Prunus huadongensis J.P. Li, Z.H. Chen et X.F. Jin, 2024

Li, Jun-Ping, Chen, Feng, Xie, Wen-Yuan, Wang, Jun-Feng, Mao, Li-Mi, Ying, Shang-Jiao, Chen, Zheng-Hai, Lou, Jia & Jin, Xiao-Feng, 2024, Neglected plants of Prunus L. (Rosaceae) in East China, Phytotaxa 669 (1), pp. 13-24 : 16-19

Prunus huadongensis J.P. Li, Z.H. Chen et X.F. Jin , sp. nov. ( Fig. 3 : A–J, Fig. 4 ) 华东m 【 Huá Dōng Yīng】

Type:— CHINA. Zhejiang Province, Jinhua City, Yongkang County, Yongkang Forest Farm , Yangxikeng Forest District , Lishan , in forest of northwest slope, alt. 698 m, 15 Mar. 2023, J. P. Li, Z. H. Chen, Y. Y. Hu et al. YK23031503 (fl., holotype: ZM!; isotypes: ZM!) .

Diagnosis:— This new species is similar to P. conradinae Koehne , but differs in having leaf blade glabrous on both surfaces, margin obtusely serrulate, teeth curved inward with a breast-like gland apically, and pedicel apically slightly thickened. In P. conradinae Koehne , the leaf blade adaxially usually glabrous or sparsely pubescent, glabrescent, abaxially sparsely pubescent on midvein and secondary veins, glabrescent, margin biserrate or sharply serrulate, teeth gradually or abruptly acute to acuminate, straight forward, and with a punctiform apical gland apically, pedicel apically not thickened. Pollen grains tricolporate, elliptical in equatorial view. Surface sculpture with relatively coarse striae, lacking distinctive perforations between striae. Colpus membrane granular.

Description: Trees, deciduous, to 12 m tall. Bark brown or purplish brown, with annular lenticels. Branchlets of 2- year-old and above purplish brown or dark purple, often densely lenticels; annual branchlets green or glossy purplish red, glabrous, prominent skin pores. Winter buds of leaf narrowly conical, flower buds ovoid, brown or purplish black, glabrous. Petiole 0.7–1.4 cm long, purplish red, glabrous, with 1–2 (–4) glands, glands green or purplish red, compressed-global; stipules linear or lacerate, 6–8 mm long, margin glandular, deciduous after flower; leaf blade obovate, obovate-oblong, rarely oblong, (4–) 7–11 (–15)×(2–) 3–6 cm, apex abruptly acuminate, long acuminate or caudate, base broadly cuneate or subrounded, rarely round-cordate or cuneate, margin obtusely crenate (leaf blade of germinating branch often sharply serrate), teeth incurved, slightly upwarped, apex with the mammary gland, abaxially pale green, adaxially green, glabrous on both surfaces, secondary veins 7–12 on either side of midvein. Inflorescences umbellate, 2–5-flowered; involucral bracts reddish brown or greenish brown, spatulate or narrowly obovate, apex obtusely rounded, 6–7× 3–4 mm, glabrous outside, densely pilose inside, margin with conical glands; peduncle (0) 2–5 (–10) mm, glabrous; bracts green or brownish, broadly flabellate or cuneate, ca. 2.5 mm, apex dentate fissured, apex with long-stalked narrowly conical glands, deciduous when fruiting. Flowers ca. 3 cm in diam., pendulous, blooming before leaves. Pedicel 0.5–1.8 cm long, glabrous. Hypanthium campanulate or tubular-campanulate, 4–5×2.8–3.0 mm, glabrous. Sepals triangular-ovate, ca. 4 mm, apex acute. Petals red, white or pink, oblong, ovate, or broadly ovate, 1.1–1.3× 8–10 mm, apically 2-lobed. Stamens 34–38. Style glabrous, shorter to slightly longer than stamens. Pollen grains tricolporate in polar view, elliptical in equatorial view, ranged from 31.1(27.3~32.9)×22.7(17.2~25. 8) μm. Pollen surface sculpture striate, relatively coarse in size, without distinctive perforations between the striate elements, colpus membrane granular ( Fig. 6 ). Drupe ovoid, red, 10.5 - 14.5×9.0 - 10.5 mm, base concave; pedicle apically slightly thickened. Endocarp globose, ovoid, or proovoid, ± sculptured.

