Microchirita is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, subfamily Didymocarpoideae.It contains 48 species native to tropical Asia, ranging from the Indian subcontinent to Indochina, southern China, Malaysia and Thailand
Weber, A.; Middleton, D.J.; Clark, J.L. & Möller, M. (2020), "Keys to the infrafamilial taxa and genera of Gesneriaceae", Rheedea, 30 (1): 5–47, doi:10.22244/rheedea.2020.30.01.02
Most similar to Microchirita limbata C.Puglisi in the overall shape of the corolla and in colour, but differs in not having a glandular indumentum and in the much longer corolla and larger calyx. – TYPE: Thailand, Loei, Pha Khao, ..., 447 m, 5 November 2014,
Similar to Microchirita huppatatensis C.Puglisi in general appearance and the mostly white corolla of similar overall shape but differs in the larger upper corolla lobes (8–9 × 7–8 mm in M. candida, 3–3.5 × 3.5–4 mm in M. huppatatensis) that are strongly laterally reflexed (not or only weakly laterally reflexed in M. huppatatensis), the lack of darker markings in the throat (dark purple- brown markings in M. huppatatensis), the ventral surface with the yellow stripe not being strongly raised (strongly raised in M. huppatatensis) and the ovary glabrous throughout (eglandular pubescent in upper part in M. huppatatensis). Type: Thailand, Rayong, Klaeng, Khao Tham Rakhang Thong, 10 m, 18 Sept. 2021, Tetsana, Suddee, Puudjaa, Thanan- thaisong, Hemrat, Phankien & Daonurai 2259 (holotype BKF [SN232948]; isotypes BKF [SN232947, SN232946], E, K, SING).
Herb to ca 80 cm tall; stem succulent, dark purple at base, purple to greenish purple higher, glossy, stems glabrous or with only occasional eglandular hair. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 1.7–3.6 cm long, glabrous; blades extremely thin, dull green above, dull pale green beneath, ovate, 4–25 × 2.7–14.7 cm, base cordate to rounded, apex short acuminate, margin entire, ciliate, 8–22 pairs of secondary veins, tertiary venation reticulate but largely inconspicuous, with sparse eglandular hairs above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, 1–10-flowered; peduncles reduced; bracts absent; pedicels 16–23 mm long, with occasional eglandular hair. Calyx green, lobes narrowly ovate, 6–10 × 1.2–2.6 mm, apex acute to acuminate, ciliate with eglandular hairs and with a few scattered eglandular hairs outside on midline and towards apex, inside with a few hairs near apex. Corolla ca 22 mm long, white throughout except for yellow stripe on ventral surface, this slightly raised, tube narrow and strongly curved downwards in lower 2⁄3, then abruptly widening into wide upper tube, ventrally slightly pouched, upper lip erect with lobes laterally strongly reflexed, sparsely eglandular hairy outside on upper tube and lobes, with shortly-stalked glands inside upper tube and base of upper lobes; tube 13–17 mm long dorsally, 18.5–21 mm long ventrally, 12–14 mm laterally between lips; lobes elliptic, apices rounded, upper lobes 8–9 × 7–8 mm, overlapping, lateral lobes 5–7 × 9–11 mm, ventral lobe 6–9 × 10–11 mm. Stamens attached at 7–10 mm above corolla base; filaments curved, ca 2 mm long, glabrous; anthers white, glabrous, 1.5–2 × 2–2.3 mm, held at a right angle, connected at the apices by a ligature; staminodes inconspicuous. Nectary annular, margin subentire to 5-crenate, 0.7–0.9 mm high. Pistil enantiostylous, 9.5–14 mm long, glabrous throughout; ovary 3–4.5 mm long, ca 1.1 mm diameter, glabrous throughout; style curved, 6–9.5 mm long; stigma ca 1 mm, bilobed, lobes rounded. Fruit pale green, 2.3–4.2 cm long, 2–2.3 mm wide, glabrous.
Provisional IUCN conservation assessment.— Data Deficient (DD). The species is only known from the type collection. The population size, Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy are unknown.
Notes.— This species is particularly distinctive due to the large upper corolla lobes that are laterally reflexed in the only known material. However, it should be noted that in other species, this character can be variable.
