Three new taxa and two noteworthy species of Peliosanthes (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae) from Laos and Vietnam

Abstract

Two new species, Peliosanthes annamensis and P. virescens from Dak Lak Province in southern Vietnam, are described and illustrated. The former is morphologically similar to P. crassicoronata, while the latter to P. argenteostriata. We also describe and illustrate one new variety, P. nivea var. acutiloba from Khammouane Province, central Laos. Peliosanthes divaricatanthera, formerly known from central Vietnam (Da Nang City) and SW China (Yunnan), was rediscovered in southern Vietnam (Dak Lak Province). Its illustrations and amended description based on new materials are provided. We also report P. micrantha, so far known from central and southernVietnam, as a new addition to the flora of Laos. Notes on their morphological and ecological aspects, taxonomic relationships to the respective congeners, and data on their habitats are provided as well.