Lateral United Petals Research Articles

Impatiens mogangensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China

Impatiens mogangensis, a new species discovered in the limestone region of southeast Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Based on characteristics such as extremely contracted pedicels, connate lateral united petals, and four-locular ovary, this species is classified within Impatiens sect. Semeiocardium. Within the section, I. mogangensis resembles I. morsei morphologically in the white-tipped, yellow and brown-striated flowers, obconic capsule, and brick-shaped seeds. Additionally, I. mogangensis is similar to I. bonii in their reflexed lower lobes of lateral united petals, obconic capsules, and brick-shaped seeds, but can be distinguished from I. morsei and I. bonii by having 5–7 pairs of lateral leaf veins, serrate leaf margins, and falcate lower lobes of the lateral united petals. Besides, I. mogangensis is confined to the limestone region in Mogang village of south-eastern Yunnan and does not overlap with the distribution of I. morsei and I. bonii. In conclusion, the new species we proposed is a morphological transitional type between I. morsei and I. bonii respectively with their endemic geographical distributions.

Impatiens devendrae Pusalkar (Balsaminaceae): an addition to the flora of Jammu & Kashmir, India

Impatiens devendrae Pusalkar is reported here as a new distribution record for the flora of Jammu & Kashmir from the Nathatop area in the forest range Batote of Ramban District. The identifying characteristics of the species include the presence of yellow streaks on the triangular lateral united petals, pinkish-white flowers, oblong-bucciniform lower sepals, abruptly constricted into hooked spurs. Previously, the species was reported from Uttarakhand.

Impatiens alboarenicola, a new species of Balsaminaceae from north-western Madagascar

A new species of Impatiens, I. alboarenicola (Balsaminaceae), is described and illustrated from Ankarafantsika National Park, north-western Madagascar. This species is similar to I. barthlottii and I. tsingycola in leaf and flower shape, but clearly distinguished from the former by its shorter stature, absence of a tuber at the stem base, solitary (rarely 2) flowers in the axils of leaves, and smaller flowers, and from the latter by its smaller leaf blades with fewer pairs of teeth on the dentate leaf margin, solitary (rarely 2) flowers in the axils of leaves, and saccate spur-like projection located at ca. 5 mm below the apex of the lower petal lobe of the lateral united petals (vs. at the apex of the lower petal lobe).

Impatiensbeipanjiangensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China.

Impatiensbeipanjiangensis Jian Xu & H. F. Hu (Balsaminaceae), a new species of Impatienssubg.Clavicarpa discovered in Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated in this study along with its molecular phylogenetic analysis. I.beipanjiangensis is similar to I.liboensis, I.chishuiensis and I.clavigera in morphology, but I.tubulosa has the closest relationship to it. However, there are various ways in which the new species can be easily distinguished from these four species: Inferior nodes swollen rhizoid, pale green and with hooked outer sepals, longer lateral united petals, subovate auricle, deeper lower sepal and shorter spur that is reflexed towards the lower sepal. Furthermore, I.beipanjiangensis is distinguished from other Impatiens species, based on morphological, micromorphological and palynological evidence and molecular data (PP 0.967).

Impatiensyingjingensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China.

This study describes Impatiensyingjingensis X.Q. Song, B.N. Song & Biao Yang, sp. nov., a new species collected from the Yingjing area of the Giant Panda National Park. This new species is distributed at an altitude of 1400-2100 m, with a plant height of 30-130 cm. The flowers are purple-red or light purple red, with 3-9 flowers on each inflorescence and the dorsal auricle of the lateral united petals is thread-like and about 2 cm long, differing significantly from other species of Impatiens. Furthermore, molecular data, as well as micro-morphological evidence under SEM (of pollens), also support the establishment of the new species.

Palynological and macroscopic characters evidence infer the evolutionary history and insight into pollination adaptation in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)

AbstractThe genus Impatiens comprises more than 1000 species and displays enormous morphological diversity. As a taxon that is notoriously difficult to classify morphologically, the taxonomic significance of pollen morphology has been discussed in previous studies. However, there was only limited study on the evolution of palynological and macroscopic character in this genus before. In this paper, we observed pollen of 143 species of Impatiens, including all representatives of infrageneric groups and discussed their taxonomic value. Meanwhile, based on the reconstructed phylogenetic framework, we selected five pollen traits, and nine macroscopic traits including both vegetative and reproductive organs for evolutionary analysis. The character reconstruction showed that the morphology and number of aperture, granules in lumina, seed number of per capsule, number of sepals, lateral united petals connate, spur length, and phyllotaxy could be identified as unambiguous, while other characters were ambiguous in the last common ancestor of Impatiens. The results of comprehensively macroscopic characters and palynological evidence suggest that these traits experienced a complicated evolution, exhibit high levels of instability and variability and occur character multiple reversals in the evolutionary processes of Impatiens due to different selection pressures. In addition, we found that there is an evident mosaic evolution in this genus. Pollen and macroscopic character are conserved with a slower evolutionary rate in the I. subgen. Clavicarpa, however, these characters showed higher diversity with a rapid rate of evolution in the I. subgen. Impatiens. Furthermore, the relationship between floral morphology and pollinators was discussed.

