Lanonia yunnanensis (Arecaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China

Lanonia yunnanensis R. P. Kuang et J. W. Qin, a new species of Arecaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It differs from all other congeners in diagnostic traits including leaf blade with 5–7 segments, single undivided middle leaf segment, strongly ribbed rachis bracts, curved fleshy inflorescences, 1–2 pistillate partial inflorescences and densely arranged pistillate flowers. An identification key to the species of Lanonia in China is provided.

Six molecular markers (CISP4, MS, RPB2, matK, ndhF and trnD -trnT) were sequenced and analyzed through combined phylogenetic analyses using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. In the phylogenetic tree, four samples of L. yunnanensis from three populations formed a strongly supported monophyletic clade (ML bootstrap = 90%, BI PP = 1.0). Both morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence collectively support the recognition of this taxon as a new species.