Etymology:—The specific epithet ‘huadongensis’ refers to the distribution area of the new species which means East China.

Distribution:— It is distributed in the northwest eastern, central, southern and southwest regions of Zhejiang Province, as well as in the northern Fujian Province and northeastern Jiangxi Province, China.

Habitat:— It usually grows in the mountainous regions above 450 m above sea level, especially in deciduous broad-leaved forest and mixed coniferous broad-leaved forest above 800 m above sea level.

Phenology:—Flowering in March, fruiting in late April to early May.

Conservation assessment:—If a formal assessment were performed, we suggest Prunus huadongensis would be considered as Least Concern (LC) based on IUCN Red List (IUCN 2022).

Additional specimen examined (paratypes):— CHINA. Zhejiang Province: Hangzhou City , Lin’an District, Qingliangfeng, Longtangshan , in valley forest, alt. 900 m, 22 Apr. 2019, C. M. Tan & T. J. Liang 1904590 ( JJF) ; Qianqingtang , forest margin on slope near highway, alt. 900–980 m, 21 Jun. 2023, Z. H. Che & H. W. Zhang LA23062103 , LA23062104 , LA23062105 ( ZM) . Chun’an County, Linqi Town, in bush by roadside on slope, alt. 700–800 m, 1 Jun. 1959, Zhejiang Pl. Exped. 27713 ( PE, NAS) . Jinhua City, Yongkang County, Yongkang Forest Farm, Yangxikeng Forest District , Lishan , in valley forest, alt. 450 m, 15 Mar. 2023, J. P. Li , Z. H. Chen, Y. Y. Hu et al. YK23031501 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality and date, in forest of northwest slope, alt. 695 m, 15 Mar. 2023, J. P. Li , Z. H. Chen, Z. M. Weng et al. YK23031502 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality, 4 May 2023, J. P. Li et F. H. Li YK23050401 , YK23050402 , YK23050403 , YK23050404 (fr., ZM) . Pan’an County, Dapanshan, Huaxi , in forest by roadside, 25 Apr. 2015, F. G. Zhang & Y. Zhang DPS1535 ( ZM) ; the same locality, 25 Apr. 2015, F. G. Zhang, Y. Zhang & X.X. Ren DPS1544 ( ZM) ; Gaomushan, in forest on slope, alt. 1 164 m, 4 Jul. 2023, Z. H. Chen , F. H. Chi & G. Y. Li PA23070402 ( ZM) . Taizhou City, Tiantai County, Tiantaishan , under forest, alt. 3500 ft., 9 May 1924, R. C. Ching 1484 ( NAS, IBSC) . Lishui City, Liandu District, Baiyunshan, in forest on slope, alt. 711 m, 19 Apr. 2023, J. F. Wang , J. P. Zhong & Z. H. Chen LD23041904 ( ZM) ; Fengyuan Township, Baitan, Gaoji , Xiekeng , in valley forest, alt. 346 m, 12 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, F. Chen, W. Y. Xie et al. LD23031202 (fl., ZM) . Suichang County, 5 May 1959, Zhejiang Pl. Exped. 25834 ( NAS, HHBG) ; Jiulongshan, on way from Baishuiji to Huangjiping , 9 Apr. 2016, F. G. Zhang & Y. L. Xu Zhang 110 ( ZM) ; Xifan Township , in forest on slope, alt. 660 m, 30 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen & F. Chen SC23033001 (fl., ZM) . Songyang County, Andaihou , alt. 750 m, J. X. Wang 2032 ( PE) . Longquan County, alt. 1 310 m, May 1982, Anonymous 71 ( BJFC) ; Maoshan , in sparse forest, 12 may 1963, alt. 1 250 m, J. X. Wang 1397 ( PE) ; Pingnan Town, Pingtian Village, Kucukeng , forest margin on slope roadside