Orophea chalermprakiat, a new species in the subgenus Sphaerocarpon

NEWS - Researchers have described a new species of Orophea chalermprakiat growing in southern Thailand. A team of researchers from Chiang Mai University, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, National Park Innovation Institute and several other organisations reported the new species in the subgenus Sphaerocarpon.

Orophea Blume (1825) consists of about 62 species distributed collectively in India, southern China, the islands of Southeast Asia to the Moluccas. The genus is a member of the Miliuseae, which has been subdivided into two subgenera: Orophea and Sphaerocarpon.

Members of O. subg. Orophea generally have alternate tertiary leaf venation and cylindrical-ellipsoidal to cylindrical monocarps, whereas members of O. subg. Sphaerocarpon generally exhibit reticulate tertiary leaf venation and rounded monocarps. At least eight species in Thailand.

The genus is mainly characterized by whorls of unequal petals, the inner petals are usually longer, clawed towards the base and usually fused at the anthesis. There are a reduced number of stamens and carpels per flower and the stamens are loosely arranged with small connective extensions that do not cover the thecae. Most Orophea species have various forms of glands in the inner petals.

At least eight species in Thailand. Members of O. subg. Orophea generally have alternate tertiary leaf venation and cylindrical-ellipsoidal to cylindrical monocarps, whereas members of O. subg. Sphaerocarpon generally exhibit reticulate tertiary leaf venation and rounded monocarps.

Original research

Anissara Damthongdee, Kithisak Chanthamrong, Suwannee Promsiri, Banchong Tongsang, Thani Jaisamut, Chattida Wiya, Aroon Sinbumroong, & Tanawat Chaowasku (2024). Orophea chalermprakiat (Annonaceae; Malmeoideae), a new species from southern Thailand. Phytotaxa 658 (3): 296-300. DOI:10.11646/phytotaxa.658.3.8

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