🔴Microchirita chonburiensisD. J. Middleton & C. Puglisi
Similar to Microchirita hypocrateriformis C.Puglisi in the overall shape and size of the corolla but differs most conspicuously in the bright yellow corolla (mostly white or mostly blue in M. hypo- crateriformis) and the indumentum of primarily glandular hairs on the pedicels (eglandular in M. hypocrateriformis). Also similar to M. rayongensis in the overall shape and size of the flower but differs in the primarily yellow corolla (white in M. rayongensis) and the pubescent upper half of the pistil (glabrous in M. rayongensis). It is currently the only known yellow-flowered species with a more or less flat-faced corolla and exposed anthers. Type: Thailand, Chon Buri, Bo Thong, Khao Tham Mi, 90 m, 17 Sept. 2021, Tetsana, Suddee, Puudjaa, Thananthaisong, Hemrat, Phankien & Daonurai 2258 (holotype BKF [SN232944]; isotypes BKF [SN232945], E, SING).
Herb to 30 cm tall; stems succulent, lower part greenish purple, upper part green, sparsely puberulent with mix of glandular and eglandular hairs. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 0.4–1.5 cm long, sparsely puberulent with mix of glandular and eglandular hairs; blades very thin, dull green, ovate, 6.3–16.3 × 2.9–6.4 cm, base cordate to rounded, apex short acuminate, margin entire, ciliate, 8–16 pairs of secondary veins, tertiary venation obscure, with sparse eglandular hairs and very occasional glandular hair above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, emerging at apex of petiole, ca 8-flowered, with glandular hairs of differing lengths throughout, occasional eglandular hair in lower parts; peduncles reduced; bracts absent; pedicels 10–11.5 mm long, with glandular hairs and few longer eglandular hairs. Calyx divided to base, lobes narrowly ovate, 7.5–9 × 0.9–2 mm, apex acute, with glandular and eglandular hairs, ciliate margin mostly eglandular, inside with few eglandular hairs at apex. Corolla 23–24 mm long, bright yellow throughout, tube slightly paler, tube narrow, strongly bent downwards in middle, expanding into short upper tube and flat-faced limb, outside mostly eglandular pubescent, partly glandular, inside lower tube glabrous,
the mouth papillose and with robust glands on the upper lip and lobes, lower lobes glabrous; tube 13.5–16 mm long dorsally, 18–19 mm ventrally, 13–14 mm laterally between the lips; upper lobes elliptic, 2.5–5 × 4–6 mm, apex obtuse to rounded; lateral lobes broadly ovate, 5.5–6 × 8–9 mm, apex obtuse to rounded, ventral lobe broadly ovate, 5.5–7 × 9.8–11 mm, apex obtuse to rounded. Stamens attached at 9.5–11 mm above corolla base; filaments curved, purple, ca 1.8 mm long, sparsely glandular and eglandular puberulent; anthers globose, ca 2 × 2 mm, held at a right angle, covered in hairs that originate from the insertion of the anther onto the filament, connected at the apices by a broad and transparent ligature; lateral staminodes ca 0.7 mm long. Nectary annular, margin subentire, ca 0.8 mm high. Pistil 10–12 mm long; ovary 4.5–5 mm long, ca 1 mm diameter, lower half glabrous, upper half eglandular puberulent; style 5.5–7 mm long, glabrous; stigma glabrous. Fruit (mature?) ca 4.5 cm long.
Thailand.— SOUTH-EASTERN: Chon Buri [Bo Thong, Tham Khao Ha Yot, 100 m, 15 Sept. 2021, Tetsana et al. 2238 (BKF [SN232987, SN232988], SING); Bo Thong, Khao Tham Mi, 90 m, 17 Sept. 2021, Tetsana et al. 2258 (BKF, E, SING)].
Distribution.— Only known from Bo Thong District in Chon Bur
Similar to Microchirita woodii D.J.Middleton & Triboun in the overall shape and size of the corolla but differs in the dark coloration of the throat forming an almost continuous ring (only in line with the lateral lobes of the lower lip in M. woodii), the lack of hairs on the anthers (with a dimorphic indumentum of long brown hairs and short white hairs in M. woodii) and the glabrous pistil (papillose at the base, pubescent above in M. woodii). Also similar to M. huppatatensis in general appearance but corolla only slightly raised along a ventral line (distinctly so in M. huppatatensis), anthers glabrous (small patch of short hairs in M. huppatatensis) and pistil glabrous (glabrous in the basal 2⁄3, apically eglandular hairy in M. huppatatensis). Type: Thailand, Rayong, Khao Chamao, Tham Neramitra, 70 m, 17 Sept. 2021, Tetsana, Suddee, Puudjaa, Thananthaisong, Hemrat, Phankien & Daonurai 2251 (holotype BKF [SN232985]; isotypes BKF [SN232986], E, SING).
