Wurfbainia rubrofasciata (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Palawan, Philippines

Abstract

A ginger species collected in Palawan, Philippines was initially thought to be Wurfbainia palawanensis but differs by the dark brown fertile bracts and red spinose fruits. This species is also morphologically similar to the continental Asian Wurfbainia microcarpa but can be distinguished from this by the entire ligule, petiolate lamina, congested rachis, and presence of red stripes at the base of the labellum. Therefore, we here describe Wurfbainia rubrofasciata providing colour plates, data on phenology, distribution, habitat, and a provisional conservation assessment. A key to five species of Wurfbainia in the Philippines is provided and we discuss the likely closest relatives of Wurfbainia palawanensis.