LITOSTIGMA, A NEW GENUS FROM CHINA: A MORPHOLOGICAL LINK BETWEEN BASAL AND DERIVED DIDYMOCARPOID GESNERIACEAE

Abstract

Litostigma, a new Chinese genus of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated. It is characterised by its large flowers in comparison to its small leaves; slightly revolute leaf margins; 1-flowered cymes; crateriform or disciform stigma; and long ovoid capsule. Rather surprisingly, Litostigma falls among the basal didymocarpoid Gesneriaceae. Two new species, Litostigma coriaceifolium Y.G.Wei, F.Wen & M.Möller and Litostigma crystallinum Y.M.Shui & W.H.Chen, are described.