Herb to ca 30 cm tall; stems succulent, sub- glossy green, with occasional white hair. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 0.4–2 cm long, glabrous; blades very thin, dull green above, pale green beneath, ovate, 8.5–30 × 5.2–16.5 cm, base cordate to rounded, apex short acuminate, margin entire, 6–18 pairs of secondary veins, tertiary venation obscure, sparsely to mid pubescent above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, emerging at apex of petiole and base of lamina, ca 8–12-flowered; peduncles reduced, glabrous; bracts absent; pedicels 5–9 mm long, with sparse eglandular hairs. Calyx divided almost to base, lobes narrowly ovate, 9.5–14 × 1.8–3.5 mm, apex acute to acuminate, margin sparsely ciliate towards apex, outside glabrous or with few eglandular hairs along the midrib and by the apex, inside with few eglandular hairs at the tip. Corolla 21–28 mm long, white outside,
สำนักสงฆ์ถ้ำเนรมิต เขาชะเมา ตค25
outer part of lobes white inside, throat dark purplish red to brown in a ring, pale greenish yellow ventrally turning into a yellow slightly raised portion on the lower lip, pale diffused yellow at base of all lobes inside, tube narrow at base, slightly bent downwards in middle, upper tube gradually flaring to limb, outside tube glabrous at base, upper tube and base of lobes with long eglandular hairs, inside with a ring of short glandular hairs around throat, these sparse or absent ventrally; tube 18–19 mm long dorsally, 15–17 mm ventrally, 13–16 mm laterally between lips; upper lobes compressed orbicular, apices rounded, entire upper lip ca 5 × 11 mm with the two lobes only slightly distinct with a sinus of ca 1.5 mm, lower lip with lateral lobes compressed orbicular, ca 7 × 9.5–11 mm, apices rounded, ventral lobe elliptic, ca 8.5 × 13 mm, apex rounded. Stamens attached at 8–10 mm above corolla base; filaments short, curved, 1.2–1.5 mm long, glabrous; anthers 1–1.6 × 2–2.5 mm, glabrous, apices connected by a ligature; staminodes inconspicuous. Nectary annular, ca 0.7–1.1 mm, margin subentire. Pistil enantiostylous, ca 13–14 mm long, entirely glabrous; ovary 5–7 mm; style ca 8 mm long; stigma bilobed, ca 1 mm long. Fruit 3.5–4 cm long, ca 2.5 mm wide.
Thailand.— SOUTH-EASTERN: Rayong [Khao Chamao, Tham Neramitra, 70 m, 17 Sept. 2021, Tetsana et al. 2251 (BKF, E, SING); ibid., Khao Noi Subdistrict, Wat Tham Suwan Phu Pha, 50 m, 25 Nov. 2020, Tetsana et al. 1965 (BKF)].
Distribution.— Only known from Khao Chamao District in Rayong.
Ecology.— On karst limestone in dry evergreen forest.
🔴Microchirita glandulosa C.Puglisi
น่าน สองแคว สาคร เขาตำปลาคัง
Similar to Microchirita involucrata (Craib) Yin Z.Wang and M. rupestris (Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah) in having bracteate inflorescences. Differs from both in the bracts being fused only at the base (i.e. not divided as in Microchirita involucrata and not fused into a cup as in M. rupestris), in the dimorphic indumentum of sparse, long eglandular hairs and dense short glandular hairs on the leaf (eglandular indumentum in M. involucrata and M. rupestris), and in the tripartite calyx. It differs further from Microchirita involucrata in the serrate margin of the bracts and from M. rupestris in the much smaller size of the bracts. – TYPE: Thailand, Nan, Song Kwaw, Sakoen, Khao Tham Plakang, 750 m, 3 September 2006, Watthana, S. 2126 (holotype QBG; isotype CMU).
Type: Thailand, Uthai Thani, Lan Sak, Huppatat Non Hunting Area, D. J. Middleton, C. Hemrat, P. Karaket, C. Puglisi & S. Suddee 5689 (holotype BKF).
Recognition. Very similar to Microchirita woodii, differing in the indumentum of the anthers, the smaller flower, the more prominent yellow ventral stripe, and the acuminate leaves.
.
Notes.Microchirita huppatatensis is most similar to M. woodii, a species only known from Nan province. Both species share a corolla colour pattern of mostly white with a yellow ventral stripe surrounded by purple-brownish spots. The two species, however, differ significantly in the size of the corolla (much larger in M. woodii), the leaf ratio (higher in M. huppatatensis), leaf apex (acute, not acuminate, in M. woodii), leaf size (much larger in M. woodii), and the basal inflorescence, which can be compound in M. woodii. In living material the following additional differences in the corolla are observed, but these, unfortunately, are not preserved in dry or rehydrated flowers. The overall mouth shape is depressed in M. woodii and apically compressed in M. huppatatensis; the yellow stripe that runs down the inner, ventral part of the corolla is strongly raised in M. huppatatensis and much less so in M. woodii, which also has the ventral part of the tube linear, not pouched.
