Phytotaxa 413 (4): 281–288 ISSN 1179-3155 (print edition)

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Article PHYTOTAXA
Copyright © 2019 Magnolia Press ISSN 1179-3163 (online edition)

https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.413.4.3

Justicia longipetiolata, a new species of Acanthaceae from Yunnan, China

YI TONG1, ZHELI LIN2 & YUNFEI DENG2,*
1
School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
2
Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, People’s Republic of China
* Author for correspondence. E-mail: yfdeng@scbg.ac.cn

Abstract

A new species of Justicia (Acanthaceae), J. longipetiolata, is described and illustrated from Yunnan, China. The new species
belongs to Justicia sect. Harnieria, and it is similar to J. championii and J. quadrifaria, but differs by the caudate leaf apex,
obviously long petiole, short calyx and the length ratio of calyx to mature capsule. It is assessed to be “Least Concern” (LC)
according to IUCN Red List Category and Criteria. Morphological characters of pollen grains and seeds are also reported.

Keywords: Justicia sect. Harnieria, Calophanodes, IUCN, pollen, seed, taxonomy

Introduction

The genus Justicia Linnaeus (1753: 15) in the broad sense is the largest genus in Acanthaceae and consists of about
600 species in the world (Graham 1988, Hu et al. 2011, Mabberley 2017). It proves to be polyphyletic and might be
further separated into several independent genera in recent molecular evidence (Deng et al. 2016, Kiel et al. 2017).
Before thorough worldwide taxonomic revision in Justicia, we follow the treatment of Graham (1988) to divide into
sixteen sections. Sect. Harnieria (Solms-Laubach 1867: 110) Bentham (1876: 1109) is a relative large section in the
genus, comprising approximately 80 species in the world and mostly distributed in Africa and Asia with two species
extending to Australia (Barker 1986, Hedrén 1989, Tong et al. 2016, Tong & Deng 2019).
During the investigation of the family Acanthaceae in Yunnan Province, China, a plant of Justicia sect. Harnieria
was found to be different from other Chinese species in the characters of leaf blade, bracts, and the ratio of the length
of capsule and calyx. The further studies showed that it represents a new species.

Materials and Methods

The collected specimens were examined under stereo dissecting microscope and the description was based on fresh
and dried material. The morphological comparison with related species in Justicia sect. Harnieria was based on studies
of herbarium specimens and information gathered from literature. Pollen grains and seeds were taken from dried
specimens (Y. Tong et al. 13100614) and mounted on aluminium stubs coated with gold in a sputter coater after being
cleaned in water using ultrasound, and then examined using scanning electron microcopy (SEM; JSM-6360LV). The
polar (P) axis and equatorial (E) diameter were measured by imaging analyzer (Smile View 2.1; JEOL Tokyo, Japan).
Pollen terminology follows Punt et al. (2007). Seed terminology follows Hedrén (1989) and Rueangsawang et al.
(2012).

Accepted by Jinshuang Ma: 27 Jul. 2019; published: 5 Aug. 2019 281

Taxonomic treatment

Justicia longipetiolata Y. Tong et Y.F. Deng, sp. nov. (Figs. 1–2)

TYPE:—China. Yunnan: Lincang Shi, Cangyuan Xian, Mengjiao Xiang, alt. 1200m, 6 October 2013, Y. Tong, Z.L. Lin, Y.L. Li, X.D. Ma
13100614 (holotype IBSC; isotypes IBSC, CSH).

FIGURE 1. Justicia longipetiolata. A. Flowering branch; B. Inflorescence bract; C. Bract; D. Bracteoles; E. Calyx; F. Corolla; G. Lower
lip; H. Upper lip; I. Inflorescence; J. Anther; K. Pistil; L, M. Capsule; N. Seed. (Drawn by Cui Dinghan from the specimen Tong et
al.13100614).

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FIGURE 2. Justicia longipetiolata. A. Habitat; B. Habit; C, D. Flowering branch; E, G. Inflorescence bract; F. Capsule; H. Flower from
front view; I. Leaf; J. Capsule with calyx.

