Homostylium fulgidulum (Griers.) Z. X. Fu, 2025

Chen, Xinyu & Fu, Zhixi, 2025, Resurrection of the genus Homostylium Nees for the former Aster ser. Albescentes Y. Ling (Astereae, Asteraceae), with an updated generic synopsis, PhytoKeys 259, pp. 27-66 : 27-66

3. Homostylium fulgidulum (Griers.) Z. X. Fu comb. nov.

Figs 6 , 7 , 8

≡ Aster fulgidulus Griers. , Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 26: 110. 1964. ≡ Sinosidus fulgidulus (Grierson) G. L. Nesom , Phytoneuron 2020-64: 13. 2020. Type: China, Xizang, Bomê, Tangme (Tongmai), Tsangpo-Yigrong Confluence, alt. 7000 ft, 3 June 1947, F. Ludlow, G. Sherriff & H. H. Elliott 13074 (holotype, E 00385686!; isotype, BM 000945773!) (Suppl. material 1: figs S 28, S 29).

Type.

China • Xizang, Bomê, Tangme (Tongmai), Tsangpo-Yigrong Confluence , alt. 7000 ft, 3 June 1947, F. Ludlow, G. Sherriff & H. H. Elliott 13074 (holotype, E 00385686 !; isotype, BM 000945773 !) (Suppl. material 1: figs S 28, S 29) .

Description.

Shrubs, 126–192 cm tall. Leaves alternate, ovate, (4 -) 6–9 × (2 -) 2.4–4.8 cm, venation prominently pinnate, intercostal glossy; margin entire, revolute, abaxially sparsely strigillose, glossy between minor veins, sparsely minutely glandular; adaxially glabrous or glabrate, sparsely minutely glandular, midvein sparsely strigillose. Capitula numerous, in terminal corymbiform synflorescences. Peduncles 1.5–2 cm long. Involucres campanulate, 5–7 mm in diameter. Phyllaries 3–4 seriate, imbricate, 1.5–3 × 1 mm, outer series ovate, shorter, inner series ovate, 6–7 × 0.5 mm.

Distribution.

China, SE Xizang (Bomê and Nyingchi). 2200–3000 m (Fig. 7 ).

Habitat.

Margins of submontane forest and hillside shrublands.

Phenology.

Flowering June to August. Fruiting June to August.

Etymology.

The name “ fulgidulum ” is derived from the Latin “ fulgidus ”, meaning “ shining ” or “ radiant ”, combined with the Latin neuter suffix “ - ulum ”, meaning “ diminutive ”. The specific epithet likely refers to its abaxially glossy intercostal veins on the surface of leaves.

Specimens examined.

China • Xizang: Bomê, T. S. Ying & D. Y. Hong 650705 (PE), Jin W. Zhang & J. T. Wang 440 (PE), G. J. Zhang & B. H. Jiao 294 (PE), W. L. Zheng 293 (XZ), D. E. Boufford et al. 29838 (PE), F. Ludlow, G. Sherriff & H. H. Elliott 13074 (E 00385686, BM 000945773); Nyingchi, B. S. Li et al. 6410 (PE), Xizang Med. Herb Exped. 3542 (PE), T. Naito et al. 1099 (PE), G. Yao et al. 1282 (XZ), W. L. Zheng 985 (XZ), W. L. Zheng et al. 3236 (XZ), W. L. Zheng et al. 3239 (XZ), Anonymous 22 (XZ).

Notes.

This species closely resembles Homostylium albescens . However, it could be differentiated from the latter by its ovate, larger, both surfaces nearly glabrous leaves, and abaxially glossy intercostal veins.

Figures

Figure 6. Homostylium fulgidulum (Grierson) Z. X. Fu. A. Habit; B. Habitat; C. Abaxial surface of leaves; D. Capitula. Photographed by G. J. Zhang from B. H. Jiao & G. J. Zhang 294 (PE).

Figure 7. Distribution of Homostylium fulgidulum. China is centrally located on the map.

Figure 8. Homostylium fulgidulum (Grierson) Z. X. Fu. A. Habit; B. Capitulum; C. Involucral bracts; D. Ray floret; E. Disc floret; F. Floret with pappus bristle and removed achene; G. Style branches of disc floret; H. Stamen of disc floret; I. Outer pappus bristle; J. Inner pappus bristle. Drawn by Z. J. Chen.