Paraphlomis longicalyx (Lamiaceae), a new species from the limestone area of Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces, southern China

<p>Consisting of approximately 30 species, the genus <i><span>Paraphlomis</span></i><i> </i>of the mint family are mostly restricted to the subtropical area of China. In this study, <b><i><span><span>Paraphlomis longicalyx</span></span></i></b>, a new species from southern China, is described and illustrated. Molecular phylogenetic studies were carried out to investigate the placement of the new species within<i><span> Paraphlomis</span></i> based on two nuclear ribosomal DNA and four plastid DNA regions. The results show that <b><i><span><span>P. longicalyx</span></span></i></b> is recovered as a distinct lineage within the genus. Morphologically, the new species is similar to<i><span> P. javanica</span></i> and <i><span>P. foliata</span></i>, but can be distinguished by its densely hispidulous plants, much longer calyces, and pale-yellow corollas with reddish-purple spots on the lower lips.</p>