Impatiens zhaojueensis (Balsaminaceae) sp. nov. from Sichuan, China

This paper describes and illustrates the morphological traits of Impatiens zhaojueensis Q. Luo (Balsaminaceae), a new species from the Sichuan Province of southwestern China. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the micromorphological characteristics of its pollen grains and seeds are also described. The new species is closely related to Impatiens baishaensis, but it has larger flowers, obround dorsal petals, somewhat clawed lateral united petals, obround or obround‐dolabriform distal lobes and the ornamentation on the pollen grains has wider meshes.

Impatiensliupanshuiensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China.

Impatiensliupanshuiensis (Balsamianceae), belonging to I.subgen.Impatiens, is recognised as a new species from Guizhou, China and it is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to I.xanthocephala W.W. Sm. in its yellow flowers, extremely small basal lobes on lateral united petals, broadly-dolabriform distal lobes and funnelform lower sepal. However, it is distinctive in the number of lateral sepals, teeth on the margin of lateral sepals, the recurvature of the dorsal petal, the number of lateral veins, the shape and size of the lamina and the type of lamina margin. A detailed description of the new species and colour photographs are provided. Its geographical distribution and morphology are also compared to similar species.

Two New Species of Impatiens from China, and Taxonomic Insights into the Longifilamenta Group, Which Is Endemic to China.

Impatiens longshanensis (The LSID for the name Impatiens longshanensis is: 77219154-1) sp. nov. and I. lihengiana (The LSID for the name I. lihengiana is: 77219153-1) sp. nov., from Hunan, China, are described and illustrated here. The molecular phylogenetic study suggests that I. longshanensis and I. lihengiana should be placed in the I. sect. Impatiens. A detailed description, diagnostic characters between the two new species and allied species, pollen and seed morphology, and color photographs are provided. In addition, based on wide sampling, we found that the longifilamenta group, an endemic group to China, whose members have basal lobes of lateral united petals with long filamentous hairs, shows significant morphological variability. In this paper, we discuss the taxonomic significance of morphological characteristics within this group. Based on a literature review and observation of living materials in the field, an updated identification key for this group is also proposed.

Ignored Biodiversity in Acid Soil Islands in Karst Areas, South China: Impatiens longlinensis (Balsaminaceae), a New Critically Endangered Species

Abstract—The karst area in South China is notable for its fragile vegetation and unique flora with many narrow endemic species, and is one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, the biodiversity of acid soil areas scattered in the karst area have previously been underestimated. With a recent increase of new discoveries of plants and animals, the conservation of biodiversity in these acid soil areas has become urgent. This study deals with a new species, Impatiens longlinensis. The new species is similar to I. yui and I. lasiophyton in having pubescence, two lateral sepals, funnelform lower sepal, and linear capsule. But it can be distinguished by having orbicular to obovate dorsal sepals and oblong to elliptic lower and upper lobes of lateral united petals. Moreover, molecular data and micro-morphological evidence also support that the species is new to science. The new species is only known from a valley near the summit of Mt. Jinzhongshan within an area of less than 5 km2. Based on the Red List categories and criteria developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the threat posed by exploitation for tourism development, we categorize it as Critically Endangered (CR).

Impatiens shenglanii (Balsaminaceae), a New Species from Central China and Its Phylogenetic Position

Impatiens shenglanii Q.L. Gan & X.W. Li sp. nova (Balsaminaceae) is described and illustrated. It is the tallest among Chinese Impatiens, and somewhat resembles I. compta in having leaves with coarsely crenate margins, inequilateral ovate-orbicular lateral sepals, and a dorsal petal which is mucronulate at apex. However, I. shenglanii has a longer crista above the dorsal petal, lower sepal with an oblique mouth (vs. vertical in I. compta) and non-curved setose lateral united petals (vs. curved setose in I. compta). A preliminary molecular phylogenetic study suggests that I. shenglanii should be placed in Impatiens sect. Impatiens.

Impatiens serusiauxii (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Marojejy National Park, Madagascar

The new species Impatiens serusiauxii is described from Marojejy National Park in NE Madagascar. Impatiens serusiauxii differs from the morphologically similar I. manaharensis in the distinctly coriaceous linear-lanceolate leaves, the larger white flowers with dark red and yellow spots, the shape of the dorsal petal and the lateral united petals, and the shape of the lateral sepals and the lower sepal with spur oriented upwards. Impatiens serusiauxii is restricted to sclerophyllous montane cloud forest above 1100 m.

Impatiens tanyae (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, India

Impatiens tanyae, a new species from Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats area of Tamil Nadu, India is described and illustrated. The new species is allied with I. tomentosa B.Heyne ex Wight & Arn. but differs in its ovate leaves with a cordate base, pubescent on both surfaces, flower white, pedicels longer than leaves, pubescent throughout, spur incurved and 7 – 8 mm long, dorsal petal broadly ovate, lateral united petals with oblong claw, distal lobe white with pinkish blotch in centre.

