Clematis mae (Ranunculaceae), a new species of C. sect. Meclatis from Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Clematis mae Z.Z.Yang & L.Xie, a new species of Ranunculaceae from Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to C. orientalis and C. glauca but can be distinguished for being a less hairy plant (hairy in C. orientalis), often 2-ternate leaves (1–2-pinnate for C. orientalis and C. glauca), lanceolate to linear-lanceolate leaflets (elliptic or ovate in C. glauca), larger flowers (smaller flower in C. orientalis) and narrowly lanceolate sepals with acute to slightly attenuate apex (narrowly oblong sepals in C. orientalis and ovate to broadly lanceolate sepals in C. glauca). The new species is endemic to the southern slope of North Tianshan Mountain in Central Xinjiang. The conservation status of the species is also discussed.