A new species of Fordiophyton (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) from Yunnan, China

Abstract

Fordiophytonjinpingense (Melastomataceae; Sonerileae), a species occurring in south-eastern Yunnan, China, is described as new, based on morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses, based on nrITS sequence data, showed that, except F.breviscapum, all species sampled in Fordiophyton formed a strongly supported clade in which two geographical lineages were recovered. The generic placement of F.jinpingense is well supported by phylogenetic analyses and a character combination of 4-merous flowers, distinctly dimorphic stamens and the connectives basally not calcarate. Molecular divergence and morphological evidence indicate that F.jinpingense is well separated from other members of the genus, thus justifying its recognition as a distinct species. Fordiophytonjinpingense is phylogenetically closest to F.repens, but differs markedly from the latter in stem morphology (short, obtusely 4-sided vs. long, 4-angular), habit (erect vs. creeping), leaf size (6–16.5 × 4.5–13 cm vs. 4–7.5 × 4–6.5 cm) and flower number per inflorescence (5–13 vs. 3–6).

Analyses of Plastome Sequences Improve Phylogenetic Resolution and Provide New Insight Into the Evolutionary History of Asian Sonerileae/Dissochaeteae

“…(including Oxysporeae) within Dissochaeteae, however, limited sampling of species prevent any discussion of generic limit in this clade. Zeng et al (2016a,2016b), Zhou et al (2018), Veranso-Libalah et al (2018), and Bacci et al (2019) focused mainly on Fordiophyton , Bredia , Melastomateae, and Bertolonieae respectively, sampling even fewer genera of Sonerileae/Dissochaeteae. Zhou et al (2019) analyzed 109 species from 19 genera.…”

Fordiophyton tereticaule (Melastomataceae), a new species from China

“…After careful examination of specimens of Fordiophyton species from China and Vietnam, and referring to the relevant references (Chen 1984;Pham 2000;Chen and Renner 2007;Ning and Liu 2010;Zeng et al 2016a, b;Dai et al 2019;Dai et al 2020), we were unable to match this unknown species with any previously recorded species. We thus describe it here as a new species.…”

“…Fordiophyton Stapf, a genus belonging to the tribe Sonerileae of the family Melastomataceae, is endemic to China and Vietnam with 15 species currently known (Chen 1984;Chen and Renner 2007;Ning and Liu 2010;Zeng et al 2016a, b;Dai et al 2019;Dai et al 2020). All species occur in South China except F. phamhoangii (V.T.Pham, C.T.Vu & Ranil) T.V.Do & Ying Liu which is endemic to Vietnam.…”