Mitreola brachypoda (Loganiaceae), a new species from south-eastern Yunnan, China

A new species of Loganiaceae, Mitreola brachypoda W. W. Pan, F. G. Deng & C. Xiong, from the karst regions of south-eastern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to M. bullata Y. S. Chen & J. J. Liao, but can be easily distinguished by a combination of characteristics, including the texture and shape of leaf blades, the type of inflorescence and corolla tube, the length of petiole, peduncle, corolla tube and lobes, as well as the colour of lateral veins and corolla.

At present, only one population of approximately 30–40 mature individuals has been confirmed from the type locality. The species is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.