An updated checklist of Theaceae and a new species of Polyspora from Vietnam

Abstract

By reviewing all scientific names from more than 60 literature, the provided checklist has updated 43 newly discoveries species from Vietnam in the past twenty years. Currently, 126 species and five varieties of five genera of Theaceae in the country according to APG4 classification system are recorded, of which, 95 species and two varieties of Camellia, 13 species of Polyspora, eight species and two varieties of Pyrenaria, seven species of Schima, and three species and one variety of Stewartia. Each species or variety in the checklist is provided with an accepted scientific name and references. In addition, a new species Polyspora cuongii is described and illustrated. This species was found in Dak Lak province, southern Vietnam. Diagnostic features of the new species are a small tree, 1-3 pink solitary clustered flowers, 2-3 mm long of pedicel, 3(-4) bracteoles, numerous stamens, and outer filament whorl adnate with petals. The described species clearly differs from closely related P. huongiana in numerous ways: a pubescent young branch, a narrow-obovate or oblong-obovate leave, a fewer secondary vein, a longer and sparse pubescent petiole, a shorter and pubescent pedicel, a abaxial surface pubescent and smaller petal, a 3-loculed ovary, a three free styles, as well as a smaller stigma.