Carex longicolla Tang & F.T. Wang ex Y.F. Deng, 2014

Deng, Yunfei, 2014, Carex longicolla (Cyperaceae), a new sedge from China, Phytotaxa 178 (3), pp. 181-188 : 182-186

Carex longicolla Tang & F.T. Wang ex Y.F. Deng , sp. nov. ( Figures 1 , 2 )

Species proxima C. truncatiglumae C.B. Clarke , a qua culmis foliates breviore, 5–10 cm longis, bractea inferiore inflorescentia longiore, spiculae 3–5, achiniis apice in collum cylindricum 1.5–2 cm longum achenium aequantes differt.

Type:— CHINA. Guangdong: Yingde Xian, Shakou xiang, Huashuishan , 820 m, in forest, 13 April 1943, Liang Baohan 84236 (holotype IBSC!; isotype IBK!) .

Perennial herbs. Rhizome short, caespitose. Culms arising from basal leaf-axils, 5–10 cm long, erect, compressedtrigonous, smooth or scabrid just below the inflorescence. Leaves basal, much longer than the stems, plicate to flat, long-attenuated, with scabrid margins, 20–50 cm long, 5–7 mm wide, surrounded at the base by brown, fibrous remains of old leaf-sheaths. Involucral bracts leaf-like, lowest as long as or longer than the inflorescence, shortly sheathing, upper ones much reduced; sheaths 3–10 mm long. Spikelets 3–5, approximate or lowest somewhat distinct; terminal spikelet staminate, cylindric, 1–1.5 cm long, ca. 2 mm wide, lateral ones single at the node, wholly pistillate, laxflowered, narrowly cylindric, 1.5–2.5 cm long, ca. 2 mm wide, their peduncles shortly exserted, smooth or scabrid, 0.5–1(–2) cm long. Staminate glumes ovate, apex rounded, ca. 2 mm long, brownish. Pistillate glumes broadly obovate, 2–3 mm long, apex obtuse, yellowish-brown. Periginia lageniform, longer than pistillate glumes, trigonous, 4–5 mm long, yellowish-brown, straight, suberect, strongly multinerved, minutely puberulous, scabrid on the margin upward, stramineous or greenish, shortly stipitate, apex gradually narrowed into erect neck for 1.5–2 mm long, orifice shallowly bidenticulate; stigmas 3. Nutlets oblong, triquetrous, 1.5–2 mm long, blackish, base stoutly stipitate, excavated, apex slightly constricted and re-expanded into a cylindrical truncate neck for 1.5–2 mm long, yellowish. Style base thickened, centred in the apical hollow of the nutlet.

Distribution and habitat:—The species is apparently endemic to South China as far known, occurring in Hainan, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces ( Fig. 3 ). It grows on wet place in the forest in limestone hills at 400–1500 m.

Phenology:—It was observed in flowering from February to March and fruiting from March to May.

Etymology:—The specific epithet is derived from the Latin “ longicollum ”, meaning “with long neck”, because the plant has a long neck between the nutlet and style.

Conservation status: —The species is widely distributed in S and SW China which cover more than 20 000 km 2. Therefore it should be considered Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN Red List Criteria ( IUCN 2001, 2011).

