Three new species of Pilea (Urticaceae) from limestone karst in China

Abstract

Three hitherto undescribed species of Pilea (Urticaceae) from limestone karst in China are described and illustrated. Affinities of the species are discussed and Global Species Conservation Assessments presented. The new species are Pilea cavernicola A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles P. scripta (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Wedd. and P. gracilis Handel-Mazzetti, Pilea shizongensis A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Endangered) which is most similar to Pilea aquarum Dunn and Pilea guizhouensis A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Vulnerable) which resembles Pilea boniana Gagnep. and P. rubriflora C. Wright most closely.