[Botany • 2024] Cyrtandra samarensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the limestone forests of Samar Island, Philippines

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles,

in delos Angeles, Tandang et Schneider, 2024. 

Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 81

Abstract

A species new to science of the megadiverse genus Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) and endemic to the limestone forest of Samar Island Natural Park, Philippines, is described. It is distinct in its hairy bracts at the base of the adaxial surface and its long pendulous  umbelliform inflorescences that comprise either solitary flowers or branches carrying two clusters of 7–9 diminutive flowers. A conservation assessment following the Red List criteria of the IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee is proposed, and a line drawing and photographs of the species are provided. 

Keywords: Karst landscape, megadiverse genus, taxonomy

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles, sp. nov.
 A, Habit; B, infructescence; C, leaf apex; D, inflorescence (anterior view); E, inflorescence (lateral view); F, bracts (variable shapes); G, calyx (expanded); H, corolla (dissected anterior view); I, anthers (lateral view); J, anthers (front view); K, gynoecium with disc.

Drawn from MD delos Angeles 376, and selected field photographs, by Danilo N. Tandang.

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles, sp. nov.
A, Habit; B, habitat; C, single flower (front view); D, mature fruits; E, cross-section of fruit, showing seeds.

Photographs: Danilo Tandang (A and D) and Marjorie delos Angeles (B, C and E).

Cyrtandra samarensis Tandang & M.D.Angeles, sp. nov.

Cyrtandra samarensis is distinct from other known Cyrtandra species from the Philippines by a combination of its hairy bracts, long pendulous inflorescence, clustered and diminutive umbelliform inflorescence, and small, white, globose, fleshy berry. Morphologically, it is similar to Cyrtandra umbellifera Merr. but differs in its glabrous stem except for a brownish setose tip (vs glabrous), glabrous calyx (vs pubescent), densely hairy bracts with prominent tuft of hairs on …

M. D. delos Angeles, D. N. Tandang, H. Schneider. 2024. CYRTANDRA SAMARENSIS (GESNERIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM THE LIMESTONE FORESTS OF SAMAR ISLAND, PHILIPPINES. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 81https://journals.rbge.org.uk/ejb/article/view/1987 [2024-07-03]

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