Taxonomic status of Orophea yunnanensis (Annonaceae), an endemic plant species in Yunnan, China

This study elucidates the taxonomic affinity of Orophea yunnanensis by considering whether it belongs to Orophea or Alphonsea. Integrating comparative morphological analysis of type and living materials, field investigations, and molecular phylogenetic evidence, we confirm that O. yunnanensis should be transferred to Alphonsea as a distinct species. A new combination Alphonsea yunnanensis (P. T. Li) Y. H. Tan & Bin Yang is proposed.

The mature floral morphology and fruits of A. yunnanensis are described for the first time based on wild-collected living specimens and recent herbarium collections. Detailed descriptions, color plates, and geographical distribution, and conservation assessments are provided.