Home Biological sciences Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge Two new species of Kaempferia L. (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand

Two new species of Kaempferia L. (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand

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ตุลาคม 3 , 2020

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Asst. Prof. Dr Piyaporn SAENSOUK, a SCIMSU researcher, and colleagues discovered two new species of Kaempferia L. (Zingiberaceae) in Thailand.

ABSTRACT: Two new species of Kaempferia L. (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand consisting of Kaempferia maculifolia Boonma & Saensouk sp. nov. and Kaempferia takensis Boonma & Saensouk sp. nov. are described, illustrated, and photographed. The conservation status is provided for both new species. An identification key to the species of the Kaempferia genus in Thailand is also revised and presented.

Kaempferia maculifolia Boonma & Saensouk, sp. nov.

***Kaempferia maculifolia*** Boonma & Saensouk; A. habitat; B. inflorescence with flower; C. habit and rhizomes with roots; D. flower; E. lower surface of leaf; F. upper surface of leaf; G. dry bracts with old seeds. Photographed by Thawatphong Boonma.

***Kaempferia maculifolia*** Boonma & Saensouk; A. inflorescence; B. calyx; C. ovary sparsely hairy with epigynous glands; D. habitat; E. stamen with anther; F. labellum; G. lateral staminodes; H. lateral corolla lobes; I. dorsal corolla lobe; J. bracteole; K. bract. Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Conservation status: Only a few populations of K. maculifolia have been found, but it is expected to be found in adjacent areas as suitable habitats still seems to exist. Awaiting further field studies and observations, we suggest treating this rare and endemic species as data deficient (DD).

Distribution: Kaempferia maculifolia is endemic to Thailand, currently found in the type locality in Sa Bot District and Khok Charoen District, Lop Buri Province.

Ecology: In a deciduous forest, 80–150 meters above sea level.

Etymology: The specific epithet “maculifolia” is derived from two Latin words; “maculi” meaning “spots” and “folia” meaning “leaves” referring to its leaves with spots on the upper leaf surface.Notes: It was found that some parts of the edges of some leaves are minutely undulated.

Kaempferia takensis Boonma & Saensouk, sp. Nov

***Kaempferia takensis*** Boonma & Saensouk; A. habitat; B. pseudostems; C. habitat – before new leaves; D. flowers. Photographed by Watcharaporn Thongbai and Thawatphong Boonma.

***Kaempferia takensis*** Boonma & Saensouk; A. flower; B. labellum; C. habitat; D. bract; E. bracteole; F. dorsal corolla lobe; G. lateral corolla lobes; H. stamen with anther, anther crest and stigma; I. ovary with epigynous glands; J. lateral staminodes; K. calyx; L. inflorescence; M. corolla tube with calyx, ovary and stamen. Drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Conservation status: Only a few populations of K. takensis have been found, but it is expected more will be found in adjacent areas as suitable habitat still seems to exist. Awaiting further field studies and observations, we suggest treating this rare and endemic species as data deficient (DD).

Distribution: Kaempferia takensis is endemic to Thailand, Tak Province and Uthai Thani Province.

Ecology: In mixed deciduous forests rich in Bamboo 300–850 meters above sea level.

Etymology: “takensis” is derived from the name of “Tak Province”, where it was discovered.

Notes: The inflorescence appeared before the pseudostem from the same rhizome. The inflorescence and flowers were collected on 18 March 2019, while the pseudostems were collected on 15 November 2019.