ภาพเปรียบเทียบ 4 ชนิด
A หยาดอุทัย | Microchirita personata; B บุหงาหุบป่าตาด | M. huppatatensis; C ศรีเห็มรัตน์ | M. hemratii; D บุหงาอุ้มผาง | M. lilacina.
Habitat. Lithophyte, on bank over limestone rocks in secondary forest.
Conservation Status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii,iv)+B2ab(iii,iv)]. This species is only known from the type collection growing in a mixed population with Microchirita personata.
Etymology. The new species is named after the type locality
🔴Microchirita hypocrateriformisC.Puglisi
สวนสวรรค์ /ชัยภูมิ คอนสาน วัดถ้ำหลวงพ่อ ถ้ำฮวงโป
มี2สี
🔴Microchirita involucrata(Craib) Yin Z.Wang
น้ำดับไฟ / สุราษฎร ปัตตานี เขาเต่า
กรุงชิง 28/07/25
คลองพนม สุราษฎร ตค25
Microchirita involucrata มี 3 var.
var. capitis เกสรเพศผู้เกลี้ยงไม่มีขน
var. involucrata เกสรเพศผู้มีขน
var. gigantiflora ดอกใหญ่กว่าทุก var.
ด้านล่างเป็นชนิดย่อยเฉพาะถิ่นขนอม
Microchirita involucrata var. gigantiflora
ม่วงขนอม
Tai cabin ท่าศาลา
Microchirita involucrata var. gigantiflora is an annual plant of the Gesneriaceae family, endemic to Thailand. This variety is known for its large flowers and is found specifically in the Kanhom District of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. It was formally described by C. Puglisi in 2017 and is a recognized variety within the Microchirita genus.
Differing from the other small white-flowered species by the combination of the curved and longer corolla, pubescent anthers, the disc being of one broad lobe, and the mainly glabrous ovary. – Type: Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao District, Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Tam Pak Piang, 530 m alt., 20 Sept. 2008, Middleton, Karaket, Triboun, Kawatkul & Meeboonya 4526 (holotype BKF; isotypes E, P, QBG). Fig. 3A–D.
Herb to 60 cm tall, stems fleshy, purplish red or reddish at base, green higher. Leaves opposite
4526 (BKF, E, P, QBG); Chiang Dao District, Kio Phawok border checkpoint, 750 m alt., 30 Sept. 2009, Middleton, Lindsay & Suksathan 5017 (BKF, E, QBG); Chiang Dao District, Dan Pha Wok, 740 m alt., 20 Aug. 1999, Watthana, Suksathan & Argent 559 (QBG); Chiang Dao District, Road to Wiang Haeng, 610 m alt., 21 Sept. 2008, Middleton, Karaket, Triboun, Kawatkul & Meeboonya 4536 (BKF, E, QBG); Doi Chiang Dao, 600–650 m alt., 28 Aug. 1935, Garrett 1002 (K)].
เชียงดาว by Mam
Microchirita karaketii is most easily distinguished from the species currently called M. hamosa in the more downwardly curved corolla and long tuft of downward pointing hairs arising from the anthers near the insertion with the filament. It also differs in the papillose ovary at least in the lower half (sometimes pubescent in upper half - it is densely pubescent throughout in the species currently called M. hamosa), the single wide disc lobe on the ventral side of the flower which half surrounds the base the ovary (of one or two narrow lobes in the species currently called M. hamosa), and usually in the two purple spots either side of the central yellow stripe on the inside ventral surface of the corolla. This last character is also rarely present in the species currently called M. hamosa but the majority of those specimens have the yellow stripe but no purple spots. The specimens of the species currently called M. hamosa that do have purple spots have the same corolla shape, glabrous anthers, pubescent ovary and 2 disc lobes as typical in that species. In Microchirita karaketii the anthers are always attached to each other at their lobes 2.4 by 4 mm; lower lobe 1.8–3 by 4 mm. Stamens inserted at 3.2–4 mm from corolla base; filaments 2.2–2.5 mm long, glabrous; anthers 1.1–1.2 by 2.2–2.5 mm, cohering by apices, with dense hairs near junction of upper anther locules and filaments. Disc half surrounding base of ovary, 0.6 mm high. Ovary 5.5–6.5 mm long, papillose in lower half, densely pubescent in upper half; style 3.3–4 mm long, densely pubescent; stigma bifid, lobes 1 mm long.
