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Issue: Vol. 781 No. 2: 21 Oct. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-10-21
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1
Page range: 101-115
Abstract views: 23
PDF downloaded: 1

Sonerila plenasicola (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), a new species from Central Vietnam, with nomenclatural notes including a new combination, S. strigosa, and the resurrection of S. yunnanensis

Herbarium of Taiwan Forestry Research Institute; Taiwan Forestry Research Institute; No. 53; Nan–Hai Road; Taipei 100; Taiwan
Vietnam National Museum of Nature; Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; 18 Hoang Quoc Viet; Hanoi; Vietnam
Nam Quang Tri Special-Use Forest Management Board; Dakrong; Quang Tri; Vietnam
Nam Quang Tri Special-Use Forest Management Board; Dakrong; Quang Tri; Vietnam
Herbarium of Taiwan Forestry Research Institute; Taiwan Forestry Research Institute; No. 53; Nan–Hai Road; Taipei 100; Taiwan
Eudicots endemism flora of Vietnam new taxon nomenclature plant taxonomy Sonerileae

Abstract

A new species, Sonerila plenasicola, is described from Quang Tri Province in Central Vietnam. The new species shares several morphological similarities with S. yunnanensis but differs in having leaves covered with curved strigose hairs, suprabasal acrodromous or subpinnate venation, peduncles lacking gland-tipped hispid hairs, and anthers 2.5–3 mm long. Furthermore, after detailed comparisons of type materials and additional specimens, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of Sonerila cantonensis var. strigosa and S. yunnanensis, two names long treated as synonyms of S. cantonensis in previous studies. Based on their consistent differences in leaf morphology, indumentum, and floral structure, the former is now elevated to species rank, namely S. strigosa, a new record for the flora of Vietnam, and the latter is resurrected. We also provide updated descriptions, information on distribution, ecology and phenology, conservation status, typification notes, and a diagnostic comparison among the related taxa.

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How to Cite

Hsu, T.-C., Do, T.V., Truong, Q.T., Hoang, H.N. & Lin, C.-W. (2026) Sonerila plenasicola (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), a new species from Central Vietnam, with nomenclatural notes including a new combination, S. strigosa, and the resurrection of S. yunnanensis. Phytotaxa 781 (2): 101–115. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1