Three New Species and a New Record of <i>Murdannia</i> (Commelinaceae) for the Flora of Laos

The genus <i>Murdannia</i> Royle was recognized as a member of the family Commelinaceae, known for its beautiful and outstanding flowers, which made it highly valued as an ornamental plant. In this study, three previously unidentified species of <i>Murdannia</i> are described...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Anousone Sengthong, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Thawatphong Boonma, Phetlasy Souladeth
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Horticulturae
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/2/202
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Summary:The genus <i>Murdannia</i> Royle was recognized as a member of the family Commelinaceae, known for its beautiful and outstanding flowers, which made it highly valued as an ornamental plant. In this study, three previously unidentified species of <i>Murdannia</i> are described as new species from Laos including <i>Murdannia maronea</i>, <i>M. rhizomatosa</i>, and <i>M. thyrsoidea</i>. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, phenology, and distribution of each species are provided, along with notes on their horticulture. <i>Murdannia clandestina</i> is reported as a new record for Laos. These four species of <i>Murdannia</i> are notable for their attractive flowers, particularly <i>M. thyrsoidea</i>, which was characterized by its large inflorescence, enhancing its potential as an ornamental plant. The pollen morphology of these four <i>Murdannia</i> species is described for the first time. The pollen grains share similar characteristics, being monads, medium-sized, bilaterally symmetrical, and prolate in shape, with a monocolpate aperture and verrucate exine sculpturing. These findings provided valuable insights to support future breeding efforts aimed at enhancing their ornamental value.
ISSN:2311-7524