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Parnassia zhengyuana sp. nov. and P. simianshanensis sp. nov.: two new species of Parnassia (Celastraceae) from karst caves and Danxia landform in southwest China
Author(s) -
Zhang YaJing,
Zhang Jun,
Liu ZhengYu,
Ren MingXun
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
nordic journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.333
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1756-1051
pISSN - 0107-055X
DOI - 10.1111/njb.02414
Subject(s) - karst , iucn red list , landform , celastraceae , cave , biology , china , sinkhole , ecology , critically endangered , botany , endangered species , archaeology , geography , paleontology , habitat
Two new species of Parnassia , Parnassia zhengyuana M.X. Ren & J. Zhang and P. simianshanensis M.X. Ren, J. Zhang & Z.Y. Liu, have been found in mountainous areas of Chongqing City, southwest China, and are described and illustrated here. Parnassia zhengyuana is found in a limestone cave near Mt Jinfo, Nanchuan District, Chongqing City. This tiny plant has special spoon‐shaped leaves and undivided staminodes with green apices. Parnassia simianshanensis was discovered in Mt Simian, Jiangjin County, Chongqing City. This species grows along streams on red sandstones, i.e. in Danxia landform. It can be easily identified by its unique rhombic leaves and the five‐ or four‐branched staminodes. The conservation status of P. zhengyuana and P. simianshanensis are assessed respectively as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) and ‘VU’ (Vulnerable) according to IUCN criteria. The roles of karst and Danxia landforms in the speciation process are discussed.