Strobilanthes erecta C. B. Clarke

Son, Nguyen Thanh, Lin, Zheli, Nguyen, Sinh Khang & Deng, Yunfei, 2018, Strobilanthes erecta (Acanthaceae), a newly recorded species from China and Vietnam, Phytotaxa 372 (4), pp. 283-290 : 283-288

Strobilanthes erecta C. B. Clarke in Hosseus (1907: 67).

Type: Thailand. Chiang Mai: Doi Chiang Dao, ca. 2160 m, 17 February 1905, C.C. Hosseus 401a (holotype M0168696 ! ; isotype P00719317 ! ) ( Figs 1–3 )

Strobilanthes suborbicularis Imlay (1939: 118) , syn. nov. ≡ Dossifluga suborbicularis (Imlay) Bremekamp (1944: 235) . Type: Thailand. Chiang Mai, Doi Nang Ka (Inthanon), 2 November 1930, N. Put 3302 (lectotype K! here designated; isolectotypes ABD!, BM000906322!, C10005219!).

Goldfussia laotica Bremekamp (1957: 3) , syn. nov. Type: Laos. Xieng Khouang: Xieng Khouang District, 1200 m, April 1952, J. E. Vidal 1685 (holotype U0000028!, isotype P04366109).

Isophyllous herbs, perennial. Stems pubescent, sulcate. Leaves subsessile; petioles 0–2 mm; blades suborbicular to elliptic, rarely lanceolate, 3–5 × 1.5–2.3 cm, apex acute,margin serrate to subentire, base broadly cuneate to rounded, green above, whitish beneath, glabrous or pubescent on both surfaces, densely covered with cystoliths above. Inflorescence of a head-like spike, axillary and terminal, pedunculate; peduncles 1.5–5 cm long, pubescent; heads suborbicular. Bracts ovate to suborbicular, 4–6 × 4–5 mm, pubescent, densely coved with cystoliths, apex rounded. Bracteoles lanceolate, 6–8 × 1.5–2 mm, pubescent, cystoliths prominent on both side. Calyx 1–2 cm long, outside pilose toward the base, 5-lobed to the base, lobes oblong-lanceolate, ciliolate, to 3 mm wide. Corolla 4–4.5 cm, glabrous. Stamens 4, included; filaments of longer pair ca. 5 mm slightly pubescent, shorter pair ca. 2 mm; anther thecae subspherical, glabrous, ca. 1 mm. Pollen grains prolate, 65.5 (59.0–77.0) × 34.6 (31.0–41) μm, P/E = 1.89, tricolporate, pseudocolpi 15, exine ornamentation reticulate, and the brochi of the large-meshed reticulum filled by small-meshed reticulum. Ovary ellipsoid, ca. 3 mm; style puberulent, ca. 2.5 cm. Capsule oblong, slightly puberulent, ca. 1.5 cm.

Distribution and habitat: — Strobilanthes erecta is distributed in Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, China and Vietnam ( Fig. 4 ). Strobilanthes erecta grows in undergrowth of forest at elevations of 900–2300 m.

Phenology: —It is found to be flowering and fruiting from September to February.

Notes:—The most recent revision of Chinese Strobilanthes was published in the volume 19 of Flora of China and 128 species with 57 endemic were recognized ( Hu et al. 2011).

The genus from Vietnam has not yet been revised. In the most recent publication of An Illustration Flora of Vietnam, Ho (2000) recorded 42 species of Strobilanthes from Vietnam in six genera, i.e., Baphicacanthus Bremekamp (1944: 190) , Hemigraphis Nees von Esenbeck (1847: 722) , Pteryptycha Bremekamp (1944: 303), Sericocalyx Bremekamp (1944: 157) , Strobilanthes and Thaphochlamys Bremekamp (1944: 156). Afterwards, two additional new species, S. adppressa J.R.I. Wood in Wood & Scotland (2003: 110) and S. barbigera Wood et al. (2017: 28) were described from Lao Cai and Dak Lak, respectively. Two species, Strobilanthes longespicata Hayata (1920: 83) and Strobilanthes hossei C.B. Clarke in Hosseus (1907: 67) were reported as newly recorded species from Vietnam ( Xuyen & Hai 2006; Oanh et al. 2017). Nowadays, 46 species was reported from Vietnam. But the further studies on the genus is still necessary.

