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Issue: Vol. 767 No. 1: 16 Jul. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-07-16
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.9
Page range: 77-84
Abstract views: 24
PDF downloaded: 4

Viola shennongjiaensis (Violaceae), a new species from Hubei, China

South China Botanical Garden; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou 510650; China; Center of Conservation Biology; Core Botanical Gardens; Chinese Academy of Sciences; China
South China Botanical Garden; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou 510650; China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; China
South China Botanical Garden; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou 510650; China
Eudicots molecular phylogeny morphology new taxon sect. Chamaemelanium

Abstract

Viola shennongjiaensis (Violaceae), a new species endemic to the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is assigned to V. sect. Chamaemelanium and is most similar to V. biflora and V. wallichiana, but differs from both species by the combination of slender, elongate rhizomes and densely puberulous leaf blades, and most notably by its markedly longer cylindrical spur. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear single-copy genes resolve V. shennongjiaensis as a distinct lineage that is strongly supported as sister to V. delavayi. Under a combined morphological and phylogenetic species concept, the observed differences justify recognition as a distinct species.

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How to Cite

Ye, L.-H., Zhang, B.-Y. & Chen, Y.-S. (2026) Viola shennongjiaensis (Violaceae), a new species from Hubei, China. Phytotaxa 767 (1): 77–84. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.9