Ficus motuoensis (Moraceae), a new species from southwest China

Abstract

A new climbing species, Ficus motuoensis Zhen Zhang & Hong Qing Li in Moraceae from southwest China has been described and illustrated in this paper. The new species resembles F. disticha, F. diversiformis and F. hederacea, but differs from these in the medium-sized acrophylls, shorter peduncle, as well as larger and spotted syconium. According to the morphological traits and phylogenetic placement, the new species belongs to Ficus subg. Synoecia sect. Apiosycea. Besides, the new species deviates from the common distribution pattern compared to the other members of sect. Apiosycea, indicating that it could be very useful for exploring the biogeography of sect. Apiosycea.