Heteropolygonatum altelobatum(Asparagaceae),comb. nova

Abstract

Heteropolygonatum has been considered endemic to China, where most of the species are distributed in the SW region of the country. The genus is characterized by having both terminal and axillary inflorescences, inner and outer stamens of different lengths, and an epiphytic existence. Formerly, a number of the species were included in Polygonatum or Smilacina. Polygonatum altelobatum Hayata is an endemic of Taiwan; however, a review of the literature and field observations confirmed that it should be placed in Heteropolygonatum. Thus, we propose the new combination Heteropolygonatum altelobatum (Hayata) Y.H. Tseng, H.Y. Tzeng & C.T. Chao.