Thailand.— NORTHERN: Phrae [Rong Kwang District, Tham Pha Nang Khoi, 210 m alt., 17 Aug. 2012, Middleton, Karaket, Suddee & Triboun 5618 (BKF, E, P, QBG, SING)]; Lampang [Ngao District, near Tham Pha Thai, 520 m alt., 24 Sept. 2008, Middleton, Karaket, Triboun, Kawatkul & Meeboonya 4580 (BK, BKF, E, P, SING); Chae Hom District, Bansa subdistrict, Bansa Village, road to Chae Hom, 400 m alt., 15 Oct. 2006, Palee 1027 (CMU)].
Ecology.— Dry evergreen or mixed deciduous and bamboo forest on karst limestone at 210–520 m altitude.
Etymology.— Microchirita suddeei is named in honour of Dr Somran Suddee, one of the collectors of the type specimen and who has given us such invaluable help and expertise in the field over many years.
TYPE: “described from a plant which flowered in Aberdeen in Jul 1928. It was raised from seed of Kerr 9750 which was collected on Kao Sakan, 6 November 1928” (lectotype ABD, designated by Wood (1974: 194); isolectotype E [E00155281]).
Similar to Microchirita tubulosa (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton in the crested inflorescence, large flower, narrow lower corolla tube and abruptly wider upper tube, and in the hairs on the anthers, but differ in the larger corolla (27–32 mm long in M. poomae and 17–25 mm long in M. tubulosa), the corolla being predominantly purple with no darker lines either side of the ventral yellow stripe in M. poomae (white and with dark lines either side of the ventral yellow stripe in M. tubulosa), and the much less hairy plant overall in M. poomae. It is also similar to M. suwatii D.J.Middleton & C.Puglisi in the overall shape and colour of the flower but the corolla is smaller (27–32 mm long vs 36–41 mm long),
there are glandular hairs on the outside of the corolla (eglandular hairs only in M. suwatii), and the ovary is glabrous (densely pubescent in M. suwatii). Microchirita poomae differs from M. tetsanae C.Puglisi in being overall much less pubescent, the corolla lobes not overlapping nearly as much, and the corolla tube abruptly flaring (gradually so in M. tetsanae); from M. limbata C.Puglisi, it differs in the longer corolla (14–16 mm in M. limbata), the straight filaments (geniculate in M. limbata) and the lack of glandular indumentum; from M. albocyanea C.Puglisi, it differs in the slightly larger corolla (21–25 mm in M. albocyanea) which broadens more abruptly in M. poomae, the straight filaments (geniculate in M. albocyanea) and the lack of dimorphic anther indumentum. Type: Thailand, Saraburi, Phraphutthabath [Phra Phutthabat], Khunkhol [Khun Khlon], Tham Makak, 50 m alt., 20 Nov. 2005, Pooma, Berg & Poopath 5719 (holo- type BKF [SN180974]; isotypes BKF [SN174470], E [E00629478], L)
Caulescent herb ca 50 cm tall, internodes to 6–13 cm; stems succulent, glabrous except for very occasional isolated small eglandular hair. Leaves opposite, apart from the basal leaf; petioles 0.5–1.7 cm long, glabrous except for very occasional and isolated eglandular hair and even more occasional glandular hair; blades green above, paler green beneath, ovate, 7–20 × 3.9–14 cm, 1.4–2.3 times as long as wide, base subcordate to obtuse, apex acute to short acuminate, sparse minute hairs above, even more sparsely so beneath, minutely ciliate along the margin, margin entire, 5–15 pairs of secondary veins, venation slightly raised beneath, tertiary venation inconspicuous. Inflorescences cristate, 6–14-flowered; fused peduncle/pedicel bases 2–5 mm long, glabrous except for minute sessile glands; bracts absent; pedicels 7–16 mm long, glabrous except for minute sessile glands. Calyx pale green, tube ca 1 mm long,
Differs from the other blue- and purple-flowered Microchirita species by the combination of epiphyllous inflorescence and the narrow base of the corolla tube which abruptly widens into a wide campanulate upper tube. – Type: Thailand, Chanthaburi, Kaeng Hang Maeo, Khao Chamao National Park, Wat Khao Wong Kot, 30 m alt., 27 Aug. 2012, Middleton, Karaket, Suddee & Triboun 5681 (holotype BKF; isotypes A, BK, E, K, P, QBG, SING).
