Corresponding author: Jian-Tao Yin (
Academic editor: Peter Boyce
Zhou S-S, Quan R-C, Li R, Liu Q, Yin J-T (2020)
Including the species described here, four
During an expedition to Kachin in April 2016, two populations of an unusual
The morphological characteristics of
MYANMAR. Kachin State. Putao Township, Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary, Namse Village,
Holotype of
Terrestrial perennial herbs with an erect stem. Plant 54 cm high; erect stem 12 cm long, 3 cm in diam. Leaves 3–4; petiole cylindric, pale greenish, glossy, 32 cm long, 0.6 cm in diam., sheath 16 cm long, 6 cm in diam.; leaf blade oblong-ovate, peltate, 18 cm long, 12 cm wide, upper surface glossy green, lower surface greyish-white; primary lateral veins pinnate, 5 pairs, pale green on upper surface, white and raised on the lower surface. Inflorescences (1-)3(-4) emerging when the leaves unfold, 27 cm long; peduncle cylindrical, pale green, glossy, 17 cm long, 0.5 cm in diam. Spathe constricted in the lower third, lower convolute part (tube) pale green, farinose, 3.5 cm long, 1.5 cm in diam., nearly cylindrical; lamina oblong-lanceolate, erect during early blooming period, pale yellow, 6.5 cm long, 3 cm wide. Spadix 7 cm long, female zone 2.5 cm long, 0.8 cm in diam.; sterile zone between female and male zones, cylindrical, white, 0.8 cm long, 0.3 cm in diam.; male zone, white, 2 cm long, 0.6 cm in diam.; appendix white, long conical, wrinkled, 2 cm long, 0.4 cm in diam. Flowers unisexual, perigone absent. Male flower: 1–4-androus, stamens connate in truncate synandrium, thecae lateral, oblong-lineal, dehiscing by apical pore. Female flower: ovary ovoid to oblong, 1 mm long, unilocular; ovules many, 42–58, n = 2, fusiform, translucent; placentae 3–5, parietal; stylar region absent; stigma discoid-capitate; berry not seen.
Flowering in March to April. Fruiting unknown.
The species is named after the holotype region, Kachin State, Myanmar.
MYANMAR. Putao Township, Kachin State, alt. 1300 m, 26 April 2016, Jian-Tao Yin 2482 (paratype: HITBC!)
Stem of
Male flower of
Morphological differences between
Characters |
|
|
---|---|---|
Rhizome | erect | decumbent |
Stolon | none | 6–10 per plant,15–20 cm long, 4 mm in diam. |
Petiole | glossy | pubescent |
Blade | 18 × 12 cm | 40 × 25 cm |
Primary lateral vein | 5 pairs | 7–9 pairs |
Penducle | glossy | pubescent |
Spathe lamina | milk yellow, 6.5 × 3 cm | yellowish, 13–18 × 4–6 cm |
Female zone | 2.5 cm long, 0.8 cm in diam. | 2 cm long, 1 cm in diam. |
Male zone | 2 cm long, 0.6 cm in diam. | 3.5 cm long, 0.7 cm in diam. |
Appendix | 2 cm long, 0.4 cm in diam. | 3.5 cm long, 0.5 cm in diam. |
Male flower | 1–4-androus | 8–11-androus |
This work was financially supported by a project of the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute (SEABRI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Grant No. Y4ZK111B01, (Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 05282, Myanmar). The authors are grateful to Prof. Guy Gusman (Universtie Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium) for having critically reviewed the manuscript. The authors are also thankful for Mr. Bo Pan for his illustration of this new species, as well as Mr. Jian-Wu Li (Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishungbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences) for assistance provided for this work. Meanwhile, we really thank the Forest Research Institute, Myanmar for their kind cooperation during the field trip.