Rigiolepis argentii (Ericaceae): a new species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

A new species of Rigiolepis (Ericaceae) from the island of Sulawesi, R. argentii Mustaqim & Ardi, is described. The new species is known from three locations, two in Sulawesi Selatan Province (Mount Sesean in Toraja Utara Regency and Eran Batu in Enrekang Regency) and one in Sulawesi Barat Province (Mamasa Regency). This species is similar to R. moultonii (Merr.) J.J. Sm., but differs by the persistent hairs on the abaxial surfaces of the leaves, the basal marginal glands in a shorter distance (1–2 mm) to from the petiole, bracteoles borne on the lower half of the pedicels, cup-shaped calyx tube, longer filaments (2 mm), and cupular fruits.

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

“…Argent (2019) later reinstated Rigiolepis as a genus of Malesian Ericaceae through his treatment of Rigiolepis and Vaccinium of Borneo. As per this treatment, including the more recent discovery of R. argentii Mustaqim & Ardi (Mustaqim and Ardi 2021), the number of species recognized for this genus stands at 26. Rigiolepis sensu Argent (2019) is characterized as shrubs, usually epiphytic with a sprawling or hanging habit, with a short corolla (up to 4 mm long or rarely slightly longer), anthers opening by long oblique slits, an inferior ovary that is truly 10-locular, and yellowish or orange immature fruits that turn red at maturity.…”

“…Rigiolepis sensu Argent (2019) is characterized as shrubs, usually epiphytic with a sprawling or hanging habit, with a short corolla (up to 4 mm long or rarely slightly longer), anthers opening by long oblique slits, an inferior ovary that is truly 10-locular, and yellowish or orange immature fruits that turn red at maturity. Rigiolepis has a center of distribution in the island of Borneo, with some species also found in Peninsular Malaysia, including the Indonesian islands of Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra (Argent 2019;Mustaqim and Ardi 2021). The island of Sumatra is hitherto known as the westernmost distribution of Rigiolepis in Malesia with confirmed occurrence of R. lanceolata (Blume) J.J.Sm.…”

“…The vouchered specimens were examined and compared with those of closely similar species. Relevant literature (e.g., Smith 1935;Sleumer 1936Sleumer , 1961Sleumer , 1966Sleumer -1967Vander Kloet 2005;Argent 2019;Mustaqim and Ardi 2021) was also consulted. From the initial data and observation of the plant in situ, we concluded that this plant is a species new to science.…”

Vaccinium (Ericaceae) in Sulawesi: a new species and a list of known taxa

“…The Ericaceae of Sulawesi have been treated in Flora Malesiana (Sleumer 1964(Sleumer , 1966(Sleumer -1967 but many new taxa have been subsequently described (e.g. Argent 2009Argent , 2014Craven 2014;Argent & Widjaja 2015;Argent & Mambrasar 2019;Mustaqim & Ardi 2019, 2021Hutabarat et al 2022). Five genera of Ericaceae occur in Sulawesi: Gaultheria Kalm ex L., Rhododendron L., Rigiolepis Hook.f., Styphelia Sm., and Vaccinium L. (Chase et al 2016;Argent 2019;Kron et al 2020;Mustaqim & Ardi 2021).…”

“…Argent 2009Argent , 2014Craven 2014;Argent & Widjaja 2015;Argent & Mambrasar 2019;Mustaqim & Ardi 2019, 2021Hutabarat et al 2022). Five genera of Ericaceae occur in Sulawesi: Gaultheria Kalm ex L., Rhododendron L., Rigiolepis Hook.f., Styphelia Sm., and Vaccinium L. (Chase et al 2016;Argent 2019;Kron et al 2020;Mustaqim & Ardi 2021).…”