Kaempferia albiflora Jenjitt. & Ruchis., a new species from Northern Thailand, is described. It is similar to K. grandifolia Saensouk & Jenjitt. but differs in having erect, lanceolate to elliptic leaves, lobes of the labellum with a rounded apex, and a trilobed anther crest, whereas K. grandifolia has broadly ovate leaves appressed to the ground, lobes of the labellum with an acuminate apex, and a trilobed anther crest.

Key Words: Endangered species, Northern Thailand, precocious flowering, Protanthium, Tak Province

Kaempferia albiflora Jenjitt. & Ruchis. sp. nov.

 

RECOGNITION. This species is most similar to Kaempferia grandifolia Saensouk & Jenjitt. in its inflorescence appearing before the vegetative parts and its white flower with a yellowish patch at the base, but differs in having erect, lanceolate to elliptic leaves, lobes of the labellum with a rounded apex, and a trilobed anther crest, whereas K. grandifolia has broadly ovate leaves appressed to the ground, lobes of the labellum with an acuminate apex, and a bilobed anther crest (Table 1).

Thaya Jenjittikul and Saroj Ruchisansakun. 2020. Kaempferia albiflora (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Kew Bulletin. 75; 13. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-020-9868-4