Smilax weniae, a New Species of Smilacaceae from Limestone Areas Bordering Guizhou and Guangxi, China

A new species, Smilax weniae (Smilacaceae), from Southwest China, is described and illustrated. The new species bears peltate leaves, which was previously a unique feature of S. luei. However, it differs from the latter by having a broad ovate leaf blade, longer peduncle, and sexual dimorphic flowers. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species were placed in a unique position in a subclade of Old World Smilax based on ptDNA and nrITS sequences. Combining detailed morphological comparisons and molecular evidence, we validated that S. weniae is an undescribed new species. Moreover, the plastome characteristics of S. weniae are reported.

Automated summary

This article describes a new species - Smilax weniae, found in Southwest China. The species has unique peltate leaves and differs from a similar species in leaf shape, flower characteristics, and placement in a subclade based on genetic sequences. The research provides evidence for the validation of S. weniae as a new undescribed species and reports on its plastome characteristics.