A new species and new section of Viola (Violaceae) from Guangdong, China

Scientists have identified a new species of Viola, named Viola hybanthoides, and established a new section, Danxiaviola, within the genus. This discovery was made from specimens collected at Mount Danxia in Guangdong, China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse flora. Viola hybanthoides is distinguished by its subshrub habit, an anterior petal with a uniquely long stalk-like claw (up to 3.5 mm), and exceptionally short upper petals (2.5–3 mm). These traits set it apart from other Viola species, which typically feature longer upper petals and lack such elongated claws. The research also provides an identification key to differentiate Viola sections in China, contributing valuable insights for botanical taxonomy.

Fan, Q., Chen, S., Wang, L., Chen, Z., & Liao, W. (2015). A new species and new section of Viola (Violaceae) from Guangdong, China. Phytotaxa, 197(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.197.1.2