Two new species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Putao, Kachin State, northern Myanmar

Two new species of the genus Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, are here described and illustrated. Impatiens casseabriae can be easily recognized by its narrowly elliptic to narrowly oblanceolate leaves, petioles up to 3 mm long, lower lateral united petals 25–40 mm long. Impatiens putaoensis differs from its closely related species I. xanthina in having light greenish yellow flowers, lateral sepals ovate to elliptic, lower lobe of united petals semilunar, upper lobe of united petals dolabrate, dorsal petal ovate to nearly orbicular, with a narrow inconspicuous dorsal crest. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of sequences from both nuclear ribosomal and plastidgenes confirm that the two new species are distinct from previously recorded species.

Impatiens galactica (Balsaminaceae), a new spurless species of section Trimorphopetalum from Madagascar

Impatiens galactica, a new species from lowland rainforest in Marojejy National Park, NE Madagascar, is described and illustrated. It belongs to Impatiens section Trimorphopetalum and is related to I. messmerae, also known from Mt. Marojejy. Impatiens galactica differs from the latter species in the shape of the lateral sepals, and in the dorsal petal and the lateral united petals being entirely glabrous and lacking small white scales. Furthermore, I. galactica has a distinct flower morphology with strongly reduced upper lobes of the lateral united petals. The lateral petals are thus resembling the lower case letter “b” or “d”, respectively. Additionally, it has unusually coloured yellowish white, semi-transparent flowers with an orange-yellow, shiny line along the midrib of the lower sepal, all of which are lacking in I. messmerae.

Impatiens tanintharyiensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Southern Myanmar

Impatiens tanintharyiensis Ruchisansakun, Suksathan & Saw-Lwin from the Tanintharyi region of Southern Myanmar is described and illustrated as a new species. The presence of connate lateral united petals and a four-locular ovary, as well as results of molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS and plastid atpB-rbcL spacer DNA sequences, suggest that the new species is a member of Impatiens section Semeiocardium (Zoll.) S.X. Yu & Wei Wang. The new species is morphologically most similar to I. spectabilis Triboun & Suksathan, but can be distinguished by its asymmetric flowers, saccate-bucciniform lower sepal, and shorter, slightly incurved spur. Floral traits, including the presence of a large floral chamber with a wide entrance, are consistent with the bee-pollination syndrome in Impatiens. Since I. tanintharyiensis is only known from two small populations, its conservation status is assessed as Endangered.

Impatiens wawuensis (Balsaminaceae): a new species from Sichuan, China

We describe Impatiens wawuensis B. Ding & S. X. Yu, a new species from Mt. Wawu, Sichuan Province, China. The new species is superficially similar to I. oxyanthera in having an inflorescence consisting of two pink flowers with a reddish vein. Differences include smaller leaves and flowers, lower sepals with shorter and slightly incurved spur, lower petal of lateral united petals with an elongate linear auricle inserted into the spur, and a fusiform capsule that is sparsely verrucous. We also present for the new species its seed micromorphology and palynological features under Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Impatiens baokangensis(Balsaminaceae), a New Species from Hubei, China

Impatiens baokangensis Q.L. Gan & X.W. Li, sp. nova (Balsaminaceae) is described from Baokang County, Hubei, China. It is similar to I. compta, but differs from it by distinct cristae on the abaxial surface of the dorsal petal (versus long rostrum at apex of dorsal petal), lower sepal that is concave at base (versus lower sepal protruding at base), and lower petal of lateral united petals being clawed (versus not clawed). Impatiens baokangensis is also somewhat similar to I. nasuta, and the distinguishing features include an abaxial midvein on dorsal petals with semi-circular cristae in I. baokangensis versus an arcuate, long rostrum in I. nasuta, wider upper petal of lateral united petals in I. nasuta, and longer capsules in I. baokangensis. Over 10 000 scattered individuals of I. baokangensis were found in a roadside ditch and at forest margins at the type locality.

Impatiens guiqingensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Gansu, China

Impatiens guiqingensis S. X. Yu (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Gansu Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is superficially similar to I. dicentra in having 1–2 flowered racemose inflorescences, lateral sepals with dentate margin, top of lower and upper petals of lateral united petals with bristle appendages, but differs from the latter by yellow flower, lower sepal without spur and dorsal petal with unapparent crest. Moreover, the occurrence of the new species is also different from the related one.

Impatiens shennongensis (Balsaminaceae): a new species from Hubei, China

A new species of the genus Impatiens is described from Hubei province, China. Although it shares some features with I. dicentra, such as single-flowered peduncles and a filamentous bristle terminating the upper of the lateral united petals, it possesses distinct traits such as shorter plant height, rhombic to sub-rhombic leaves, lateral sepals entire, and lower sepals navicular without a spur. We believe that this is a new addition to the speciose Impatiens genus, and propose the name Impatiens shennongensis Q. Wang & H.P. Deng. We also describe the new species in this paper in terms of SEM-based seed and pollen micromorphology.