Agapetes Lihengiana: New Epiphytic Evergreen Shrub Has Been Found During Floristic Exploration in Yunnan, China

Agapetes is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae, which comprises about 100 species, most of which are found in the subtropical monsoon region of Asia.

In China, 59 species and two varieties are recognized.

These plants are mostly epiphytic shrubs with attractive tubular flowers and fleshy fruits. They are important components of the forest ecosystems and have ornamental and medicinal values2.

Recently, researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) discovered a new species of Agapetes in Yunnan, China.

The new species, named Agapetes lihengiana, is endemic to the region and has not been found anywhere else in the world.

The findings were published in the journal Taiwania on Sept. 2.

Morphological characteristics and comparison

(Photo : ALEXIS HUGUET/AFP via Getty Images)

Agapetes lihengiana is an epiphytic evergreen shrub with slender branches and opposite leaves.

The leaves are elliptic to ovate-elliptic, with an acute or apiculate apex, a cuneate base, and prominent secondary veins, while the flowers are axillary, solitary, or paired, with a short pedicel and a white corolla with five vertical pink stripes.

Meanwhile, the corolla is tubular-campanulate, slightly curved, and slightly constricted at the mouth. The stamens are included in the corolla tube, with short filaments and oblong anthers.

The ovary is inferior, with five locules and numerous ovules. The fruit is a globose berry, red when ripe.

Agapetes lihengiana is morphologically similar to A. epacridea and A. trianguli, but can be clearly distinguished from them by several characters.

A. epacridea has a leaf blade with an obtuse or rounded apex, obscure secondary veins, and a longer pedicel; A. trianguli has a yellow corolla with red spots, a longer pedicel, and a longer anther.

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Distribution and conservation status

Agapetes lihengiana is known only from Yingjiang County of West Yunnan, Southwest China. It is epiphytic on the trees of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests at an altitude of 2,100 to 2,200 meters.

The new species was named in honor of Prof. Li Heng of the Kunming Institute of Botany of CAS, who has made great contributions to our knowledge of the flora of the Gaoligong Mountains in China.

During their survey, the researchers found only two populations of Agapetes lihengiana.

One site in Sudian Township has Lanxangia tsaoko planted under the forest, and this forest is on the edge of the Yunnan Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve.

The habitat of this species is threatened by logging in the area. Therefore, they assessed the conservation status of this species as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature guidelines.

They suggested that more field surveys and conservation measures are needed to protect this rare and endemic plant.

Other Facts about the genus Agapetes

Agapetes lihengiana belongs to the subgenus Agapetes, section Agapetes, subsection Epacridifoliae, which is characterized by having corolla tubes with five longitudinal ridges and anthers with two spurs.

The genus name Agapetes comes from the Greek word "agape", meaning "love", and refers to the attractive flowers of these plants.

The common name of Agapetes is "love bells" or "love knots" in English.

Agapetes epacridea is a widespread species in China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It has been used as a folk medicine for treating coughs, asthma, rheumatism, and skin diseases.

Meanwhile, Agapetes trianguli is endemic to Vietnam and was described in 2010. It is named after its triangular-shaped corolla lobes.

Agapetes is closely related to other genera in the family Ericaceae, such as Rhododendron, Vaccinium, Gaultheria, and Pieris. These plants share some common features, such as having evergreen leaves, showy flowers, and edible or ornamental fruits.