Seven New Records of <i>Curcuma</i> L. (Zingiberaceae) for the Flora of Laos: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Horticulture

Seven New Records of <i>Curcuma</i> L. (Zingiberaceae) for the Flora of Laos: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Horticulture

This study reports seven new records of <i>Curcuma</i> L. (Zingiberaceae) for the flora of Laos: <i>Curcuma comosa</i> Roxb., <i>C. pedicellata</i> (Chaveer. & Mokkamul) Škorničk., <i>C. phrayawan</i> Boonma & Saensouk, <i>C. pierreana<...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors:	Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Khamfa Chanthavongsa, Anousone Sengthong, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Charun Maknoi, Sarayut Rakarcha, Thawatphong Boonma
Format:	Article
Language:	English
Published:	MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:	Horticulturae
Subjects:	<i>Curcuma</i> diversity <i>Ecomata</i> <i>Hitcheniopsis</i> Laos lectotypification
Online Access:	https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/7/720
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Summary:	This study reports seven new records of <i>Curcuma</i> L. (Zingiberaceae) for the flora of Laos: <i>Curcuma comosa</i> Roxb., <i>C. pedicellata</i> (Chaveer. & Mokkamul) Škorničk., <i>C. phrayawan</i> Boonma & Saensouk, <i>C. pierreana</i> Gagnep., <i>C. rangjued</i> Saensouk & Boonma, <i>C. sabhasrii</i> Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, and <i>C. wanenlueanga</i> Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma. Field surveys were conducted across various habitats in Laos, and species identification was confirmed through morphological comparisons with type specimens and protologues. An identification key for <i>Curcuma</i> species in Laos is provided to facilitate future taxonomic studies. Additionally, the lectotypification of <i>C. comosa</i> Roxb. is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability and clarify its taxonomic placement. The discovery of these species expands the known distribution of <i>Curcuma</i> in Indochina and highlights the importance of continued floristic exploration in understudied regions. These findings emphasize the need for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the nnatural habitats where these species occur. Furthermore, some of the newly recorded species exhibit attractive floral characteristics, making them valuable for sustainable horticultural applications, especially in ornamental plant cultivation. This study underscores the significance of taxonomic research in documenting regional flora, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting the sustainable utilization of plant diversity.
ISSN:	2311-7524