Peliosanthes cupuliformis (Asparagaceae), a new species from central Laos

We describe a new species, Peliosanthes cupuliformis , from central Laos with photographic illustrations and relevant taxonomic data. The species appears to be a local endemic confined to a karstic limestone area of Khammouane Province (Boualapha District). It is readily distinguishable from all other congeners by a suit of unique traits such as the dwarf habit, laterally revolute perianth segments, short truncate annular or cup‐shaped staminal corona, and broadly conoid pistil with a centrally slightly sunken stigma. Its relationship to P. divaricatanthera known from central Vietnam and Yunnan, China, is briefly discussed. A preliminary identification key to all the species of Peliosanthes so far known from Laos is also provided.