Primula weiliei (Primulaceae), a new species from Hubei, Central China

Abstract

In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, Primula weiliei L.S.Yang, Z.K.Wu & G.W.Hu, from the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province in Central China. It is morphologically assigned to Primula sect. Aleuritia based on its dwarf and hairless habit, long petiole, fruits longer than calyx and covered by farina on the scape. This new species is similar to P. gemmifera and P. munroi subsp. yargongensis in the same section, but it can be distinguished by its smaller calyxes, homostylous flowers, corolla tube throat without annular appendage and only 1–2 flowers in each inflorescence. Based on the assessment conducted according to the IUCN Red List criteria, we propose that P. weiliei be classified as a Critically Endangered (CR) species.