September 20, 2025

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

Key Points

Lanonia yunnanensis is identified as a new species with unique traits, including a single undivided middle leaf segment and curved fleshy inflorescences.
Using six molecular markers, the phylogenetic analysis revealed a strongly supported monophyletic clade for L. yunnanensis with a bootstrap value of 90%.
The study combines both morphological traits and molecular evidence to substantiate the classification of this taxon.
Identification keys for the species of Lanonia in China are provided, aiding in future botanical research and studies.

Abstract

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.

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