A synopsis of Mussaenda L. (Rubiaceae) in Thailand

Abstract

A synopsis of the 17 Mussaenda species occurring in Thailand is presented, one of which, M. garrettii Craib is endemic to Thailand. Mussaenda cambodiana Pierre ex Pit. var. lanceolata Craib, M. longisepala Geddes, M. glabra Vahl var. puberula King, M. mollis Geddes, M. oblonga King and M. villosa Wall. ex G.Don var. herveyana King are reduced to synonymy under M. sanderiana Ridl., M. angustisepala Ridl., M. glabra Vahl, M. wrayi King, M. wallichii G.Don and M. villosa, respectively. Two species, Mussaenda erythrophylla Schumach. & Thonn. and M. philippica A.Rich, are introduced ornamental plants in Thailand. Mussaenda kerrii Craib is newly recorded for Myanmar. Lectotypes for Mussaenda angustisepala, M. calycina Wall. ex G.Don, M. cambodiana, M. cambodiana var. annamensis Pit., M. cordifolia Wall. ex G.Don, M. cuspidata Geddes, M. ferrea Geddes, M. garrettii, M. glabra var. puberula, M. kerrii, M. longisepala, M. mollis, M. oblonga, M. parva Wall. ex G.Don, M. sootepensis Craib, M. sutepensis Hosseus, M. theifera Pierre ex Pit., M. theifera var. laotica Pit., M. uniflora Wall. ex G.Don, M. variolosa Wall. ex G.Don, M. villosa, M. wallichii and M. wrayi are also selected. A generic description, a key to the species, nomenclature, vernacular names, distributional data and specimens examined are presented.