Two new species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from Thailand

Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng; Pranom Chantaranothai; John A.N. Parnell; Trevor R. Hodkinson

doi:10.3897/phytokeys.136.47625

Abstract

Two Phyllanthus species are newly described from a limestone mountain in the north of Thailand. The first species, P. huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov., is one of the most distinct Phyllanthus species easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margin and red capsule with papillose-puberulous surface. The second species, P. chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov., is similar to P. pulcher Wall. ex Müll.Arg., but it is distinguished by its puberulous upper leaf surface and pistillate flowers which have red, narrowly lanceolate sepals with a white, long fimbriate margin, puberulous outer side as well as puberulous pedicel.

Keywords

diversity, Euphorbiaceae, new taxa, revision, taxonomy

Introduction

Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) is mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions (Radcliffe-Smith 2001; Webster 2014). The classification of Phyllanthus is still contentious (Kawakita and Kato 2017) because molecular phylogenetic studies have indicated that Phyllanthus, as previously circumscribed, was not monophyletic (Kathriarachchi et al. 2006). Therefore, some authors suggested merging other closely related genera in Phyllanthus, such as Breynia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. and Sauropus Blume (Hoffmann et al. 2006), while others suggested division of Phyllanthus into several monophyletic and morphologically recognisable genera (Pruesapan et al. 2012; van Welzen et al. 2014). The most recent publication by Bouman et al. (2018) recorded 880 species of Phyllanthus and, amongst these, they were able to place 837 species in 18 subgenera, 70 sections and 14 subsections; 43 species remained unassigned. Phyllanthus is, therefore, one of the most diverse genera of flowering plants and its species often have a high degree of endemism. For example, in China, there are about 32 species reported, 13 of which are endemic (Li and Gilbert 2008). Thirty-six species of Phyllanthus s.str. (excluding Breynia, Glochidion and Sauropus) were reported for the Flora of Thailand by Chantaranothai (2007). Lately, two more new species have been included by Kantachot and Chantaranothai (2013) and Pornpongrungrueng et al. (2017). Thus, the total Thai species number has increased to 38, five of which are endemic to Thailand. Recently, two Phyllanthus taxa were discovered in Umpang district, Tak province, in the northern part of Thailand; they were investigated and are described herein as new species.

Methods

Field collections and herbarium specimens from various herbaria, as well as taxonomic literature, were examined. The herbarium abbreviations follow Index Herbariorum (Thiers 2019, continuously updated). The morphological descriptions and measurements were taken from dried specimens.

Results

Taxonomic treatment

Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77203519-1

Figs 1, 2

Diagnosis

Phyllanthus huamotensis is one of the most distinct species of Phyllanthus in Thailand, easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margins and red capsule with a papillose-puberulous surface. It is most similar to P. pulcher Wall. ex Müll.Arg., but differs in its undershrub habit that is up to 30 cm high (P. pulcher is a shrub up to 1.5 m high), small sized leaves (2–9 × (2–)3–8 mm) (leaves in P. pulcher are 7–28 × 6–17 mm) with conspicuous reddish venation (inconspicuous on both leaf surfaces in P. pulcher) and a red capsule with a papillose-puberulous surface (glabrous in P. pulcher).

Type

Thailand. Tak, Umpang district, Doi Hua Mot; 16°2.63'N, 98°51.26'E; alt. 901 m; 22 Aug. 2019; P. Pornpongrungrueng, N. Triyutthachai, S. Ninkaew & S. Sukcharoen 1287 (holotype KKU; isotypes BKF, K, QBG, TCD).

