Parnassia zhengyuana sp. nov. and P. simianshanensis sp. nov.: two new species of Parnassia (Celastraceae) from karst caves and Danxia landform in southwest China

Two new species of Parnassia, Parnassia zhengyuana and P. simianshanensis, have been discovered in the mountainous regions of Chongqing City, southwest China. Parnassia zhengyuana, found in a limestone cave near Mt Jinfo, is characterized by its spoon-shaped leaves and undivided staminodes with green apices. Parnassia simianshanensis, discovered on red sandstones in the Danxia landform of Mt Simian, stands out due to its rhombic leaves and unique four- or five-branched staminodes. Both species are assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) for P. zhengyuana and Vulnerable (VU) for P. simianshanensis according to IUCN criteria. The study highlights the significant role of karst and Danxia landforms in the speciation process, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity and conservation challenges of these unique habitats.

Zhang, Y.-J., Zhang, J., Liu, Z.-Y., & Ren, M.-X. (2019). Parnassia zhengyuana sp. nov. and P. simianshanensis sp. nov.: two new species of Parnassia (Celastraceae) from karst caves and Danxia landform in southwest China. Nordic Journal of Botany, 37(10). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.02414