highway, alt. 1 164 m, 21 Mar. 2023, L. X. Ye, L. Chen & Z. H. Chen LQ 23032102 (fl., ZM) ; Fengyangshan, Fengyangjian, in forest on slope, alt. 1 631 m, 22 Mar. 2023, L. X. Ye, L. Chen & Z. H. Chen LQ 23032201 (fl., ZM) . Qingyuan County, Hedi Town, Shangyanghu, forest margin on slope, alt. 1 250 m, 27 Jun. 2023, J. P. Zhong , W. W. Chen et S. L. Zhen QY 23062706 ( ZM) . Jingning She Autonomous County, Meiqi Township, Luxixia , on steep cliffs in valley, alt. 473m, 11 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, F. Chen, W. Y. Xie et al. JN23031102 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality and date, on steep cliffs in valley, alt. 462 m, 11 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, F. Chen, W. Y. Xie et al. JN23031103 (fl., ZM) ; Chimushan, Caoyutang , in forest on slope, alt. 1160 m, 10 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen et al. JN23031004 ( ZM) ; the same locality, Madame Tang Temple, Forest margin near ridge, alt. 1 503 m, Z. H. Chen, X. Liu et X.D. Pan JN23041408 ( ZM) ; Jiulong Township, Gaoshen Village, Xiekeng , in valley forest, alt. 349 m, 12 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, F. Chen, W. Y. Xie et al. JN23031205 (fl., ZM) ; Jingnan Township, Miaokeng Village, in forest on slope, alt. 896 m, 13 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, X.D. Mei , W. Y. Xie et al. JN23031303 (fl., ZM) ; Wangdongyang, forest margin near wetland, alt. 1301 m, 13 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, X.D. Mei , W. Y. Xie et al. JN23031304 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality and date, in valley forest, alt. 1215 m, Z. H. Chen, X.D. Mei , W. Y. Xie et al. JN23031305 ( ZM) . Wenzhou City, Taishun County, Wuyanling, Tonglingtou , in forest on slope, alt. 975 m, 13 Mar. 2023, Z. H. Chen, X.D. Mei , W. Y. Xie et al. TS23031301 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality, alt. 990 m, 14 Apr. 2023, X. Liu, Z. H. Chen & X. D. Pan TS23041402 ( ZM) . Jiangxi Province: Shangrao City, Yanshan County, Wuyishan, Dakeng, forest margin on slope, alt. 1 200 m, 14 Apr. 2009, C. M. Tan 09512 A ( FJSI, JJF) ; the same locality, alt. 1 152 m, 5 Jun. 2019, F. B. Chen , L. J. Zeng & Q. M. Zhu 19079 ( FJSI) . Fujiang Province: Nanping City, Wuyishan County, Tongmuguan , in sparse forest, alt. 1 200 m, 19 Mar.1982, Y. T. Zhang 82022, 82023, 82033 ( FJSI) ; the same locality and date, Sangang , alt. 600 m, Y. T. Zhang 82010 ( FJSI) ; the same locality, Xingcun, Guandun, in forest, alt. 900–1 100 m, 28 Apr. 1981, Wuyi Exped. 2278, 2305 ( FJSI) ; the same locality, on way from Tongmuguan to Huanggangjian, in sparse forest, alt. 1 200 m, 2 May 1981, Wuyi Exped. 2423 ( FJSI) .

Prunus huadongensis var. pubipes J.F. Wang, J.P. Li et W.Y. Xie , var. nov. ( Fig.1 : K–O, Fig. 5 ) AE华东m【 Máo Huá Dōng Yīng 】

Type:— CHINA. Zhejiang Proivnce, Lishui City , Longquan County, Pingnan Town , Pingtian Village , Kucukeng , forest margin at mountain foot roadside highway, alt. 1 134 m, 13 Mar. 2023, J. F. Wang & J. P. Zhong LQ 23031301 (fl., holotype: ZM; isotypes: ZM) .

