Swertia hongquanii, a new species of Gentianaceae from Mt. Wuling, southern China

Abstract

Swertia hongquanii Jia X. Li, a new species of Gentianaceae, is described and illustrated from Mt. Wuling, southern China. It grows on the tops of steep limestone mountains surrounded by cliffs above an altitude of ca. 1400 m. This species resembles Swertia bimaculata, but differs from the latter by the stem leaf blades 2.0–4.5 × 1.0–2.5 cm, ovate to ovate-cordate, base cordate and subamplexicaul, the seeds irregularly polyhedral and the seed coats minutely thorny and reticulate. Based on morphological traits, i.e. the inflorescence structure and the number and structure of the nectaries, the new species may be a member of series Maculatae. A key to the species of series of section MaculataeOphelia is provided.

Swertia L.: A comprehensive review of its genetic relationship, chemical compositions, pharmacological effects, toxicities, and applications

“…Based on the analysis of the inflorescence structure as well as the number and structure of the nectaries, Li et al speculated that S. hongquanii was a species that may belong to the Swertia Ser. Maculatae (Li, Xu, & Zhao, 2019). Additionally, Swertia L. had well‐developed and diversified floral nectaries, laying the foundation for the unique type of pollination (Wang, 2011; Wang, Fu, et al, 2018; Wang, Tong, & Zhao, 2018; Wang, Yuan, et al, 2018).…”