Description

Undershrubs up to 30 cm high, branchlets and stem reddish, terete, young branchlets minutely puberulous. Stipules triangular-lanceolate, 0.5–1 × 0.3–0.5 mm, glabrous. Leaves alternate; petioles 0.4–0.9 mm long, glabrous; lamina broadly ovate, obovate, rounded, broadly elliptic, ovate-oblong, 2–9 × (2–)3–8 mm, subcoriaceous, glabrous on both surfaces, base oblique, cordate, broadly cuneate, truncate, rounded, margin entire, revolute, apex acute, acuminate, rounded; nerves in 4–6 pairs; reticulation reddish, conspicuous, especially on the lower surface. Flowers red, unisexual; staminate flowers 2–3(–4) in axillary fascicles in proximal axils; pistillate flower solitary in distal axils. Bracts subulate, 0.2–0.3 × 0.1–0.2 mm, glabrous. Staminate flowers: pedicel 4–10 mm long, glabrous; sepals 4, red, triangular, rhombic-ovate, lanceolate, 1.5–2 × 1–1.2 mm, glabrous, margin long fimbriate; disc glands 4, reniform; stamens 4, staminal column ca. 0.2 mm long, anthers ca. 0.2 mm long, transversely dehiscent. Pistillate flowers: pedicel 7–17 mm long, glabrous; sepals 5–6, red, rhombic-ovate, 1.5–3 × 0.6–1 mm, membranous, glabrous, margin fimbriate; disc glands 5 or 6, free, obovate with truncate apex; ovary superior, ca. 0.7 mm diam., 3-locular, ovules 2 per locule, papillose-puberulous; styles 3, free, ca. 0.1 mm long; stigmas nearly completely bifid, ca. 0.2 mm long, glabrous. Fruits capsule, red, 2.5–3 mm diam., papillose-puberulous; pedicel 7–17 mm long. Seeds trigonous, brown, 1.5–1.8 × 1.1–1.2 mm, surface transversely striate.

Figure 1.

Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov. A habit B, C leaf shapes (B adaxial surface C abaxial surface) D stipule E pistillate flower F staminate flower G mature capsule. Drawn by Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng.

Figure 2.

Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov. A, B habit C branchlet showing axillary fascicle of staminate flowers D branchlet showing pistillate flower E branchlet showing young red capsule. A Photo by Natthawut Triyuttachai B, C photos by Suchart Chanhomhual D, E photos by Kanokorn Ruengsawang.

Phenology

Flowering and fruiting period is June to December.

Habitat and distribution

This species grows on open limestone hills, at 880–937 m above sea level. Currently, it is known only from the type location Doi Huamot, Tak province in northern Thailand.

Conservation status

The species is only known from the type locality. It should be categorised as Critically endangered [CR, B1ab (iii)] according to the IUCN Red List Criteria and Categories version 3.1 (IUCN 2012). The extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 20 km² and this species is found in a restricted area on open limestone hills which is a threatened ecosystem.

Etymology

The name of this species is given, based on the location where the plant was first discovered.

Vernacular

Ma Kham Pom Din Huamot.

Additional specimens examined

Thailand: Tak, Umpang district, Doi Hua Mot; 15°56.46'N, 98°51.93'E; alt. 937 m; 2 Dec. 2018; P. Pornpongrungrueng, N. Triyutthachai & P. Chantaranothai 1270 (BKF, KKU), ibid.; 15°51.40'N, 98°50.88'E; alt. 882 m; 22 Aug. 2019; P. Pornpongrungrueng, S. Ninkaew, S. Sukcharoen & N. Triyutthachai 1285 (BKF, KKU, TCD).

Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov.

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77203520-1

Figs 3, 4

Diagnosis

Phyllanthus chantaranothaii is most similar to P. pulcher, but differs in its puberulous upper leaf surface with white, simple and dendritic hairs and pistillate flowers that have red, narrowly lanceolate sepals with a white long fimbriate margin, puberulous on the outer side and puberulous pedicel, whereas in P. pulcher, the leaf is glabrous on both surfaces and the sepals of the pistillate flower are rhombic-ovate with the upper part greenish and lower part red, glabrous on the outside and glabrous pedicel.

Type

Thailand. Tak, Umpang district, Pa La Ta waterfall, 15°49.14'N, 98°51.37'E, alt. ca. 500 m, 23 Aug. 2019, P. Pornpongrungrueng, S. Ninkaew, S. Sukcharoen & N. Triyutthachai 1291 (holotype KKU; isotypes BKF, K, QBG, TCD).

