A team of researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified a new species of flowering plant, Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus, in the limestone forests of southeastern Yunnan Province, China. This discovery was published in Nordic Journal of Botany.

The new species was first discovered in Maguan County by Prof. SHUI Yumin of KIB in 2005 during a botanical survey. However, it remained unidentified until two additional populations of the species were found in neighboring Hekou County in 2021, by XTBG researchers.

After comparison with similar species, specimen examination and literature review, the researchers confirmed that the populations represent a new taxon belonging to P. sect. Cystacanthus.

Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus is a perennial herb to shrub reaching to about 1 meter tall. It is morphologically similar to P. pyramidalis in type of inflorescence as well as shape and size of flowers. However, its striking yellowish-green corolla with dark brown to yellow throat patches, creamy-white filaments marked by pink stripes, and leathery leaves adorned with grayish-white patches distinguish it from its closest relative, P. pyramidalis.

Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus  thrives in limestone forests at elevations of 100–700 meters. Its known populations are clustered near the China-Vietnam border, suggesting potential distribution in northern Vietnam. However, with only three documented populations, the species has been provisionally classified as Data Deficient (DD) under IUCN criteria, highlighting the need for further field studies to assess its conservation status.

Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus was observed flowering in March–June, and fruiting in April–August.

Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus (Image by XI Houcheng)

Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus (Image by XI Houcheng)

Phlogacanthus xanthophyllus (Image by XI Houcheng)

Published : 28 March 2025