Primula hubeiensis (Primulaceae), a New Species from Central China

Abstract

We describe an interesting new Primula L. species, P. hubeiensis X. W. Li, which is similar to P. filchnerae R. Knuth, with leaves pinnately lobed and glandular hairs on the leaves and inflorescences. However, P. hubeiensis has more pinnae on the leaves (six to nine vs. three to four pairs) and smaller capsules (3–4 mm diam. vs. 10–16 mm diam.). The persistent calyx of P. filchnerae develops into the shape of a lantern when the fruits are mature, but the calyx of P. hubeiensis is elongated and split almost to the base during fruiting. Primula filchnerae has been placed in Primula sect. Auganthus (Link) Pax ex Balf. f. due to the character of its indument and deeply lobed leaves; P. hubeiensis might also belong in this section, but this needs further confirmation.