Primulinananlingensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the Limestone Karst of Guangdong, China.

Abstract

Primulinananlingensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the Karst of Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically similar to P.versicolor, but can be distinguished by its larger crenate-margined leaves, fewer flowers per cyme and overall cyme number, ovate-lanceolate bracts with shallow serrations, calyx lobes with 1-3 teeth per side, stamens densely glandular at base and tip and pistil densely glandular-puberulent. It also resembles P.pengii, but has significant differences in its longer corolla, pale yellow corolla colour and ovate-lanceolate bracts. Phylogenetic analyses with ITS and trnL-F sequences revealed that P.nanlingensis is sister to P.versicolor and P.pengii, but isolated from its morphological relatives. The phylogenetic and morphological relationships with similar species are discussed, including detailed descriptions, photographs and distribution information. According to the IUCN Red List Criteria, the new species is assessed as Near Threatened [NT].