Additional specimens examined (Paratypes):— CHINA. Guangdong: Fengkai Xian, Heishiding Natural Reserve , 400–750 m, 2 November 1980, Unknown Colletor 770 ( CANT) ; Jiaoling Xian, Shihu Xiang, Dafengzhang , 1200 m, 9 May 1957, Deng Liang 4676 ( IBSC) ; Lechang Xian , in thicket, 8 May 1929, C. L. Tso 20292 ( IBSC, PE) ; Lianshan xian, Taihe zhen, Heishan cun, Dawushan , 700 m, on soil on side of trail, in dense forest, 6 March 2003, Krosnick Shawn with Deng Yunfei & Luo Shixiao 231 ( IBSC) ; Lianshan xian, Shangshuai Zhen, Jinjiling , 1000 m, ravine, 6 May 2000, Ye Huagu 3363 ( IBSC) ; Lianzhou city, Dadongshan Natural Reserve , 700 m, 28 April 1999, Deng Yunfei 13242 ( IBSC) ; Lin Ping District near Tsang Kung Temple, Kai Lin Mt. , Kau Lin Village and vicinity, fairly common, moist, growing on soli near a stream, 17 April 1940, B. S. Leung 169 ( PE) ; Longmen Xian, Nankunshan , in forest, 8 April 1981, Expedition to Nankunshan 71467 ( IBSC) ; Pingyuan Xian, Hulishan , 500–600 m, roadside, 9 October 1978, Deng Liang 4396 ( IBSC) ; Ruyuan Xian , in forest in limestone hills, 2 April 1934, Guo Subai 80126 ( IBK, IBSC) ; Yangchun Xian, Ehuangzhang Natural Reserve, Ye Huagu with Deng Yunfei , Zhou Lianxuan, Ye Yushi & Huang Shi 5667 ( IBSC) . Guangxi: Damiaoshan (now Rongshui) Xian , Bendong xiang, Jiuwandashan , Xiangcaopeng , 1200 m, 15 May 1957, Chen Dezhao 78 ( IBK, IBSC) ; Damiaoshan (now Rongshui) Xian , Bendong xiang, Jiuwandashan , Qiuyashan , 1150 m, 20 May 1957, Chen Dezhao 272 ( IBK, IBSC) ; Daxin Xian, Nalong Qu, Luweng Xiang , Xiaomingshan , 740–910 m, ravine, on the rock, 2 May 1957, Chen Shaoqing 12225 ( IBK, IBSC, PE) ; Huangjiang Xian , on slope, in forest, 1450 m, 21 May 1989, Qin Haining et al 892918 ( PE) ; Longsheng Xian, Huaping Natural Reserve , 1050 m, roadside, in forest, 4 May 2004, Jin Xiaofeng 1148 ( HTC, IBSC) ; Longsheng Xian, Dadi Xiang, Hongmaocong , Songshuling , on the slope, shade place, 22 May 1957, Qin Haofu et Li Zhongti 70119 ( IBK, IBSC) ; Napo Xian, Defu Natural Reserve, 1300 m, 28 April 1989, Expedition from South China Institute of Botany 262 ( IBSC, PE) ; Napo xian, Defu Natural Reserve , 1250 m, 8 April 1998, Qin Haining et al 135 ( IBSC) ; Yongfu Xian, Heshun Xiang, Chaoshanling , 29 July 1956, Li Guangxin 80 ( IBK, IBSC) ; Xingan xian, Huajiang Qu, Qianchan Xiang , Dachongkou , 29 May 1953, Expedition to Guangxi 994 ( PE) ; Zhongshan Xian, Guposhan , 500 m, roadside, in forest, 22 April, 2004, Wang Hong & Jin Xiaofeng 1011 ( HTC, IBSC) . Hainan: Baisha Xian, near Fandi Cun , 20 April 1940, Lau Shinki 26365 ( IBSC, KUN, PE) ; Lingshui Xian, Diaoluoshan , 950 m, primary forest, 28 November, 2000, MO-IBSC Expedition to Hainan 174 ( BM, IBSC, MO) . Hunan: Jianghua Xian, Majiang , April 1963, Qi Chengjing 30021 ( IBSC) ; Wugang shi, Yunshan, Talin , 1150 m, 15April 1997, Deng Yunfei 10045 ( IBSC) . Yunnan: Guangnan xian, Zhujie zhen, Jiaodedaqing , 2 May 1998, Qin Haining et al 3501 ( IBSC) ; Ping-bien (now Pingbian) Xian , Baimu-tan , 1250 m, 29 November 1939, Wang Chiwu 82867 ( PE) ; Pingbian Xian, Laoyuqing Xiang, Jiwo , Xinzhaichong , 23 March , 1954, Mao Pinyi 3525 ( KUN, PE) .

