Stories from the Mekong, part 2. The Cryptocoryne (Araceae) of Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, Thailand

Abstract

Between March 2006 and February 2015, the occurrence and habitats of the aroid genus Cryptocoryne were investigated in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, Thailand. In addition to the well-known Cryptocoryne crispatula Engl. var. crispatula and C. crispatula Engl. var. yunnanensis (H.Li) H.Li & N.Jacobsen, a recently described species was found: C. loeiensis Bastmeijer et al., as well as a number of plants considered to be hybrids. Although Cryptocoryne is presently abundant, decimation or extinction could occur in the future because of the dam constructions in the Mekong River.