Vicialiupanshanensis (Fabaceae), a new plant species from northwestern China

Abstract

Figures

Photographs of two collected Vicialiupanshanensis specimens.

Sampling points where the Vicialiupanshanensis specimens were collected in China.

Photographs of Vicialiupanshanensis (Voucher specimen: NXLPS-0628011 and NXLPS-0822024). A. Life form and habit; B. Upper portion of a V.liupanshanensis individual; C. Leaf front; D. Leaf back; E. Leaves paripinnate; Fa. Leaflets front; Fb. Leaflets back; G–I. Inflorescence; J. Bractlet; La. Standard; Lb. Wing; Lc. Keels; M. Stamen; N. Stigma; O. Pod and seeds.

Drawings of Vicialiupanshanensis parts (Voucher specimen: NXLPS-0628011 and NXLPS-0822024). A. Whole plant; B. Leaflet; C. Leaves paripinnate; D. Inflorescence; E. Bractlet; F, G. Calyx; H. Standard; I. Wing; J. Keel; K. Stigma; L. Pod; and M. Seed.

Tables

Table 1.. Detailed comparison of Vicialiupanshanensis and its two morphologically-similar conspecific species.

Characters	V.liupanshanensis	V.taipaica	V.mingyueshanensis
Stem height (cm)	50–150	60–100	50–180
Plant indumentum	Covered with fine soft hairs or nearly glabrous	Totally glabrous	Totally glabrous
Leaf length (cm), tendril excluded	8–15	8–12	8–15
Leaflet pairs per leaf	7–9	4–6	3–5
Leaflet shape	Oblong-lanceolate or elliptical	Elliptic to ovate-oblong	Elliptic to ovate-oblong
Leaflet size (cm)	1.7–2.5 × 0.6–0.9	1.3–5.0 × 0.6–1.5	2.3–3.8 × 0.7–1.5
Leaflet texture	Papery	Papery	Papery
Stipules	Semi-sagittate	Attached at the lower part, with the upper part being semi-ovate and the tip having a linear-lanceolate shape	Semi-hastate or lanceolate
Raceme (number of flowers)	10–15	5–15	10–20
Bractlet shape	5–7 mm long, rhombic, covered with short soft hairs	Absent	0.2–0.3 × 0.1 cm, subulate
Corolla color	Corolla pale greenish-white initially, gradually turning yellow-brown, dark yellow or dark orange	Yellow or brown-yellow	Light yellow or dull orange
Calyx shape	Oblique campanulate, hairy, with 5 teeth	Shortly and unequally toothed	Obliquely campanulate, 5 lateral teeth acute, some calyces are cleft
Standard	Ovate, about 1 cm long, with a broad claw, the apex concave, the sides constricted in the middle	Narrowly obovate-oblong, constricted at middle, ca. 13 mm, apex retuse	Apex retuse, 1.3–1.4 × 0.4–0.5 cm
Wing	Nearly equal (subequal) in length to the standard	10 mm	Nearly equal (subequal) in length to the standard
Keel	Slightly shorter than standard and wing	10 mm	Nearly equal (subequal) in length to the standard
Legume (mm)	Oblong, 20–30 × 4–5	Oblong-rhomboid, 20–30 × 5	Falcate, 30–35 × 3
Seed color	Brown with black spots	Brown with black spots	Brown-green
Number of seeds per pod	3–5	2–5	4–6

