Further clarification on Androsace mollis Hand.-Mazz. (Primulaceae), with a description of a new species of Androsace

Abstract

The syntypes (H.R.E. Handel-Mazzetti 8896 and H.R.E. Handel-Mazzetti 9280) of Androsace mollis Hand.-Mazz. are identified as two separate taxa based on critical examinations of herbarium specimens and field investigation. While H.R.E. Handel-Mazzetti 8896 has been designated as the lectotype of A. mollis, we describe the other taxon, represented by H.R.E. Handel-Mazzetti 9280, as A. chimingiana Y.Xu & G.Hao sp. nov. The new species is morphologically similar to A. hookeriana Klatt and A. laxa C.M.Hu & Y.C.Yang but can be easily differentiated by its white corolla and obovate bracts.