Two New Lithophilus Species of Primulina (Gesneriaceae), P. chouweichuenii and P. gemma, from the Karst Regions of Guangxi, China

Abstract

Two new species with dazzling flowers of Gesneriaceae, Primulina chouweichuenii F.Wen and P. gemma F.Wen, are described from Guangxi, China. From a morphological perspective, the former species is similar and closely related to P. pseudoeburnea, while the latter resembles P. curvituba. Owing to their high ornamental value, both newly discovered species have been excessively collected and sold, leading to the brink of extinction even before their formal publication. As a result, both have been assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. Additionally, color plates of the two new species and their comparative species are provided herein for identification purposes.