1a	Stipules large, over 10 mm long	2
2a	Leaflets small, 1.3–4 cm long, 0.5–1.8 cm wide; leathery; apex rounded or slightly emarginate, lateral veins fan-shaped, extending to margin without forming reticulation	1. V.amoena
2b	Leaflets large, (2-)3–6(-10) cm long, 1.2–2.5 cm wide; papery; apex acute, lateral veins reaching margin in wavy or dentate connections	2. V.pseudo-orobus
1b	Stipules small, less than 10 mm long	3
3a	Flowers purple, bluish-purple or red	4
4a	Flowers small, 0.7–1.4 cm long	3. V.kioshanica
4b	Flowers larger, 10–20 mm long	5
5a	Leaflet venation dense and distinct, lateral veins spreading at right angles	6
6a	Leaflets elliptic or oblong-ovate, 10–16 mm wide; flowers 15–30, densely arranged	4. V.amurensis
6b	Leaflets oblong, less than 6 mm wide; flowers 4–15, loosely arranged	7
7a	Stipules small, bifid; inflorescence nearly equaling leaves; flowers 10–11 mm long	5. V.perelegans
7b	Stipules triangular, with several teeth; inflorescence longer than leaves; flowers 10–20 mm long	6. V.tibetica
5b	Leaflet venation sparse, lateral veins ascending at acute angles	8
8a	Flowers with bracteoles; inflorescence shorter than leaves; stipules semi-sagittate, rhombic to lanceolate; leaflets 6–10 pairs, linear-lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate or oblong	7. V.latibracteolata
8b	Flowers without bracteoles; inflorescence equaling or slightly exceeding leaves; stipules bifid, lobes subulate	9
9a	Leaflets linear-oblong, very narrow, only 1.5–3 mm wide; inflorescence longer than leaves; flowers 13–17 mm long	8. V.multicaulis
9b	Leaflets elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, 10–20 mm long, relatively broad; inflorescence equaling leaves; flowers 10–14 mm long	10
10a	Leaflets ovate-lanceolate, 4–7 mm wide	9. V.chinensis
10b	Leaflets elliptic, broadly elliptic to long-ovate, 6–14 mm wide	10. V.japonica
3b	Flowers dull yellow or white	11
11a	Plants tall, shrubby, white-pubescent; flowers smallca. 7 mm long	11. V.sinogigantea
11b	Plants sparsely pubescent or glabrous; flowers relatively large	12
12a	Leaflets large, 15–49 mm long, 6–15 mm wide	13
13a	Flowers white; inflorescence usually branched, shorter than leaves	12. V.wushanica
13b	Flowers dull yellow or pale blue; inflorescence nearly equaling or longer than leaves	14
14a	Stipules entire; inflorescence axis slender	15
15a	Leaflets 4–6 pairs; inflorescence without bracteoles	13. V.taipaica
15b	Leaflets 7–9 pairs; inflorescence with bracteoles	14. V.liupanshanensis
14b	Stipules divided; inflorescence axis thick and straight	16
16a	Flowers dull yellow; leaflets gray-green beneath; 20–25 flowers	15. V.dichroantha
16b	Flowers blue-yellow; leaflets gray-green beneath; 15–20 flowers	16. V.ternata
12b	Leaflets small, 6–15 mm long, 2–5 mm wide	17
17a	Flowers white or pale yellow; inflorescence longer than leaves, with 3–11 flowers; leaflets oblong-lanceolate or elliptic; occurring in Xinjiang	17. V.costata
17b	Flowers yellow; inflorescence equaling or slightly exceeding leaves, with 6–9(-12) flowers; leaflets elliptic; occurring in Southwest China	18. V.nummularia

Full text

Introduction

The genus Vicia comprises leguminous herbs that are annual, biennial or perennial in nature. These plants frequently exhibit climbing, trailing or creeping growth habits and comprise 150–210 species found in Asia, Europe, and North America, the majority being native to the Mediterranean region (Cacan et al. 2016; Han et al. 2021). Vicia has also been observed to have colonised Hawaii in the Pacific and the middle Atlantic archipelagos of the Canaries, Madeira and Azores. Ball (1968) divided the genus into four sections: Vicia, Faba, Ervum, and Cracca, while Kupicha (1976) subsequently divided it into two subgenera, Vicilla and Vicia. Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS) records that there are 43 species and 5 varieties of Vicia in China, and classifies them into seven sections: Cassubicae, Cracca, Ervum, Faba, Lenticula, Oroboidea, and Vicia. The Flora of China (FOC) is an authoritative compendium that documents 40 species of Vicia in China (13 endemic and 3 introduced) (Bao and Turland. 2010). As of the beginning of 2025, there are 45 species, 5 subspecies, 14 varieties, and 9 forms of wild pea plants (http://www.sp2000.org.cn/). These plants are widely distributed across all provinces and regions of the country, reflecting their extensive distribution and adaptability. However, these species are comparatively more abundant in the northwestern, northern, and southwestern parts of China.

