Ophiorrhiza gaoligongensis (Rubiaceae), a New Species from Southwestern China

Rong-hui Tu; Jian-lin Li; Lei Wu; Vadakkoot-Sankaran Hareesh

Rong-hui Tu Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Jian-lin Li Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Lei Wu Central South University of Forestry and Technology
Vadakkoot-Sankaran Hareesh University of Calicut

Keywords: China, Ophiorrhiza, Yunnan

Abstract

A new species of Rubiaceae, Ophiorrhiza gaoligongensis L. Wu, Hareesh & R. H. Tu, is described and illustrated from southwestern China. The species is similar to O. cantonensis Hance but can be distinguished by its acuminate to caudate leaf apices, persistent 2-lobed stipules with lobes 8–20 mm long, inflorescences remaining erect throughout maturation, and shorter corolla tubes. A detailed description, distribution and habitat data, and color photographs and illustrations are provided.