Specimens of Carex truncatigluma examined:— CHINA. Anhui: no precise locality, 15 May 1934 , P. C. Yieh 282 ( PE) ; Qimen Xian, Chawan , 9 May 1982, Su Songwang 82038 ( PE) ; Qimen Xian, Chawan , 9 May 1982, Su Songwang 82023 ( PE) . Guangdong: Boluo Xian , date sine, Wang Yingqiang 479 ( IBSC) ; Conghua Xian , Sanjiaoshan , Huangchayuan , 950 m, in forest, 7 April 1958 , Huang Zhi 44753 ( IBSC); Lianshan Xian, Shangshuai Zhen , Jinjiling , 1250 m, 5 May 2000 , Ye Huagu 3343 ( IBSC); Pingyuan xian, Chagan Xiang , Huangshuiping , Hulixia , 500–600 m, 24 April 1957 , Deng Liang 4401 ( IBSC); Shenzhen Shi, Wutongshan , Taishanjian , 750 m, ravine, in forest, 26 March 1999 , Expedition to Shenzhen 1202 ( PE); Tsengshing District (now Zengcheng Shi ), Naam Kwan Shan, 19 April, 1932, Tsang Waitak 20283 ( IBSC) ; Wai-yueng District (now Huiyang Xian), Kau Lung Fung , 16 April, 1932, Tsang Waitak 20060 ( IBSC, PE) . Guangxi: Longsheng Xian, Huaping, Cujiang , 21 April 1962 , Yuan Shufen & Liu Lanfang 5286 ( IBK, IBSC) . Guizhou: Kaili Xian, Leishan, Queniaozhai , 950m, in forest, wet place, 14 May 1959 , Expedition to South Guizhou 1641 ( KUN, PE) . Hainan: Dongfangn Xian, Ganen, Chunjiuling , 23 October 1933 , Liang Xiangri 63770 (PE); no precise locality, in 1955, Expedition to Hainan 278 ( KUN) . Hong Kong: New Territory , 900 m, streamside, roadside, 24 March, 1988, Chen Dezhao 262 ( IBSC) . Hunan: Chengbu Xian, Jiexi , 25 May 1954 , Li Zetang 1859 ( PE) ; Qiyang Xian, Dazhongqiao , Yuanzushan , 330 m, in forest, 23 April 1942, Chen Shaoqing 864 ( IBSC) ; Xinning Xian, Wanfeng , 850 m, 13 May 1985, Luo Yibo 2336 ( PE) ; Yizhang Xian, Datangkeng , 1000 m, streamside, wet place, 17 May 1957, Liu Linhan 471 ( IBSC, PE) ; Yizhang Xian, Mangshan , Baishuizhai , 550 m, in bamboo forest, 29 March 2004, Xiao Bozhong 2071 ( HNNU) ; Yizhang Xian, Mangshang , Huangchayan , 1100 m, on slope, 22 May 1996, Xiao Bozhong 2714 ( PE) ; Yongshun Xian, Xiaoxi , Citangya , 500–550 m, 4 June 1988 , Beijing Expedition 1070 ( PE) . Jiangxi: Lushan, Huangyan , unknown collector 4412 ( PE) ; Yongfeng Xian , Jiulianshan , 520 m, streamside, 5 April , 1993, Xie Qinghong 93138 ( IBSC) . Taiwan : Nantou Hsien , Jenai Hsiang , Chuoshe Forest Trail , 1500 m, mountain range, 2 March 2001 , Leong Wai-Chao 2217 ( PE); Taipei Hsien, Wulai Hsiang , Tatungshan , 121º33’11”E, 24º52’26”N, 850 m, bamboo planation, on mountain slope, 11 April 1999 , Leong Wai-Chao 1166 (PE). Yunnan: Foo-ning (now Funing) Xian , Ban-loun , 550 m, under woods, 11 April 1940 , Wang Chiwu 88386 ( IBK, KUN, PE) ; Fooning (now Funing) Xian , Ban-loun , 700 m, dense woods under dense shade, 10 April 1940, Wang Chiwu 88293 ( PE) . Zhejiang: Longquan Shi, Longquanshan, Anshang , Shiliting , 14 May 1933 , Chen Shi 1377 ( PE) ; Ningbo Shi, Tiantongshan , Linglongyan , 25 April 1932, Ho Yanyu 1016 ( PE) ; Zhuji Shi, Wuye , 16 April 1932, Chen Shi 74 ( PE) .

