Paraphlomis leigongshanensis G. B. Jiang & W. H. Yao, 2025

Paraphlomis leigongshanensis G. B. Jiang & W. H. Yao sp. nov.

Figs 2 View Figure 2 , 3 View Figure 3 ; Appendix 2 View Figure A 1 : Figs A 1 View Figure A 1 , A 2 雷公山假糙苏 View Figure A 2

Type.

China • Guizhou Province: Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Leishan County, Leigong Mountain National Nature Reserve , 26°24'30.91"N, 108°15'53.77"E, alt. 1104 m, 23 Aug. 2024, G. B. Jiang, S. Chen, H. M. Chen & D. H. Yu GB 2024156 ( holotype: GF 09040011 !; isotypes: KUN 1644009 !, HGAS 0128505 !) GoogleMaps .

Diagnosis.

Paraphlomis leigongshanensis is morphologically most similar to P. jiangyongensis but can be distinguished by its calyx purplish red (vs. green), apex of calyx teeth lanceolate (vs. acute), corolla white with pink stripes (vs. pale yellow with red spots), and corolla tube 12–17 mm long (vs. 7.5–10 mm long).

Description.

Perennial herb, 5–10 cm tall, stoloniferous. Stems simple, prostrate to ascending, slightly 4 - angled, densely villose. Leaves opposite, ovate to elliptical, papery, 2.5–8 × 2–5 cm; margin shallowly crenate, apex obtuse to subrounded, base broadly cuneate to rounded; adaxial surface green, abaxial purple, densely villose on both surfaces, particularly along veins, lateral veins 3–5 - paired; petioles 0.5–3.5 cm long, densely villose. Verticillasters 2–10 - flowered, sessile; bracteoles minute, early deciduous. Calyx purplish red, tubular-campanulate, 10–15 mm long, densely villose outside, glabrous inside; teeth 5, subequal, triangular, erect, 4–8 mm long, apex acuminate. Corolla white with pink stripes and spots, 2–3 cm long, densely pubescent outside; tube 1.2–1.7 cm long, slightly dilated at throat, pubescent annulate inside at 1 / 3 distance from base; bilabiate, upper lip pink, oblong, entire, erect, concave, 8–10 mm long, ca. 5 mm wide, lower lip pink, 3 - lobed, medium lobe subcircular with pink stripes and spots, apex slightly emarginate, 6–7 mm wide, lateral lobes ovate, ca. 3.5 mm wide. Stamens 4, straight, included; filaments flat, pubescent at base; anther cells 2, parallel. Style included, glabrous, apex subequally 2 - lobed, lobes subulate. Ovary densely pubescent and glandular at apex. Mericarps 4, dark brown, triquetrous-oblong, ca. 3.6 mm long, densely pubescent at apex.

Distribution, habitat and conservation status.

Paraphlomis leigongshanensis is currently known from only three populations in adjacent valleys approximately 100 m apart, within Leigong Mountain National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China (Appendix 2 View Figure A 1 : Fig. A 1 View Figure A 1 ). The total population comprises about 200 mature individuals. The species occurs in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, with populations confined to the area near Getou Village, and is vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. Based on the IUCN Red List criteria B 2 (a, b (iii )) (extent of occurrence < 500 km 2; <5 locations; continuing habitat degradation), D (Estimated population size <250 mature individuals), we proposed an Endangered ( EN) assessment ( IUCN 2024). Since similar adjacent habitats may harbor undiscovered populations, available evidence did not support Critically Endangered (CR) status.

Phenology.

Flowering was observed from May to August, and fruiting from August to October.

Etymology.

The specific epithet “ leigongshanensis ” is derived from the type locality of the new species, i. e., Leigong Mountain National Nature Reserve, Leishan County, Guizhou Province, China.

Chinese name (assigned here).

léi gōng shān jiă cāo sū (雷公山假糙苏). The name means a species of Paraphlomis only found in Leigong Mountain National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China.

Additional specimens examined ( paratypes).

China • Guizhou Province: Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Leishan County, Leigong Mountain National Nature Reserve , 26°24'19.92"N, 108°15'19.20"E, alt. 1100 m, 1 Jul. 2025, S. Chen & L. Hao GB 2025015 ( GF 09040012 !, KUN 1644008 !) GoogleMaps .