A rare endemic Thai yam rediscovered: Dioscorea inopinata Prain & Burkill (Dioscoreaceae) and its affinities

Authors

  • Chirdsak Thapyai Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University
  • Paul Wilkin Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Kongkanda Chayamarit The Forest Herbarium, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department

Keywords:

Dioscorea inopinata Prain & Burkill, Dioscoreaceae

Abstract

Dioscorea inopinata Prain & Burkill was collected at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in 2002 for the first time in over 70 years. The specimens included female plants. This species was formerly known only from males. This allowed a full description and illustration of the species to be produced. The new morphological data are used to re-assess the plant’s relationships and origins. It appears to be a member of
Dioscorea sect. Enantiophyllum Uline with atypical wholly alternate leaves and obtuse to acuminate, more or less lanceolate tepals. It is endemic to Khao Sam Roi Yot and thus a candidate for autecological and conservation studies.

Author Biographies

Chirdsak Thapyai, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Paul Wilkin, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK.

Kongkanda Chayamarit, The Forest Herbarium, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department

The Forest Herbarium, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.

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How to Cite

Thapyai, C., Wilkin, P., & Chayamarit, K. (2014). A rare endemic Thai yam rediscovered: Dioscorea inopinata Prain & Burkill (Dioscoreaceae) and its affinities. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany), (32), 151–158. Retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ThaiForestBulletin/article/view/24375

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Articles