Research indicates that the genus Vicia is located in the Vicioid clade and is a polyphyletic group, with distinguishing features including square stems, inwardly curved and flattened hollow styles, and longitudinal rows of hairs on the inner side of the style (Schaefer et al. 2012). A previous systematic study of members in the genus Vicia, based on nuclear ribosomal ITS data and style morphology, demonstrated that both lateral compression of the style and dorsal clustering of trichomes, are more recently evolved features, whereas dorsoventral compression of the style and uniform pubescence are more primitive characteristics (Choi et al. 2006). It is estimated that more than 40 species of Vicia are cultivated due to their economic benefits (El-Bok et al. 2014). Some of these cultivated and domesticated species, such as V.sativa, V.villosa, V.costata, V.bungei, and V.faba, are now extensively cultivated in numerous countries worldwide (Yi et al. 2020; Ahmed and Sattar 2024; Ren et al. 2024). Recent studies have demonstrated the significant anti-tumour, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds isolated from V.bungei (Yang et al. 2023; Le et al. 2024).

In 2024, during the course of extensive botanical surveys in the Liupan Mountains, a Vicia-like plant was encountered in Laolongtan and the Mts. Daxueshan, in Jingyuan County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and in Zhuanglang County, Gansu Province, This plant featured a corolla that was greenish-white at first, gradually turning yellow-brown, dark yellow or dark orange, and leaves with 7–9 pairs of lanceolate to elliptic leaflets. Comparison with relevant literature and specimens revealed similarities to V.taipaica and V.mingyueshanensis, yet distinct morphological differences (Table 1) indicate that it is an undescribed species, which is described herein as new.

Materials and methods

The specimens of this novel Vicia species were collected from forest edges of Daxueshan, in the Jingyuan County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (106.3284 E, 35.3809N; 1972.91 m a.s.l.). These plant specimens have been stored in the Herbarium of the Department of Grassland Science at Ningxia University. We conducted extensive surveys in the Liupanshan region, and we collected 28 specimens of this species from Migangshan, Daxueshan, and Erlonghe in Jingyuan County, and 5 specimens from Zhuanglang County and Longde County near Jingyuan County.

We brought specimen plants from the above regions to the laboratory. Once there, some plants were measured for key plant characteristics; others were used to take colour photographs and draw illustrations, and the Flora of China and reports of new species of Vicia spp. in the last decade were consulted. We found that it is most similar to Viciamingyueshanensis and Viciataipaica, but there were obvious differences. Based on the measured empirical data, Adobe Illustrator 2024 software was used to add scale bars to each color photo. The species was then compared to a morphologically similar conspecific. Finally, its conservation status was then assessed according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria and corresponding guidelines (IUCN 2024), to evaluate the protected status of this new species, here named Vicialiupanshanensis. The type specimens and some specimens will be sent to the Herbarium of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (PE), while the remaining specimens are currently preserved at Ningxia University.

Taxonomy

Vicia

liupanshanensis

Taxon classificationPlantaeFabalesFabaceae



Xiao Wei Li & Bo Yang sp. nov.

A97F3C37-B5DC-537F-81C8-584B801B9713

urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77364920-1

Description.

Herb perennial, 50–150 cm tall, stem erect, climbing, covered with fine soft hairs or nearly glabrous. Leaves even-pinnate, 8–15 cm; branched tendrils presented at apex with 3 or 4 branches; stipules semi-sagittate, 8–10 mm; leaflets 7–9 pairs, alternate, oblong-lanceolate or elliptical, 17–25 × 6–9 mm, papery, apex obtuse or acuminate, distinctly mucronate, base rounded or broadly cuneate, upper surface sparsely covered with short and soft hairs, lower surface covered with short hairs with veins densely hairy; veins prominent and raised on lower surface, petiolule ca. 1 mm. Inflorescence a raceme, about the same length as leaves, 8–15 cm long, with–15 flowers; bracts 5–7 mm × 4–5 mm, rhombic, covered with short and soft hairs. Flowers secund, slightly drooping, ca. 1 cm in length, pedicel ca. 1 mm; calyx obliquely campanulate, hairy; lobes 5, lanceolate, 1–3 mm long; corolla pale greenish-white at first, gradually turning yellow-brown, dark yellow or dark orange; standard ovate, ca. 8–10 mm × 4–5 mm, with a broad claw at base, concave at apex, margins constricted in the middle; wings nearly equal in length to the standard, obliquely ovate, auriculated, with a claw 4–5 mm at base; keels ca. 7–9 mm long, apex blunt, shortly auriculated. Ovary linear, glabrous 4–5 ovulued; the style hairy towards upper part; stigma capitate. Pods oblong, 20–30 × 4–5 mm. Seeds 3–5 × 3.5–4 mm, oblate-spheroid, brown, with black speckles. Flowering and fruiting June–August. Figs 1, 3, 4.

Photographs of two collected Vicialiupanshanensis specimens.

Type.

