Leptochilus dolichophyllus (Polypodiaceae), a New Hemiepiphytic Species From Fujian, China
Key Points
Leptochilus dolichophyllus is recognized as a new species based on morphological and molecular data.
Molecular analysis shows that the new species forms a distinct clade with strong support in phylogenetic studies.
It exhibits a unique hemiepiphytic growth habit and features significantly longer fronds compared to similar species.
The complete plastid genome of L. dolichophyllus has been reported, contributing to the taxonomy of the Polypodiaceae family.
Abstract
ABSTRACT A new species, Leptochilus dolichophyllus (Polypodiaceae), from central‐northern Fujian, southeastern China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to Leptochilus leveillei , but differs by its hemiepiphytic habit and longer frond. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on three plastid regions ( rbcL , rps4 + rps4 ‐ trnS , and trnL + trnL‐trnF ) demonstrates that the new species represents a distinct and well‐supported clade. Both morphological and molecular data provide compelling evidence for the recognition of L. dolichophyllus as a new species. Furthermore, the complete plastid genome of this new species is reported.
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