Myanmaranthus roseiflorus, a New Genus and Species of Marantaceae from Myanmar

Abstract

Myanmaranthus Nob.Tanaka, Suksathan & K.Armstr., a new genus of Marantaceae from northern Myanmar, is described with a single species, M. roseiflorus Nob.Tanaka & K.Armstr. Its relationship to all other genera in Asian Marantaceae is investigated through morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analyses based upon chloroplast (rps16 intron, trnLtrnF) and nuclear (ITS and ETS) sequences. Myanmaranthus differs morphologically from the most closely related genus, Phrynium Willd., in having a combination of the following characters: a rosulate habit, a loose paniculate inflorescence arising from the rhizome, the absence of interphylls and bracteoles, and fertile bracts each holding a single pink flower. Thus far, this new taxon is known only from the type locality in Kachin State, Myanmar. A key to the genera of Asian Marantaceae is provided.