A new species of Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia (Aristolochiaceae) from central Vietnam

While examining herbarium collections of Aristolochia from Vietnam and adjacent areas accompanied by field investigations that were conducted towards treating the family Aristolochiaceae for the Flora of Vietnam, we found a yet undescribed species from central Vietnam belonging to Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia. After thorough investigation and comparison with previously described Old World species, these specimens represent a new species ofAristolochia
subgen. Siphisia, which is described and illustrated here as Aristolochia annamensis Do, Wanke & Neinhuis. In addition to the description, information about distribution, ecology, phenology, morphological relationship with similar species and conservation status is provided.

Aristolochia annamensis Do, Wanke & Neinhuis

Aristolochia annamensis Do, Wanke & Neinhuis, sp. nov.

TYPE:—VIETNAM. Thua Thien Hue: Phu Loc, Loc Tri, Ngu Ho, Bach Ma National Park, 16°11’28.80”N, 107°51’27.82’’E, elev. 1240m, 11 November 2014, T.V. Do 70 (holotype: VNMN!; isotype: DR!).

Phenology

Aristolochia annamensis has been observed flowering from September to November and fruiting from October to December.

Distribution and habitat

Aristolochia annamensis is currently known from many populations among the protected forest areas in central Vietnam throughout Thua Thien Hue province to Quang Nam province (Figure 3). This species is known to grow in broad-leaved evergreen forests, mostly along streamlet edges, at 700–1240 m elevation.

Conservation status

The type specimens were collected in the core-zone of Bach Ma National Park, a large evergreen forest area that is well protected. Additionally our field observations from other localities indicate that there are many populations with healthy individuals as well as saplings that regenerate in well-protected habitats. Thus, the new species is probably not at risk (LC) according to IUCN (2001)

Etymology

The specific epithet refers to the former name of central Vietnam where it occurs.

Vernacular name

Common names in Vietnamese for this species are Mộc hương trung bộ, Phòng kỷ trung bộ.

For more detail: Phytotaxa 220 (1): 069–076

A new species of Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia (Aristolochiaceae) from central Vietnam

TRUONG VAN DO^1,2, CHRISTOPH NEINHUIS¹ & STEFAN WANKE¹
1- Technische Universität Dresden, Institut für Botanik, Zellescher Weg 20b, D-01062 Dresden, Germany.
2- Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, Vietnam.