceae), from the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, is described and illustrated. Sonerila bolavenensis is easily recognized by its tiny stature up to 3 cm tall (including inflorescence), small ovate to rounded leaves 0.3–1.4 × 0.35–1 cm, petioles 0.2–0.8 cm long, and 1-flowered inflorescence. A vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided.

Keywords: Bolaven Plateau, Champasak Province, Dong Hua Sao NPA, flora, Indochina, taxonomy

 Sonerila bolavenensis Soulad., Tagane & Suddee.
A. habitat (on sandstone rock, growing with Begonia sp.); B & C. habit; D & E. colour variation of the abaxial leaf surface; F & G. flowers;
H. parts of type collection Souladeth et al. L3439 (left three from isotype [KAG155803]; right one from holotype [FOF0005189]). J. stem (some leaves removed) and tuber (from holotype [FOF0005189]).

Photos: A–E, G by Shuichiro Tagane, F by Sukid Rueangurea.

Sonerila bolavenensis Soulad., Tagane & Suddee, sp. nov.

 

Sonerila bolavenensis is similar to Sonerila vatphouensis (endemic to Laos) in having an acau-lescent habit, but differs in its small size up to 3 cm tall (vs 7 cm tall in S. vatphouensis), small lamina (0.3–1.4 × 0.3–1 cmvs 3.5–5.5 × 3–4.5 cm), 1-flowerederect inflorescence (vs (2–)3-flowered scorpioid cyme) and hypanthium sparsely covered with villous hairs (vs glabrous). Sonerila bolavenensis is also similar to S. tuberosa C.Hansen described from Stung Treng province, Cambodia, but differs in having a globose tuber covered with short dark brown hairs (vs bulb-shaped tuber, densely covered with pale brown intertwined curly hairs in S. tuberosa), shorter petioles (0.2–0.8 cm long vs 3–4 cm long), 1-flowered erect inflorescence (vs (1–)2–7-flowered scorpioid cyme), and hairy hypanthium (vs glabrous).

Distribution.— Laos (so far known only from the type locality).

Ecology.— Growing with Begonia sp. on the side of a large, shaded sandstone rock (Fig. 1A) in lower montane forest at 1,100 m elev. Observed flowering in December in 2019.

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the name of the plateau (Bolaven Plateau) where we collected the plant.

Vernacular name.— Seedin Bolaven (ຊີດິນບໍລະເວນ) (proposed here).

 

 

Phetlasy Souladeth, Shuichiro Tagane, Somran Suddee, Deuanta Kongxaysavath and Sukid Rueangruea. 2021. Sonerila bolavenensis, A New Species of Melastomataceae from Laos. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 49(1); 106-110. DOI: 10.20531/tfb.2021.49.1.13

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ຊີດິນບໍລະເວນ: ແນະນຳພືດຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ ອີກຊະນິດຈາກໂຄງການສຳຫຼວດພືດບໍລະເວນ