Both Strobilanthes suborbicularis and S. erecta were described from Chiang Mai, N Thailand. The examination of the type material reveals that Strobilanthes suborbicularis differs from S. erecta only in the leaf shapes. Here, we merge them as a single species.

Goldfussia laotica was described from Xieng Khouang. Laos. It was reduced to the synonymy of Strobilanthes dimorphotricha Hance (1883: 355) subsp. rex (C.B. Clarke in Hosseus 1907: 68) J.R.I. Wood in Wood & Scotland (2006: 19). However, it differs from the latter by the subsessile (vs. petiolate) leaves, petioles ca. 2 mm (vs. 0.5–1.5 cm) long, the bracts suborbicular (vs.ovate), persistent (vs. caduous), shorter (vs. longer) than the calyx. Carefully examining the type material reveals that Goldfussia laotica is well identical with Strobilanthes erecta ( Fig 3 ).

Pollen morphology plays important roles in systematic and taxonomy in the family Acanthaceae ( Lindau 1893, 1895; Bremekamp 1944). Strobilanthes has most diversity in pollen morphology ( Bremekamp 1944; Carine & Scotland 1998, 2002; Wang & Blackmore 2003; Hu et al. 2011). Bremekamp (1944) divided the genus Strobilanthes into 54 genera in 27 informal groups. Carine & Scotland (1998) observed pollen morphology of 67 species from Sri Lanka and S India and recognized 22 pollen types. Wang & Blackmore (2003) investigated 37 species from China and recognized two classes, ellipsoid class and spherical classes, and eight pollen types. Hu et al. (2011) recognized 16 pollen types for Chinese species. Pollen grains of Strobilanthes erecta are prolate, tricolporate, pseudocolpi 15, exine ornamentation reticulate. It belongs to the type 2 of Wang & Blackmore (2003) and the type 3 of Hu et al. (2011), respectively. Bremekamp (1944) established a new genus Dossifluga Bremekamp (1944: 234) to accommodate Strobilanthes suborbicularis , which is now reduced to the synonymy of Strobilanthes erecta . It shares the same pollen type with Goldfussia and differs from the latter by the isophyllous perennial herb and small, sessileor subsessile leaves and small bracts. Here, we prefer to place it with other species previously placed in Goldfussa into the same species complex. The further studies in this group is in need.