Description

Small shrubs up to 80 cm high, branchlets terete, young branchlets puberulous with white, simple and dendritic hairs. Stipules lanceolate-subulate, 1.4–2 × 0.1–0.4 mm, glabrous. Leaves alternate; petioles ca. 0.5 mm long, glabrous; lamina oblong, obovate, 1–2.1 × 0.5–0.8 cm, membranous, upper surface puberulous with white, simple and dendritic hairs, lower surface glabrous, base oblique, margin entire, revolute, apex mucronate; nerves in 4–7 pairs; reticulation inconspicuous on both surfaces. Flowers unisexual; staminate flowers 2–3 in axillary fascicles along lower half of the branchlets; pistillate flower solitary in leaf-axils along upper half of the branchlets. Bracts subulate, 0.6–1.4 × ca. 0.2 mm, puberulous-glabrous. Staminate flowers: pedicel 5–11 mm long, glabrous; sepals 4, red, triangular, rhombic-ovate, 2–3 × ca. 1 mm, glabrous, margin white long fimbriate; disc glands 4, reniform; stamens 4, staminal column ca. 0.2 mm long, anthers ca. 0.2 mm long, transversely dehiscent. Pistillate flowers: pedicel 8–11 mm long, puberulous; sepals 6, reddish, narrowly lanceolate, 3–3.5 × 0.5–0.8 mm, outer surface puberulous, margin white long fimbriate; disc glands 6, free, obovate with truncate apex; ovary superior, ca. 1 mm diam., 3-locular, ovules 2 per locule, glabrous or papillose; styles 3, free, ca. 0.1 mm long; stigmas nearly completely bifid, 0.4–0.6 mm long, glabrous. Fruits capsule, young capsule white to pale greenish, 2.5–4 mm diam., glabrous or papillose; pedicel 5–13 mm long. Seeds trigonous, brown, 1.5–2 × 1–1.3 mm, surface transversely striate.

Figure 3.

Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov. A habit B, C leaf shapes (B adaxial surface C abaxial surface) D stipule E pistillate flower F staminate flower G young capsule H mature capsule. Drawn by Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng.

Figure 4.

Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov. A habit B branchlet showing axillary fascicle of staminate flowers C branchlet showing pistillate flower D branchlet showing young capsule E branchlet showing mature capsule. A–C photos by Natthawut Triyuttachai D, E photos by Siriyakorn Sukcharoen.

Phenology

Flowering and fruiting from August to November.

Habitat and distribution

This species grows in mixed deciduous forest, at ca. 500 m elevation. It is currently known from the type location near Pa La Ta waterfall and Doi Huamot, Tak province, Thailand.

Conservation status

As only the type collection, which was collected from mixed deciduous forest, has been investigated in detail, more field exploration in similar habitats in the surrounding areas should be conducted in order to provide a more accurate distribution range of this species. However, based on information that is available to us, this species is preliminarily categorised here as Endangered [EN, B1ab(i, iv)], according to the IUCN Red List Criteria and Categories version 3.1 (IUCN 2012). The extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 50 km² and, previously, it was found in two locations (Doi Huamot and Pa La Ta waterfall in Umpang district, Tak province), but recently, the extent of occurrence seems to be in decline, because the species has not been found in Doi Huamot since it was first photographed in November 2008.

Etymology

The name of this species honours Prof. Dr. Pranom Chantaranothai for his major contributions to plant taxonomy, in general, but especially for his extensive work on Phyllanthus in the Flora of Thailand.

Vernacular

Mayom Noi.