Annual erect herb 0.25–1 m tall; stems fleshy, green, tinged red, with sparse stiff multicellular- uniseriate hairs. Leaves opposite; petiole 2–9.5 cm long (although sometimes with new shoot associated with epiphyllous inflorescence arising from apex of petiole thereby effectively making leaf sessile), reddish, with sparse stiff multicellular-uniseriate hairs; blades thin, pale green above and beneath, ovate, 8.5–20.5 by 6–9.5 cm (although considerably smaller in shoots arising from apex of petiole), base cordate, apex acuminate, often fraying towards apex, midrib flat above, 9–23 pairs of secondary veins, steeply ascending, tertiary venation not visible, sparsely covered with stiff multicellular-uniseriate hairs above and beneath. Inflorescence epiphyllous at petiole/blade junction with immature flowers held down towards the midrib with the pedicels curving upwards as the corolla matures and opens and then continuing to curve back away from leaf blade as corolla falls (with the inflorescence therefore appearing as a crest with the immature flowers towards the midrib and developing fruit towards the stem); pedicels 20–30 mm long, with dense stiff multicellular-uniseriate hairs. Calyx pale green, 5-lobed to base; lobes narrowly ovate, 7–9.5 by 1.5–2.3 mm, apex long acuminate, indumentum as on pedicels.
Corolla dark purple, slightly paler in tube and on lobes, tube narrow at base, curved downwards, widening abruptly into campanulate upper tube and hardly spreading lobes, all lobes broadly orbicular with rounded apices, outside indumentum as on pedicels except glabrous at base of tube, inside glabrous except for stalked glands dorsally around level of anthers; lower tube 9–9.5 mm long, upper wider tube 10 mm long to base of lower lobes, 4 mm long to base of upper lobes; upper lobes 4 by 6 mm, sinus between them 2.5 mm deep; lateral lobes 6 by 9.5 mm; lower lobe 8.5 by 13 mm. Stamens inserted at point where tube widens, 2 fertile stamens and 3 staminodes; filaments arising perpendicular to corolla tube, 1.5 mm long, glabrous; anthers with apices pointing towards base of corolla, apices of two anthers attached to each other, 1.5 by 2.5 mm, glabrous except densely long pubescent near junction of upper anther locules and filaments; staminodes simple filaments inserted near base of corolla tube, 2 laterals 1 mm long, medial 0.7 mm long. Disc 1 mm long, a simple annular ring. Ovary fusiform, 5 mm long, glabrous; style 7 mm long, glabrous; stigma bifid into 2 flattened lobes 1.2 mm long. Fruit (immature) green not twisted, curved, ca 4 cm long, ca 2 mm wide.
Distribution.— Only known from the type locality.
Ecology.— Exposed karst limestone cliffs and more shaded cave entrance.
Etymology.— Named after the colour of the corolla.
Proposed IUCN conservation assessment.— Endangered (EN B2ab(iii)). This species is extremely common at the collection locality and can be observed occurring high up on rather inaccessible cliffs. It is a karst limestone specialist and at the site where it was collected there is only about 1 km2 of suitable habitat. The basal area of the outcrop
Thailand.— SOUTH-EASTERN: Chanthaburi [Kaeng Hang Maeo, Khao Chamao National Park, Wat Khao Wong Kot, 30 m alt., 14 Oct. 2025
Habitat. Lithophyte, on bank over limestone rocks in secondary forest.
Conservation Status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii,iv)+B2ab(iii,iv)]. This species is only known from the type collection growing in a mixed population with Microchirita personata. Therefore, the same justifications apply.
Etymology. The new species is named after the type locality.
Notes.Microchirita huppatatensis is most similar to M. woodii, a species only known from Nan province. Both species share a corolla colour pattern of mostly white with a yellow ventral stripe surrounded by purple-brownish spots. The two species, however, differ significantly in the size of the corolla (much larger in M. woodii), the leaf ratio (higher in M. huppatatensis), leaf apex (acute, not acuminate, in M. woodii), leaf size (much larger in M. woodii), and the basal inflorescence, which can be compound in M. woodii. In living material the following additional differences in the corolla are observed, but these, unfortunately, are not preserved in dry or rehydrated flowers. The overall mouth shape is depressed in M. woodii and apically compressed in M. huppatatensis; the yellow stripe that runs down the inner, ventral part of the corolla is strongly raised in M. huppatatensis and much less so in M. woodii, which also has the ventral part of the tube linear, not pouched.
Similar to Microchirita micromusa (B.L.Burtt) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton but differs in the longer and differently shaped corolla (ca 29 mm and ventrally slightly pouched in M. striata, 20–26 mm long and gradually flaring from narrow base in M. micromusa), the red lines in the corolla tube (absent in M. micromusa), glabrous filaments (sparsely eglandular hairy in M. micromusa) and anthers with a monomorphic hair type (dimorphic in M. micromusa). Also similar to M. elphinstonia (Craib) A.Weber & D.J.Middleton but differs in the pubescent stems (glabrous in M. elphinstonia) and the red lines in the corolla tube (two dark spots and no lines in M. elphinstonia). Type: Thailand, Lop Buri, Chaibadan, Wat Khao Tambol, 112 m, 11 Oct. 2017, Suddee, Hemrat & Kiewbang 5314 (holotype BKF [SN232936]; isotypes BKF [SN232937], SING). Fig. 7.