Specimens examined: — CHINA. Yunnan: Fengqing Xian, Wumulong, 2300 m, 8 July 1938, T. T. Yü 16609 (A, KUN, PE); Jinghong Shi, Naban Xiang, Baimuqing, 1200 m, 27 January 1988, G. D. Tao et al 43704 (HITBC); Lancang Xian, Foshan, 20 November 2003, S. S. Zhou1752 (HITBC); Nuozhadu natural reserve, 1600 m, 27 November 2017, Z. L. Lin & S. N. Huang LZL077 (IBSC); Menghai Xian, Mengzhe Zhen, Xinghuoshan, 1300 m, 17 December 2011, Y. F. Deng 22905 (IBSC); Puer Shi, Yixiang, Yongqing, near Ganlanba, 4 December 1987, Y. Y. Qian s.n. (HITBC). LAOS. Xieng Khouang: XiengKhouang District, 1200 m, April 1952, J. E. Vidal 1685 (P, U). MYANMAR. Shan State: Loi Thme, 1650 m, R. W. MacGregor 9 (CAL, E). THAILAND. Chiang Mai: Doi Chiang Dao District, Doi Chiangdao, 1500–1800 m, 27 October 1979, T. Shimizu et al. T-20950 (BKF); Doi Chiang Dao District, Doi Chiangdao, 1800– 2150 m, 27 October 1979, T. Shimizu et al. T-21118 (BKF, C, L); Chiang Dao District, Doi Chiangdao, 1800–2150 m, 27 October 1979, T. Shimizu et al. T-21145 (BKF); Doi Hua Suea, 16 October 2003, S. Mattapha 400 (BKF, KKU); Inthanon, Doi Hua Suea, ca. 1800 m, 17 December 1998, F. Konta& S. Khao-iem 11302 (BKF); Chiangdao District, trill up to Doi Luang, Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife sanctuary, 2000 m, 5 December 2002, V. Chamchumroom et al. 1744 (BKF); Doi Chiangdao, 1500–2200 m, 3 December 1961, T. Smitinand & Anderson 7305 (BKF, K); Doi Chiang Dao, ca. 2000 m, 7 December 1965, E. Hennipman 3273 (BKF, C, L); Chom Thong District, Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Hua Dua, 1600 m, 17 December 1998, F. Konta, et al. 4689 (BKF); Chom Thong District, Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Hua Dua, 1500 m, 17 December 1998, F. Konta et al. 4694 (BKF); Chom Thong District, Doi Langka, top of the KiuLuang, 1740 m, 31 October 1938, H.B.G. Garrettt 1108 (K, SING); Chom Thong District, Doi Lanka (Inthanon), 2 November 1930, N. Put3302 (ABD, C, K); Muang District, Doi Luang National Park, Doi Nok, Huai Fad stream, 1600 m, 28 December 1997, S. Gardner 9026 (L, QBG). Loei: Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, 1400 m, 15 April 1968, C. Chermsirivathana 872 (BK); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, ca. 1300 m, 27 November 1957, D.Bunpheng 955 (BKF, K); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, 1300 m, 15 November 1968, C. Chemsirivathana 1084 (BK); Phu Ruea District, north ridge of Phu Luang, 1100–1500 m, 4 December 1965, M. Tagawa et al. T-1228 (BKF, L, TI); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, Phu Ruea Wildlife Sanctuary, 1150–1530 m, 21 December 1982, H.Koyamaet al. T-31590 (BKF, L, MBK, QBG); PhuRuea Distr., PhuLuang, PhuRuea Wildlife Sanctuary, 24 December 1982, H. Koyama, et al. T-31599 (L, MBK);PhuLuang, ca. 1350 m, 9 January 1966, E. Hennipman 3572 (BKF, C); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, 1500 m, 3 February 1983, C. Niyomdham& J.E. Vidal 442 (BKF, P); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, 1500 m, 3 February 1983, C. Niyomdham& J.E. Vidal 501 (BKF. P); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, 1500 m, 26 January 1981, T. Smitinands. n. (BKF); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, Phu Ruea Wildlife Sanctuary Station, 980–1530 m, 24 December 1982, H. Koyama et al. T-31599 (BKF); Phu Ruea District, Phu Luang, Phu Ruea Wildlife Sanctuary Station, 980–1530 m, 19 February 1983, H. Koyama et al. T-33654 (BKF). Nan: Phu Wae, Doi Phu Kha National Park, 1700 m, 10 December 1998, P. Srisanga 412 (BKF, CMUB); Phu Wae, Doi Phu Wae, 13 November 2000, P. Srisanga 1817 (BKF, CMUB). VIETNAM. Son La: Moc Chau District, Chieng Son Comm., Pha Luong Village, Pha Luong Mountain, 1800–1850 m, 23 September 2016, L. Averyanov et al. CPC 7979 (IBSC).

Figures

FIGURE 1. Strobilanthes erecta. A. Flowering branch; B. Inflorescence; C. Pollen grain; D. Ornamentation of pollen grain.

FIGURE 2. Strobilanthes erecta.A. Portion of plant; B. Branch and leaf base; C. Outer surface of bract; D. Inner surface of bract; E. Outer surface of bracteole; F. Inner surface of bracteole; G. Calyx expanded; H. Corolla; I. Opened corolla showing androcium; J. Stamens; K. Pistil; L. Ovary; M. Capsule.

FIGURE 3. Type material of the names concerned. A. Isotype of Strobilanthes erecta at P; B. holotype of Strobilanthes erecta at M; C. Lectotype of Strobilanthes suborbicularis; D. holotype of Goldfussia laotica.

FIGURE 4. Distribution map of Strobilanthes erecta.