Sporoxeia vietnamensis (Melastomataceae), a new species from northern Vietnam

A new species of Sporoxeia (Melastomataceae), S. vietnamensis, is described from northern Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to S. blastifolia in having obtusely quadrangular stems, slightly unequal leaf blades with cuneate bases, and two secondary veins on each side of midvein, but differs by having stiffly papery leaf blades, larger and densely horned hypanthia, larger calyx lobes with concave adaxial surface and convex abaxial surface forming a ridge, and larger petals. Photos and illustration are provided together with information of habitat, ecology and preliminary conservation assessment following IUCN criteria. An identification key to the Sporoxeia species is also provided.

Automated summary

A new species of Sporoxeia, named S. vietnamensis, is described in this article. It is similar to S. blastifolia in morphology, but can be distinguished by characteristics such as leaf blades, hypanthia, calyx lobes, and petals. Detailed information including photos, illustrations, habitat, ecology, and conservation assessment are provided, along with an identification key to the Sporoxeia species.