Lasianthus subglobosus H.Zhu, 2012

Zhu, H., Roos, M. C. & Ridsdale, C. E., 2012, A taxonomic revision of the Malesian species of Lasianthus (Rubiaceae), Blumea 57 (1), pp. 1-102 : 86

119. Lasianthus subglobosus H.Zhu , sp. nov.

Similis L. bruneensis H.Zhu , sed ramulis dense depressi-pubescentibus, foliis basi acutis, nervulis conspicuis, petiolis pubescentibus 5 mm longis et pyrenis 6 differt. —

Typus: Puasa­Angian 3967 ( holo K ; iso L), Malaysia ( Sabah), Tambunan, 1200 ft, 19/02/1934 .

Treelet, 2 m high; branchlets terete, densely depressed-pubescent. Leaves: blades lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 8–12 by 1.8–4.5 cm, coriaceous, pubescent on leaf nerves beneath, apex acuminate or caudate, base acute, midrib and nerves conspicuously prominent on both surfaces, nerves 5 –7 pairs, ascending at an angle of 50–60°, curved to the margin, nervules conspicuous on both surfaces, reticulate; petioles 0.5 cm long, pubescent. Stipules small, triangular, 1.5 – 3 mm long, pubescent. Inflorescences sessile, bracts inconspicuous. Flowers fascicular, sessile; calyx campanulate, 2 mm long, pubescent, calyx lobes 5, triangular, 1–2 mm long; corolla not seen. Drupes c. 3 mm diam, subglobose, puberulous, black, crowned by persistent small subulate-triangular calyx teeth; pyrenes 6, shallow sulcate on the abaxial face, triangular in transverse section.

Distribution — Endemic to Borneo.

Habitat & Ecology — In forest. Flowering and fruiting from February to December.

Note — This species is close to L. bruneensis , but differs from the latter in having branchlets densely depressedpubescent; leaves with an acute base, nervules conspicuous on both surfaces; petioles 5 mm long, pubescent; drupes with 6 pyrenes.