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Diagnosis:—This new species is most similar to J. championii T. Anderson ex Bentham (1861: 264), but differs by the
leaf apex caudate (not obtuse to acuminate), petiole 2–5.5 cm long (not 0.5–1.5 cm long), inflorescence bracts minute,
less than 1 mm long (not leaf-like, longer than 2 cm long), obcordate (not round to obovate-spatulate) with 1–2 veins
(not 2–3 veins) on each side, calyx 4–5 mm long (not 7–9.5 mm) and ratio of the length of capsule and calyx 1.9–2.2
(not 0.89–1.06).
Description:—Perennial herbs or subshrub, to 20 cm tall. Stems round, densely pubescent, especially when
young, basally semi-woody. Leaves opposite; petiole obviously 2–5.5 cm long, sparsely pubescent; blades oval to rarely
oblong, 4–18 × 1–5 cm, thinly papery, apex caudate to shortly caudate, margin slightly undulate with white glandular
dots on teeth abaxially, base cuneate, decurrent onto the petiole, adaxially usually glabrous, abaxially pubescent along
the veins, densely punctate with grayish white strip-like cystoliths, midvein prominent on both surfaces, secondary
veins 6–8 on each side of midvein. Spikes axillary, abbreviated, with several sessile flowers clustered. Inflorescence
bracts leaf-like, sometimes absent, shortly petiolate, obcordate, 4–6.5 × 3–5 mm, apex emarginated or sometimes
obtuse, base decurrent onto the petiole, with 1–2 pinnately veins on each side, sparsely pubescent, punctate with white
strip-like cystoliths. Bract triangular, densely pubescent, less than 1 mm long; bracteoles linear, pubescent, 1–1.2 mm
long. Calyx 4–5.5 mm long, 5-lobed almost to the base; lobes nearly glabrous, linear-lanceolate with conspicuous
membranous margins and becoming to white whey dry. Corolla bilabiate, ca. 8 mm long, outside pubescent, especially
at throat, tube and upper lip white, lower lip white with purple patches; tube slightly shorter than limb; upper lip
triangular, erect, minutely 2-lobed, with one style furrow and 2 staminal furrow; lower lip 3-lobed, lobes imbricate,
suborbicular. Stamens 2, attached to corolla tube, exserted; filaments ca. 1 cm long, hirsute toward the base; anther
bithecous, thecae superposed, lower one with a white spur at base, anther connective pubescence. Ovary glabrous,
green, fusiform with nectary flower disc bowl-shaped at base; style ca. 5 mm long, sparsely hirsute at throat, stigma
un-lobed. Capsule fusiform, ca. 1–1.2 cm long, glabrous, base solid, apex acute. Seeds 4, compressed, heart-shaped,
squircle or obovate in outline, brown, 1.4–1.9×1.0–1.6 mm, tuberculate.
Distribution and habitat:—Justicia longipetiolata is so far known from SW China (Figure 3). It grows in the
thickets on the limestone hills, granite bedrock or acid soil of evergreen forest at elevations of 60−1800 m.

FIGURE 3. Distribution map of Justicia longipetiolata

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 Phenology:—The new species was recorded in flowering from August to October and fruiting from October to
November.
Etymology:—The specific epithet “longipetiolata” is derived from the Latin “longi-” meaning long, and
“petiolatus” meaning “of petiole” because the new species has the petiole to 5.5 cm long to be quite distinct in the
section.
Conservation status:—Justicia longipetiolata was collected from several different locations in SW Yunnan, China.
There is no indication that the population will decline considering its usually large population, effective reproduction
and adaption of the local habitat. No pharmacological or edibleuse of the new species is record in literature or folk
which keep it from human influences. The populations may be declined in limestone area due to the vulnerable karst
habitat itself and human activities. However, the species also grow in the thickets on granite bedrockor acid soil of
evergreen forest at elevations of 600−1800 m. Therefore, the new species J. longipetiolata is no likely to qualify for a
threatened category in the near future and is appropriate to be assessed as “Least Concern” (LC) according to the IUCN
Red List categories and criteria (IUCN 2017).
Additional specimens examined (paratypes):—CHINA. Yunnan: Cangyuan Xian, Bannao Zhen, Shangbannao
to Bangao, alt. 680–700 m, 19 June 1974, Y. H. Li 12370 (HITBC, KUN, SYS); Cangyuan Xian, Bannao Zhen, Silun
He, alt. 900 m, 31 October 1984, G. D. Tao & H. W. Li 40029 (HITBC, KUN); Jingdong Xian, Hsiao-chang-chieh, alt.
1100m, 16 December 1939, M. K. Li1549 (IBSC, KUN, PE, WUK); Jinggu Xian, Yongping Zhen to Jinglinqiao, alt.
850 m, 25 July 2004, H. Wang 7318 (HITBC); Jinghong Shi, Ganlanba, C. W. Wang 79909 (KUN); Gengma Xian, near
Menggao and Fudeng, alt. 600m, 5 December 1959, Yunnan University Investigation Team 693 (YUKU); Longling
Xian, near Jueyeba, alt.1500m, 4 August 1941, C. W. Wang 89925 (KUN); Longling Xian, Bizhai Xiang, Sanjiangkou
to Tianning, alt. 1365m, 5 October 2010, E. D. Liu et al.2794 (IBSC, KUN); Mangshi, Zhongshan, Manbing Cun,
alt. 1200m, 1 September 1958, R. L. Xiong 580252 (KUN); Mangshi, Wanmahe, alt. 575 m, 26 December 2012, H. J.
Dong et al. 902 (IBSC, KUN); Menghai Xian, Mengzhe Xiang to Mengman Cun, alt. 1200 m, 15 October 1998, B. G.
Li 9810062 (HITBC); Mengla Xian, Mengyuan, 9 December 1982, Expedition 34396 (HITBC, IBSC); Mengla Xian,
Menglun Zhen, alt. 850m, 24 October 1959, Tropical Resources Expedition 59-13550 (KUN); Shuangjiang Xian,
Bangduo to Nalai, alt.1300–1400m, 20 September 1957, J. S. Sin 1114 (IBSC, KUN, PE); Puer Shi, Longtan Xiang,
alt. 1800 m, 15 April 2000, H. Wang 4571 (HITBC, IBSC, QBG); Puer Shi, no exact locality, alt. 1200m, 29 July 2001,
H. Wang 4912 (HITBC, IBSC); Yingjiang Xian, Mangxian to Guli, 31 August 1976, S. J. Pei 14169 (HITBC, KUN);
Yunlong Xian, Pojiao Cun, alt. 1500m, 14 September 2013, Y. F. Deng 24949 (IBSC, CSH).