Diagnosis: —It differs from var. huadongensis in having leaf blades appressed-pubescent on abaxial veins, branchlets, petioles, peduncles, pedicels, outside base of hypanthium and sepals all spreading pubescent, leaf blade margin obtusely biserrulate. Pollen size, aperture and overall sculpture pattern are close to Prunus huadongensis , but pollen sculpture is fine striate with dense perforations between the striate elements.

Etymology:—The variety epithet ‘pubipes’ refers to the leaf blades appressed-pubescent on abaxial veins, branchlets, petioles, peduncles, pedicels, outside base of hypanthium and sepals all spreading pubescent.

Distribution: —It is currently only known to be distributed in Yongkang County and Longquan County, Zhejiang Province, China.

Habitat: —It grows in forest margin at mountain foot, or in coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests in mountainous areas with an altitude of 800–1200 meters.

Phenology:—Flowering in March, fruiting in late April to early May.

Additionally specimens examined (Paratypes): CHINA. Zhejiang Province: Jinhua City , Yongkang County, Yongkang Forest Farm, Yangxikeng Forest District, Lishan , in forest of eastsouth slope, alt. 843 m, 15 Mar. 2023, J. P. Li , Z. H. Chen, Z. M. Weng et al. YK23031504 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality, 28 Mar. 2023, J. P. Li , S. Y. Ying & F. H. Li YK23032801 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality, 20 Apr. 2023, J. P. Li & Z. H. Chen YK23042004 (fr., ZM) ; the same locality, 4 May 2023, J. P. Li & F. H. Li YK23050405 (fr., ZM) ; the same locality, 9 Jun. 2023, J. P. Li , J. P Zhong & Z. H. Chen YK230062901 (fr., ZM) . Lishui City, Longquan County, Pingnan Town, Pingtian Village , Kucukeng , forest margin at mountain foot roadside highway, alt. 1 134 m, 21 Mar. 2023, L. X. Ye, L. Chen & Z. H. Chen LQ 23032101 (fl., ZM) ; the same locality, 30 Apr. 2023, J. F. Wang , J. P. Zhong & D. H. Wu LQ 23043001 ( ZM) .

Figures

FIGURE 1. Syntype specimens of Prunus conradinae. A. E. H. Wilson 3b (A00032028); B. E. H. Wilson 5 (A00032029); C. E. H. Wilson 7 (A00032032); D. E. H. Wilson 11 (A00032033); E. E. H. Wilson 3 (A00032027); F. Veitch Exped. 152 (A00032034).

FIGURE 3. Line drawing of Prunus huadongensis var. huadongensis (A–J) and var. pubipers (K–O). A. fruiting branchlets; B, N. teeth with glands; C. petiole and stipules; D. K. flowering branchlet; E. involucral bracts; F. bracts; G, L. longitudinal sections of flower; H. petal; I. pistil; J, O. endocarp; M. pubescent on leaf adaxially and stipules. Drawn by Xiao-Feng Jin.

FIGURE 4. Morphological characters of Prunus huadongensis. A. trunk; B. branchlets and winter buds; C. leaf blade; D. teeth with glands; E. inflorescences; F. involucral bracts; G. bracts; H. petals; I. longitudinal sections of flower; J. fruiting branchlets; K. drupe; L. endocarp. Photo credits: Zheng-Hai Chen (A–E, H–K); Jun-Ping Li (F, G, L).

FIGURE 5. Morphological characters of Prunus huadongensis var. pubipes. A. branchlets and petiole; B. leaf blade abaxially; C. teeth with glands; D. petiole and glands; E. inflorescences; F. flowers: G. fruit stem and drupe; H. drupe base; I. endocarp. Photo credits: Jun- Ping Li (A–D, H–I); Zheng-Hai Chen (Eb, Fb, G); Jian-Ping Zhong (Ea, Fa).

FIGURE 6. Scanning electron micrographs of pollen grains of Prunus huadongensis and Prunus conradinae. A–C. Prunus huadongensis. A. pollen grain, equatorial view; B. Close-up of pollen colpus; C. surface showing striate sculpture without perforations. D–F. Prunus conradinae. D. pollen grain, polar view; E. details of colpus; F. exine striate sculpture with dense perforations. (A–F). Pollen morphology examination by Li-Mi Mao.