Discussion

The two species described herein should be classified in Eriococcus (Hassk.) Croizat & Metcalf and Section Eriococcus (Hassk.) Croizat & Metcalf, because they have staminate flowers composed of four sepals with a long fimbriate margin, four stamens with transversely dehiscent anthers and the stigmas in pistillate flowers are free and bifid. These are diagnostic characters of the section Eriococcus which occurs predominantly in mainland Asia, especially in Indochina (Kawakita and Kato 2017; Bouman et al. 2018). Prior to this paper, there were seven species recorded in Thailand that belonged to this section, including P. elegans Wall. ex Müll.Arg., P. gracilipes (Miq.) Müll.Arg., P. pulcher, P. pulchroides Beille, P. sikkimensis Müll.Arg., P. sootepensis and P. taxodiifolius Beille (Chantaranothai 2007; Bouman et al. 2018). The two newly described species are most similar to P. pulcher, but there are a number of different characters as presented in Table 1. Actually, P. huamotensis is one of the most distinct species of Phyllanthus in Thailand. It can be easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margin and red capsule with papillose-puberulous surface.

Table 1.

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Comparison of morphological characteristics of P. huamotensis, P. chantaranothaii and P. pulcher.

Characters	P. huamotensis	P. chantaranothaii	P. pulcher
habit	undershrubs up to 30 cm high	small shrubs up to 80 cm high	shrubs up to 1.5 m high
branchlet	young branchlets minutely puberulous with simple hairs	young branchlets puberulous with white, simple and dendritic hairs	young branchlets puberulous with white dendritic hairs
leaf shape	broadly ovate, obovate, rounded, broadly elliptic, ovate-oblong	oblong, obovate	oblong to elliptic
leaf size	2–9 × (2)3–8 mm	10–21 × 5–8 mm	7–28 × 6–17 mm
leaf texture	subcoriaceous	membranous	subcoriaceous
leaf base	oblique, cordate, broadly cuneate, truncate, rounded	oblique	oblique
leaf apex	acute, acuminate, rounded	mucronate	abruptly mucronate
upper leaf surface	glabrous	puberulous with white, simple and dendritic hairs	glabrous
leaf reticulation	conspicuous, especially on lower surface	inconspicuous on both surfaces	inconspicuous on both surfaces
staminate flower arrangement	2–3(4) flowers in axillary fascicle along lower half of the branchlets	2–3 flowers, in axillary fascicle along lower half of the branchlets	2–6 flowers in axillary fascicle in proximal axils
staminate flower pedicel	4–10 mm long, glabrous	5–11 mm long, glabrous	6–15 mm long, glabrous
staminate flower sepal	4, red, triangular, rhombic-ovate, 1.5–2 × 1–1.2 mm, long fimbriate margin	4, red, triangular, rhombic-ovate, 2–3 × 1 mm, long fimbriate margin	(3)4, red, triangular or ovate, 2–3 × 1–1.6 mm, long fimbriate margin
pistillate flower arrangement	solitary in distal axils	solitary in leaf-axils along upper half of the branchlets	solitary in distal axils
pistillate flower pedicel	7–17 mm long, glabrous	8–11 mm long, puberulous	14–25 mm long, glabrous
pistillate flower sepal	5–6, red, rhombic-ovate, 1.5–3 × 0.6–1 mm, glabrous	6, reddish, narrowly lanceolate, 3–3.5 × 0.5–0.8 mm, outer surface puberulous	(5)6, lower part red, upper part greenish, rhombic-ovate, 2–4.5 × 1.1–2.5 mm, glabrous
ovary	papillose-puberulous	glabrous or papillose	glabrous
styles	ca. 0.1 mm long	ca. 0.1 mm long	ca. 0.1 mm long
stigma	ca. 0.2 mm long	0.4–0.6 mm long	0.3–0.4 mm long
capsule	young capsule red, 2.5–3 mm diam., papillose-puberulous	young capsule white to pale greenish, 2.5–4 mm diam., glabrous or papillose	young capsule light greenish-red, ca. 2.5 mm diam., glabrous
seed	1.5–1.8 × 1.1–1.2 mm	1.5–2 × 1–1.3 mm	2–3 × 0.3–0.5 mm

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the curators of BKF, KKU, QBG and TCD herbaria. This study was supported by the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University and the Department of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin. The first author would like to thank Suchart Chanhomhual, Natthawut Triyutthachai, Kanokorn Ruengsawang and Witsanu Saisorn for their kind help in the field survey and during preparation of this manuscript.

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