Thailand.— CENTRAL: Lop Buri [Chaibadan, Wat Khao Tambol, 112 m, 11 Oct. 2017, Suddee et al. 5314 (BKF, SING)].
Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the red lines ventrally in the corolla.
Provisional IUCN conservation assessment.— Data Deficient (DD). The species is only known from the type collection. The population size, Extent
Herb to 25 cm tall; stems succulent, pubescent with hairs of various lengths, slightly scabrid. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 0.6–1.5 cm long, short pubescent and with occasional longer hairs; blade ovate, 5.5–10 × 2.2–4.5 cm, apex short acuminate, margin entire, 6–9 pairs of secondary veins, short pubescent above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, emerging at apex of petiole and base of lamina, 6–8-flowered; peduncles reduced, glabrous; bracts absent; pedicels 9–11 mm long, densely eglandular pubescent. Calyx lobes divided almost to base, slightly asymmetrical or not, narrowly ovate, 10.5–12 × 2.5–3 mm,
🔴Microchirita rayongensisC. Puglisi & D. J. Middleton
Similar to Microchirita chonburiensis in the overall shape and size of the flower but differs in the primarily white corolla (yellow in M. chonburiensis) and the glabrous pistil (eglandular puberulent in upper half in M. chonburiensis). It also resembles M. hypocrateriformis but differs in the indumentum of eglandular and glandular hairs on the pedicels (eglandular only in M. hypocrateriformis) and the glabrous pistil (eglandular puberulent in upper half in M. hypocrateriformis). Type: Thailand, Rayong, Khao Chamao, Wat Tham Khao Prathun, 80 m, 15 Sept. 2021, Tetsana, Suddee, Puudjaa, Thananthaisong, Hemrat, Phankien & Daonurai 2230 (holotype BKF [SN232990]; isotypes BKF [SN232989, SN232991, SN232992], E, K, L, QBG, SING).
Herb to 30 cm tall; stems succulent, lower part purple, upper part purplish green to green, glabrous. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 0.5–1.9 cm long, glabrous or with few hairs; blades very thin, dull green with dark green secondary veins above, pale green beneath, ovate, 3.8–20 × 2.3–11 cm, base cordate to subcordate, apex short acuminate, margin entire, 6–15 pairs of secondary veins, tertiary venation obscure, sparsely to mid pubescent above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, emerging at apex of petiole, ca 4–5-flowered (but more maybe yet to develop), with sparse eglandular and glandular hairs of differing lengths throughout; peduncles reduced; bracts absent; pedicels 8–18 mm long
Microchirita tubulosa is a species of flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae (African Violet) family, recognized by botanists A. Weber and D. J. Middleton. This plant, also known by its synonym Chirita tubulosa Craib, is native to Thailand and can be identified by a distinct yellow line on the ventral (front) side of its flower, with the lobes differing in color from the tube.
🔴Microchirita viola(Ridl.) A.Weber & Rafidah
ม่วงพิสมัย/ พังงา
ถ้ำตลอด สงขลา 04/08/25
🔴Microchirita woodiiD.J.Middleton & Triboun
มาลัยฟ้อนเล็บ/ น่าน สวนป่าถ้ำผาเติบ
🔴𝑀𝑖𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑎 D. J. Middleton, Thananth., Tetsana & Suddee
Similar to Microchirita tetsanae C.Puglisi, M. thailandica C.Puglisi and M. poomae C.Puglisi & D.J.Middleton in the relatively large purple-blue flowers but differs in the larger corolla 36–41 mm long (17–26 mm long in M. tetsanae, ca 23 mm long in M. thailandica, 27–32 mm long in M. poomae), the pistil being densely eglandular pubescent except at very base (glabrous at least in lower 1⁄3–1⁄2 in M. tetsanae and M. thailandica, glabrous throughout in M. poomae). Also similar to M. albocyanea C.Puglisi but corolla larger (21–25 mm long in M. albocyanea), upper corolla tube purple (whitish in M. albocyanea) and anther hairs white (orange in M. albocyanea). Microchirita suwatii differs from
M. limbata C.Puglisi in having larger corolla (14–16 mm long in M. limbata) and eglandular hairs on the inflorescence (glandular in M. limbata). Type: Thailand, Loei, Mueang, Kud Pong, Phu Bo Bid Forest Park, 528 m, 12 Oct. 2017, Suddee, Hemrat, Suwannachat & Kiewbang 5317 (holotype BKF [SN232940]; isotypes BKF [SN232939], SING).
