Lasianthus formosensis Matsum. (1901: 17)

Dang, Van-Son & Naiki, Akiyo, 2023, A revision of the genus Lasianthus Jack (Rubiaceae) from Vietnam, Phytotaxa 581 (1), pp. 1921-1935 : 1921-1935

24. Lasianthus formosensis Matsum. (1901: 17) — Fig. 45 (plate), Fig. 42 (map)

Type: — CHINA. Taiwan, Y. Tashiro & S. Tanaka 131 (holotype TI!) .

Lasianthus tenuicaudatus Merr. (1931: 324) . Type:— CHINA. Guangdong, Y. Tsiang 822 (holotype IBSC!).

Lasianthus kwangsiensis Merr. ex H.L.Li (1943: 458) . Type:— THAILAND. Chanthaburi, Khao Soi Dao , 12 December 1924, Kerr 9618 (holotype K! [K000777028]; isotype E! [E00327853]).

Specimens examined: — VIETNAM. Northern: Ha Noi City, Ba Vi National Park, 1267 m elev., 17 November 2018, Dang V.S. & Naiki A., Dang 280 ( VNM, the herbarium of Iriomote Station (Japan)); in the same location, 1268 m elev., 17 November 2018, Dang V.S. & Naiki A., Dang 282 ( VNM, the herbarium of Iriomote Station (Japan)); Ninh Binh Province, Cuc Phuong National Park , 365 m elev., 18 November 2018, Dang V.S. & Naiki A., Dang 287 ( VNM, the herbarium of Iriomote Station (Japan)); in the same location, 368 m elev., 18 November 2018, Dang V.S. & Naiki A., Dang 288 ( VNM, the herbarium of Iriomote Station (Japan )) .

Distribution: —Widespread in tropical and subtropical regions in Asia ( China, Japan, Thailand). In Vietnam, Lasianthus formosensis occurs in Ha Noi, Ha Tinh, Ninh Binh and Thua Thien Hue.

Habitat & Ecology: —Growing in secondary montane forest, the edge of the forest, and an open area at 300–1300 m elev.

Phenology: —Flowering and fruiting from June to December.

Vernacular name: —Xú hưƠng nhiễu hoa.

Notes: — Lasianthus formosensis was clarified in the revisions by Zhu (2001) and Zhu & Taylor (2011). This species can be recognized in the field in having oblong to ovate-elliptic leaves, secondary veins 6–7 on each side of midrib, flowers grouped by 6–9, lanceolate calyx lobes longer than the tube, and fruit ovoid-globose, blue when ripe.

Figures

FIGURE 42. Distribution maps of Lasianthus fansipanensis, L. foetidissimus, L. fordii and L. formosensis.

FIGURE 45. Lasianthus formosensis Matsum.(A, G & H–J from Dang 282 and B–F from Dang 280, VNM and the herbarium of Iriomote Station (Japan)): A. Habit, B. Branch with flower buds, C. Stipules, D. Abaxial leaf surfaces, E–G. Inflorescence showing side view buds and flowers, H. young fruits, I–J. Mature fruits.