A new and exceptional species of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae, Phyllantheae) from southwestern Thailand

Abstract

Based on molecular and morphological data a new species of Breynia , B. aberrans , is described from Kaeng Krachan National Park (SW Thailand), along the Thai border with Myanmar. An earlier published phylogenetic reconstruction of two nuclear (ITS, PHYC ) and three chloroplast markers ( matK, accD-psaI, trnS-trnG ) placed the new species in Breynia subgenus Sauropus . Typical are the asperities along the branches on one side, the shape of the leaf blades and the pistillate flowers with a long-ovoid ovary ending in a sturdy style and three upright stigmas. This type of pistillate flower is rather unique within Breynia and almost certainly not pollinated by Epicephala moths.