The 2-lipped species of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae)

Journal article

Abstract:: The occurrence of the two-lipped calyx, used by Nees and Bremekamp as a defining character for the seven segregate genera, Adenacanthus, Buteraea, Larsenia, Parachampionella Perilepta, Triaenacanthus and Tetragompha, is traced through the genus Strobilanthes. It is shown to occur almost randomly, with little correlation with inflorescence or pollen characters and to intergrade with the common subeqnally five-lobed calyx. No justification can be found in this character for the creation of separate genera. Individual species with this character are reassessed. Broad concepts are proposed for Strobilanthes rufescens with the recognition of three subspecies, and for S. auriculata with the commonly cultivated Persian Shield accepted as var. dyeriana. The widely used but misapplied name for the Assam Indigo plant, Strobilanthes flaccidifolia, is shown to be based on a specimen that correctly belongs to S. denticulata. Pollen is shown to be of crucial importance in species delimitation, allowing separation of Strobilanthes tashiroi and S. mogokensis from morphologically similar species. Seven new species, Strobilanthes adpressa, S. bipartita, S. decipiens, S. heliophila, S. maxwellii, S. perplexa and S. tripartita are described and new combinations for S. decumbens and S. korthalsii are made.

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