Asarum majale (Aristolochiaceae), a New Species from the Suzuka Mountain Range, Kinki District, Japan

Abstract

A new species, Asarum majale T. Sugaw., is described from north of the Suzuka Mountains, Kinki District, Japan. Asarum majale is allied to A. fauriei var. takaoi, which has a wide distribution from Kinki to Hokuriku and the southwestern part of Chubu District, and also to A. dilatatum, which is restricted to Mt. Nonobori to the south of the Suzuka Mountains. Asarum majale is distinguished from them by the larger calyx tube, longer anthers, gynoecium positioned lower than the entrance to the calyx tube, and anthesis from mid to late May. Asarum majale occurs at the foot of Mt. Fujiwara-dake, Mt. Fukuo-zan and Mt. Nihon-koba.