Glochidionyangchunense (Phyllanthaceae), a new species with discoid flowers from Guangdong Province, China.

Abstract

Phyllanthodendron can be readily morphologically distinguished from Glochidion, but recent molecular evidence showed that Phyllanthodendron is paraphyletic due to Glochidion being nested within it. In this study, a new species of the former Phyllanthodendron is described and illustrated as Glochidionyangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao from the limestone areas of South China. This is a peculiar new species and morphologically distinguished by its discoid flowers, T-shaped disc segments, and glabrous flowering branches. A key to Glochidionyangchunense and related species in China is provided here.