A new species and a replacement name in Cynanchum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadeae) from China

Abstract

Cynanchum pingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae) from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Its deeply cordate to reniform leaves and campanulate, large flowers show that it is a member of former Raphistemma Wall., which has been included in Cynanchum L.. It is different from all former Raphistemma species by the broadly ovate corolla lobes, purple-red corolla and connivent corona tip slightly exceeding the corolla throat. Meanwhile, Cynanchum longhushanense G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, nom. nov. is proposed as replacement name for Raphistemma brevipedunculatum Y.Wan, which was considered a synonym of Cynanchum hooperianum (Blume) Liede & Khanum but is here reinstated as a distinct species because of significant morphological differences.