Ophiorrhiza paralatiflora (Rubiaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza paralatiflora, a new species of Rubiaceae from limestone areas of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to O. alatiflora, but differs from the latter by having an inflorescence that is erect from the youngest developmental stage (versus initially drooping then gradually erect), subulate bract (versus linear or linear‐lanceolate) absent or shorter than 3 mm (versus obvious, 5–15 mm long). It also resembles O. cantonensis, but can be distinguished from the latter by the same characters as from O. alatiflora, plus by having a corolla tube with ca 1 mm (versus 0.3 mm) wide wings outside along its entire length (versus from near apex to the middle part). The conservation status was assessed as ‘Least Concern' (LC) according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.