Taxonomic treatment of nyctanthous species of Kaempferia subgen. Protanthium (Zingiberaceae), with two new infraspecific taxa endemic to Thailand

Nattapon Nopporncharoenkul; Weenussa Eakjamnong; Thunchanok Somnoo; Kittiyut Punchay

Authors

Nattapon Nopporncharoenkul Ofice of Natural Science Research, National Science Museum Thailand, 39, Moo 3, Khlong 5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
Weenussa Eakjamnong Ofice of Natural Science Research, National Science Museum Thailand, 39, Moo 3, Khlong 5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
Thunchanok Somnoo Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
Kittiyut Punchay Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, The Botanical Garden Organization, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand

Keywords:

Kaempferia albiflora, Kaempferia grandifolia, Kaempferia noctiflora, taxonomic circumscription, taxonomy.

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive taxonomic revision and species re-circumscription of the night-flowering (nyctanthous) Kaempferia subgen. Protanthium in Thailand. Based on extensive morphological and phenological investigations, two new infraspecific taxa are described and illustrated: K. albiflora var. longiflora and K. noctiflora var. villosa. The discovery of K. albiflora var. longiflora significantly expands the known morphological boundaries of the species, characterized by possessing the longest floral tube (up to 10.5 cm) recorded within the subgenus and distinct linear to narrowly lanceolate-oblong leaf blades. Concurrently, K. noctiflora var. villosa is distinguished from existing varieties by its robust upright habit, higher leaf number, and a densely villous indumentum on nearly all vegetative and floral parts. Detailed descriptions, geographical distribution, habitat, and phenology areupdated for allnyctanthous taxa. Furthermore, their conservation statuses are reassessed according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, with both new varieties being provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). Identification keys to the species and varieties withinK. albiflora, K. grandifolia, and K. noctiflora are also presented.

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