Sonerila bolavenensis, a new species of Melastomataceae from Laos

Abstract

A new species, Sonerila bolavenensis (Melastomataceae), from the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, is described and illustrated. Sonerila bolavenensis is easily recognized by its tiny stature up to 3 cm tall (including inflorescence), small ovate to rounded leaves 0.3–1.4 × 0.35–1 cm, petioles 0.2–0.8 cm long, and 1-flowered inflorescence. A vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided.

Two new species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae) from Laos

“…(Gentianaceae Juss. ), and Sonerila bolavenensis Soulad., Tagane & Suddee (Nagahama et al 2019;Suddee et al 2020;Souladeth et al 2021), suggesting that with further floristic surveys in this area and also another National Protected Areas in Laos, more new species will be added to the flora of Laos.…”