Lasianthus kbangensis V.S.Dang, Vuong & Naiki (2022: 292)

Dang, Van-Son & Naiki, Akiyo, 2023, A revision of the genus Lasianthus Jack (Rubiaceae) from Vietnam, Phytotaxa 581 (1), pp. 1921-1935 : 1921-1935

35. Lasianthus kbangensis V.S.Dang, Vuong & Naiki (2022: 292) — Fig. 59 (plate), Fig. 57 (map)

Type: — VIETNAM. Gia Lai province, K’Bang district, Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve , 1015 m elev., 20 April 2021, Van-Son Dang, Ba Vuong Truong, Ngoc Minh Tam Thao Duong, Ngan Thi Kim Le & Dinh Hiep Nguyen, Dang 463 (holotype VNM! [ VNM00045839 ]; isotypes HN! VNM! [ VNM00045840 ]) .

Specimens examined: — VIETNAM. Central: Gia Lai Province, K’Bang District, Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve , 1010 m elev., 24 April 2021, Van-Son Dang, Ba Vuong Truong, Ngoc Minh Tam Thao Duong, Ngan Thi Kim Le & Dinh Hiep Nguyen, Dang 463a ( VNM) .

Distribution: —Endemic to Vietnam (currently known only from Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve of Gia Lai Province).

Habitat & Ecology: — Lasianthus kbangensis is easily found under the shade of the primary evergreen forest at an elevation of 1000–1100 m.

Phenology: —Flowering and fruiting from March to September.

Vernacular name: —Xú hưƠng kbang.

Notes: — Lasianthus kbangensis was described from a Vietnamese specimen (Dang 463) by Nguyen et al. (2022). It is similar to L. oblongilobus H.Zhu (2002: 400) in its shrub habit, smooth on branches and branchlets, and glabrous leaves, but differs in having larger leaf blades, longer petioles, calyx lobes 4 (vs. 5), smaller corolla. Fruit color is also different when ripe.

Figures

FIGURE 57. Distribution maps of Lasianthus inodorus, L. japonicus, L. kbangensis and L. khanhhoaensis.

FIGURE 59. Lasianthus kbangensis V.S.Dang, Vuong & Naiki (from Dang 463, VNM): A. Fruiting branch, B. Stipules, C. Abaxial leaf surfaces, D–F. Inflorescences and flower buds, G–H. Young fruits, I. Mature fruit.