Pollen and seed morphology

Pollen grains 2-colporate, bilaterally symmetrical, elliptic in both polar and equatorial view, polar axis [P]=36.9±1.52μm,
equatorial diameter [E]=21.0±0.75μm, P/E=1.76±0.09, aperture area with 2 rows of 6–8 unequal-sized insulae,
ornamentation of the insulae microreticulate with few scattered granules between muri (Fig. 4: A–C).
Seeds compressed, heart-shaped, squircle or obovate, brown, 1.40–1.94 × 1.06–1.56 mm, testa densely tuberculate
with conspicuous rounded or oblong tubercles, ornamentation of tubercles irregular polygonal (Fig. 4: D-F).

Discussion

This species Justicia longipetiolata was misidentified in various herbaria as Justicia championii or J. quadrifaria
Anderson (1867: 514). However, it differs from J. championii and J. quadrifaria by the leaf apex caudate, petiole to
5.5 cm long, inflorescence bracts small and sometimes caducous, calyx shorter than 5 cm long, and capsule obviously
longer (usually more than 2 times) than the calyx. Detailed characteristic comparison between the three species is
presented in Table 1.

A NEW SPECIES OF JUSTICIA LONGIPETIOLATA Phytotaxa 413 (4) © 2019 Magnolia Press • 285
TABLE 1.Comparison of Justicia longipetiolata, J. championii and J. quadrifaria.
Justicia longipetiolata J. championii J. quadrifaria
Leaf shape oval to rarely oblong lanceolate, oblong to oval oval, oblong to rarely ovate
Leaf size 4−18 × 1−5cm 1–7(–10.5) × 0.5–2(–3.5) cm 5.5–6.5 × 1–2 cm
Leaf apex caudate obtuse to acuminate acuminate
Petiole length 2.0−5.5 cm 5–15 mm 5−7 mm
Lateral leaf vein 7(8) 6(7) 7(8)
large, obvious, round, obovate-
small, sometimes absent, obcordate small, obvious, ovate to obovate
Inflorescence bracts spatulate with 2−3 vein on each
with 1−2 vein on each side with 1−2 vein on each side
side
Calyx 4−5.5 mm, nearly glabrous 7−9.5 mm, pubescent 7−7.3 mm, pubescent
Calyx-capsuleLength
1.9−2.2 0.89−1.06 1.07−1.32
ratio
limestone regions, also granite
Habitat acid soil area acid soil area
bedrock or acid soil area
Distribution Yunnan Province, SW China South China and north Vietnam India and Bangladesh

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a valuable tool which can reveal many of these taxonomically useful
characters, and have the potential to reveal relationships that are obscure and difficult to demonstrate by other means
(Rajbhandary 2012). Characters of pollen grains and seed testa have proved valuable in sectional delimitation in the
genus Justicia (Graham 1988). The pollen grains of Justicia sect. Harnieria is characterized by 2-colporate, reticulate
exine ornamentation and traversed by 2 rows of unequal-sized insulae and the seed testa of Justicia sect. Harnieria
are rugulose-tuberculate with the apices of the projections pointed (Graham 1988, Hedrén 1989, Hu et al. 2005;
Rueangsawang et al. 2012, 2013, Tong et al. 2016, Tong & Deng 2019). We examined pollen and seed testa character
of the new species respectively. Our observation of the pollen and seed morphology of J. longipetiolata (Fig. 4: A–F)
is consistent with that of Justicia sect. Harnieria and is supported to place the new species into that section.

FIGURE 4. Pollen and seed morphology of Justicia longipetiolata under SEM and LM. A. Pollen grain in equatorial view; B. Pollen grain
in polar view; C. Exine ornamentation of pollen grain; D. Seed under LM; E. Seed under SEM. F. Seed testa.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the curators of following herbaria for their helps for our studies: HITBC, IBSC, K, KUN, L,
P, PE, QBG, WUK, SING, SYS, U, YUKU. Thanks also given to Mr. Cui Dinghan for preparing the line drawing.
This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 31700166),
Science and Technology Basic Work (Grant no. 2013FY112100), and the International Partnership Program of Chinese
Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 151111KYSB20170021).

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