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Issue: Vol. 710 No. 2: 15 Jul. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-07-15
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.710.2.3
Page range: 184-190
Abstract views: 284
PDF downloaded: 15

Aspidistra congestiflora (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae), a new species from central Laos

Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Prof. Popov Street, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1, 12, Leninskie Gory, 119234 Moscow, Russia
Department of Higher Plants, Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1, 12, Leninskie Gory, 119234 Moscow, Russia; Joint Vietnam-Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center, 63, Nguyen Van Huyen street, Cau Giay, 122000 Hanoi, Vietnam
Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Prof. Popov Street, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Prof. Popov Street, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
Dai Nam University, No. 1, Pho Xom, Phu Luong, Hanoi, Vietnam
Eastern Indochina flora limestone plants new taxa plant diversity plant endemism plant taxonomy Vang Vieng Monocots

Abstract

Aspidistra congestiflora discovered in a karstic limestone area in central Laos (Vientiane Province, Vang Vieng District) is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is characterized by obconoid perianth tube, triangular perianth lobes without appendages, and widely obconoid pistil with prominent longitudinal ridges. The new species is morphologically most close to A. zhangii, from which it differs in longer petioles and purple-violet flowers. In addition, A. congestiflora is similar to A. leucographa, A. longhuiensis, A. opaca, and A. papillata in the general flower appearance, but readily differs from these four species in obconoid pistil. Aspidistra congestiflora is also similar to A. obtusata in the shape of flower (including obconoid pistil), as well as in its general appearance, but differs in often finely verruculose perianth lobes, larger pistil with longitudinal ridges, and purple-violet stigma. The newly discovered species is expected to be a local endemic and will probably need protection in the near future.

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How to Cite

Averyanov, L.V., Vislobokov, N.A., Nuraliev, M.S., Maisak, T.V., Krupkina, L.I. & Doan, N.T. (2025) Aspidistra congestiflora (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae), a new species from central Laos. Phytotaxa 710 (2): 184–190. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.710.2.3