A new species of Rigiolepis (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae) from the Gayo Plateau, Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract

A new species of Ericaceae from the Gayo Plateau, Aceh Province, Indonesia is described. Rigiolepis gayoensis resembles R. lanceolata but differs by having shorter leaves, non-protruding basal leaf glands, longer flowering pedicels, a glabrous hypanthium, and a dark red or maroon corolla. A detailed morphological description, ecological notes, conservation status, and photographs are presented. The new species represents the third species of Rigiolepis found in the island of Sumatra. A key to the species of Rigiolepis in Sumatra is provided.