Jingyuan of Ningxia, forest edge (35.3809, 106.3284; 1972.91 m a.s.l.), June 28^th^ 2024, Yang Bo NXLPS-0628011 (holotype: PE).

Etymology.

The species epithet derives from the name of the mountain range (Liupanshan) where this species was discovered.

Vernacular name.

The Chinese name is ‘六盘山野豌豆’ (Liù Pán Shān Yě Wān Dòu)

Distribution and habitat.

Vicialiupanshanensis occurs only at elevations of 1900–2300 m, in Laolongtan, Daxue Mountains, and Migang Mountains in Jingyuan Countyand Longde County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Zhuanglang County, Gansu Province, in China. It is generally found in alpine scrubs and hillside grasslands. (Fig. 2).

Sampling points where the Vicialiupanshanensis specimens were collected in China.

Photographs of Vicialiupanshanensis (Voucher specimen: NXLPS-0628011 and NXLPS-0822024). A. Life form and habit; B. Upper portion of a V.liupanshanensis individual; C. Leaf front; D. Leaf back; E. Leaves paripinnate; Fa. Leaflets front; Fb. Leaflets back; G–I. Inflorescence; J. Bractlet; La. Standard; Lb. Wing; Lc. Keels; M. Stamen; N. Stigma; O. Pod and seeds.

Drawings of Vicialiupanshanensis parts (Voucher specimen: NXLPS-0628011 and NXLPS-0822024). A. Whole plant; B. Leaflet; C. Leaves paripinnate; D. Inflorescence; E. Bractlet; F, G. Calyx; H. Standard; I. Wing; J. Keel; K. Stigma; L. Pod; and M. Seed.

Conservation assessment.

According to our preliminary conservation assessment, Vicialiupanshanensis is predominantly found in the Liupanshan National Nature Reserve within the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Only four populations have been identified (so far), the rest are sporadic, whose total estimated number of mature individuals does not exceed 1000. Hence, based on the IUCN criteria (IUCN 2024), V.liupanshanensis is here classified as Vulnerable (VU).

Key to Chinese Species of Section Cassubicae

**: **

Discussion

Vicialiupanshanensis belongs to Subgen. Cracca due to its perennial herbaceous and climbing habit, as well as the presence of tendrils. Vicialiupanshanensis is characterized by the following morphological features: leaves that are approximately 2.5 times longer than wide; inflorescences that bear around 15 flowers; leaflets that are elliptic, ovate or lanceolate in shape, with typically conspicuous venation patterns; and a perennial growth habit. Based on these diagnostic characteristics, it should be classified within Section Cassubicae. Upon reviewing the data, we discovered that specimens of V.liupanshanensis were previously misidentified as V.costata. These two species differ distinctly in habitat and morphology. Morphologically, V.costata has leaves with 3–8 pairs of leaflets, racemes longer than their leaves, and yellow to white flowers with bluish-purple veins. In contrast, V.liupanshanensis is distinguished by having leaves with 7–9 pairs of leaflets, racemes that are the same length as their subtending leaves, and pale greenish-creamy-white flowers that turn yellowish-brown to dark orange; these lacking any bluish-purple veins. Additionally, Viciacostata prefers arid deserts, gravelly slopes, and sandy beaches, whereas V.liupanshanensis is found in alpine scrubs or grassy slopes. In comparison to V.costata, both V.taipaica and V.mingyueshanensis are found in relatively humid habitats, such as forest edges and the forest understorey. Additionally, the colour of their flowers changes from pale to dark yellow, and they consistently grow to a length of approximately 1 cm.

Located in northwestern China, the Liupan Mountains have a temperate, semi-humid semi-arid monsoon climate, creating a rather unique ecological environment. This area is rich in biodiversity, including 1347 identified species of wild vascular plants and 384 species of wild vertebrates. This is why it is known as the “gene pool of germplasm resources in northwestern China” (Bao et al. 2023). The discovery of V.liupanshanensis is particularly significant, as it not only enriches the number of known Vicia species, but it could also be instrumental in bolstering the entire flora of the Liupan Mountains. Investigating the key evolutionary characteristics of V.liupanshanensis in comparison to other Vicia species could help to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within this genus. These findings will provide crucial evidence for a more detailed analysis of the complex ecological interactions among leguminous plants in this region. Such knowledge can also be used for improving their in situ conservation in general, and that of V.liupanshanensis in particular.

Supplementary Material

XML Treatment for Vicia liupanshanensis