Primula daguanensis (Primulaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China

Primula daguanensis W. B. Ju, B. Xu & J. Ru is described and illustrated as a new species from Daguan County, Yunnan Province, China. It is assigned to the Primula sect. Petiolares subsect.

Davidii based on its conspicuous bud scales, which are membranous and persistent at anthesis, and its coriaceous, efarinose leaves. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) shows it to be closely related to P. tridentifera of subsect. Petiolares, and morphological comparisons support its recognition as a distinct new species.

It resembles P. epilosa, P. tridentifera, and P. bergenioides but can be distinguished by the following characters: petiole 1.0– 4.5 cm long; leaves efarinose and obovate to oblanceolate, with undulate-dentate margins; abaxial reticulate veins inconspicuous, lateral veins 5–7 pairs; calyx parted to one-third, with broadly triangular lobes; and corolla lobes truncate at the apex, dentate, and bearing an annulus. P. daguanensis is currently known only from the collection locality, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.