Herb to ca 26 cm tall; stem greenish purple, with sparse eglandular hairs. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 0.2–0.4 cm long, greenish purple, with few eglandular hairs; blades extremely thin, dull green above, dull light green beneath, ovate, 5.5–29 × 3.1–16 cm, base subcordate to rounded, apex short acuminate, margin entire, ciliate, 5–16 pairs of secondary veins, tertiary venation reticulate but largely inconspicuous, with scattered eglandular hairs above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, 3–9-flowered; peduncles reduced; bracts absent; pedicels 10–17 mm long, with sparse eglandular hairs.
Calyx lobes narrowly ovate, 9.5–13 × 1.5–2 mm, apex acute, ciliate with eglandular hairs and with a few scattered hairs outside towards apex. Corolla 36–41 mm long, lower half of tube white, upper half purple, lobes purple-blue, ventral surface inside paler with a yellow stripe, tube narrow at base, then strongly curved downwards and widening slightly, then suddenly expanding at point tube colour changes to purple, upper lip slightly reflexed, sparsely eglandular hairy outside except on midlobe of lower lip, the base of the upper lobes with few glandular hairs inside; tube ca 18 mm long dorsally, 26–28 mm long ventrally, ca 22 mm laterally between lips; lobes suborbicular, apices rounded, upper lobes ca 5.5 × 11 mm, lateral lobes ca 9 × 10 mm, ventral lobe 9–10 × 12.5–13 mm. Stamens attached at ca 14 mm above corolla base; filaments slightly geniculate around middle, pale green, tinged purple at knee, glabrous, ca 7 mm long; anthers white, with dense long white hairs at proximal end, ca 2.3 × 2.8 mm, apices of anthers connected by a ligature; staminodes not seen. Nectary annular, margin subentire, ca 0.8 mm high. Pistil enantiostylous, ca 21 mm long; ovary ca 8.5 mm long, 1.2 mm diameter, densely eglandular hairy throughout except at base for lower ca 2 mm; style strongly curved, ca 12.5 mm long, densely eglandular hairy; stigma ca 0.7 mm, bilobed, lobes rounded. Fruit and seeds not seen.
Herb to ca 80 cm tall; stem succulent, dark purple at base, purple to greenish purple higher, glossy, stems glabrous or with only occasional eglandular hair. Leaves opposite apart from the basal leaf; petioles 1.7–3.6 cm long, glabrous; blades extremely thin, dull green above, dull pale green beneath, ovate, 4–25 × 2.7–14.7 cm, base cordate to rounded, apex short acuminate, margin entire, ciliate, 8–22 pairs of secondary veins, tertiary venation reticulate but largely inconspicuous, with sparse eglandular hairs above and beneath. Inflorescences cristate, 1–10-flowered; peduncles reduced; bracts absent; pedicels 16–23 mm long, with occasional eglandular hair. Calyx green, lobes narrowly ovate, 6–10 × 1.2–2.6 mm, apex acute to acuminate, ciliate with eglandular hairs and with a few scattered eglandular hairs outside on midline and towards apex, inside with a few hairs near apex. Corolla ca 22 mm long, white throughout except for yellow stripe on ventral surface, this slightly raised, tube narrow and strongly curved downwards in lower 2⁄3, then abruptly widening into wide upper tube, ventrally slightly pouched, upper lip erect with lobes laterally strongly reflexed, sparsely eglandular hairy outside on upper tube and lobes, with shortly-stalked glands inside upper tube and base of upper lobes; tube 13–17 mm long dorsally, 18.5–21 mm long ventrally, 12–14 mm laterally between lips; lobes elliptic, apices rounded, upper lobes 8–9 × 7–8 mm, overlapping, lateral lobes 5–7 × 9–11 mm, ventral lobe 6–9 × 10–11 mm. Stamens attached at 7–10 mm above corolla base; filaments curved, ca 2 mm long, glabrous; anthers white, glabrous, 1.5–2 × 2–2.3 mm, held at a right angle, connected at the apices by a ligature; staminodes inconspicuous. Nectary annular, margin subentire to 5-crenate, 0.7–0.9 mm high. Pistil enantiostylous, 9.5–14 mm long, glabrous throughout; ovary 3–4.5 mm long, ca 1.1 mm diameter, glabrous throughout; style curved, 6–9.5 mm long; stigma ca 1 mm, bilobed, lobes rounded. Fruit pale green, 2.3–4.2 cm long, 2–2.3 mm wide, glabrous.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น