Rubus dianchuanensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae) from Sichuan and Yunnan, southwest China

Abstract

Rubus dianchuanensis, a new name for the species previously named as R. vicarius by W. O. Focke in 1911, is proposed. A detailed description, illustrations, and remarks on its phenology, ecology, and geographic distribution are provided. This raspberry (subg. Idaeobatus) is endemic to China and was only found in Sichuan and Yunnan, southwest China. Morphologically, it is most similar to R. ovatisepalus but clearly differs from the latter by having leaf densely white or grey tomentose abaxially, usually leaf-like bracts at the base of inflorescence, 1–6 cm long pedicels, and triangular-ovate sepals with acute to caudate apex.