Relationship:— Carex longicolla can be easily distinguished from other species of C. sect. Lageniformes by its neck equaling to nutlet in length. The new species resembles C. truncatigluma , which is distributed in South China, Vietnam, Malaysia ( Tang 1999, Deng 2007, Dai et al. 2010), in nutlet slightly constricted at the apex and re-expanded into a cylindric, truncate neck. However, this species is easily distinguished from the latter by culms short, 5–10 cm long (not 10–30 cm long), at least lower bract longer than the inflorescence (not all shorter than the inflorescence), spikelets 3–5 (not 4–8), oppromiximate or lowest somewhat distinct (not distinct), periginia elliptic-lageniform (not lanceolate-lageniform), pistillate glume acute at apex (not emarginated with a short awn formed by extending midrib), neck between nutlet and style cylindrical (not subobconical), equalling to or longer than the nutlet (not shorter than nutlet), 1.5–2 mm long (not 0.5–1 mm).

The identification key to the species in Carex sect. Lageniformes is provided below.

Key to the species of Carex sect. Lageniformes

1a. Nutlets constricted at middle on angles. 2a. Culms, leaves, and bracts glabrous; leaves 2–4 mm wide ........................................................................................ C. ascotreta 2b. Culms, leaves, and bracts pilose; leaves 4–12 mm wide ....................................................................................... C. densipilosa 1a. Nutlets not constricted on angles. 3a. Culms central, developed from a leafy shoot; lateral spikes androgynaeceous. 4a. Terminal spike androgynaeceous................................................................................................................. C. palawanensis 4b. Terminal spike staminate. 5a. Periginia 3.5–5 mm; leaves 4–7 mm wide; culms 10–20 cm tall ............................................................. C. breviscapa 5b. Periginia 5–6.5 mm; leaves 2–3 mm wide; culms 5–10 cm tall................................................... C. rhynchachaenium 3b. Culms axillary or lateral at the base of a leafy base; lateral spikes pistillate. 6a. Inflorescence tall, equaling to longer than leaves. 7a. Staminate spikes linear, ca. 1 mm wide ........................................................................................................... C. ligata 7b. Staminate spikes linear-cylindric, ca. 3 mm wide .................................................................................... C. taihuensis 6b. Inflorescence short, much surpassed by leaves. 8a. Periginia 2–3mm .............................................................................................................................................. C. tenuispicula 8a. Periginia 3–6 mm. 9a. Neck as long as the nutlet........................................................................................................................... C. longicolla 9b. Neck shorter than the nutlet. 10a. Culms 5–7 cm tall; inflorescence 1–1.3 cm long; lateral spikes 0.5–1 cm long; glume acute at apex.. C. lageniformis 10b. Culms 5–30 cm tall; inflorescence 5–20 cm; lateral spikes 1.2–5 cm; glume emarginate at apex usually with a short awn formed by extending midrib. 11a. All involucral bracts shorter than the extending spikelets............................................... C. truncatigluma 11b. At least lower involucral bracts longer than the extending spikelets.................................. C. pleurocaula

Figures

FIGURE 1. Carex longicolla Tang & F. T. Wang ex Y. F. Deng, sp. nov. A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Staminate glume. D. Pistillate glume. E. Perigynium. F. Nutlet. Drawn by Liu Yunxiao based on Liang Baohan 84236.

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Carex longicolla Tang & F. T. Wang ex Y. F. Deng, sp. nov.

FIGURE 3. Distribution map of Carex longicolla Tang & F. T. Wang ex Y. F. Deng, sp. nov.