# Leptochilus dolichophyllus (Polypodiaceae), a New Hemiepiphytic Species From Fujian, China

## TL;DR

Scientists discovered a new fern species in Fujian, China, and confirmed it with both physical traits and genetic analysis.

## Contribution

The discovery and molecular characterization of a new hemiepiphytic Leptochilus species from Fujian, China.

## Key findings

- Leptochilus dolichophyllus is distinct from L. leveillei due to its hemiepiphytic habit and longer fronds.
- Molecular analysis of three plastid regions confirms L. dolichophyllus as a distinct and well-supported clade.
- The complete plastid genome of L. dolichophyllus has been assembled and annotated.

## Abstract

A new species, Leptochilus dolichophyllus (Polypodiaceae), from central‐northern Fujian, southeastern China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to
Leptochilus leveillei
, but differs by its hemiepiphytic habit and longer frond. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on three plastid regions (rbcL, rps4 + rps4‐trnS, and trnL + trnL‐trnF) demonstrates that the new species represents a distinct and well‐supported clade. Both morphological and molecular data provide compelling evidence for the recognition of L. dolichophyllus as a new species. Furthermore, the complete plastid genome of this new species is reported.

We have identified one new Leptochilus species based on morphological observation and molecular evidence, Leptochilus dolichophyllus H.H.Fu & H.J.Wei, from central‐northern Fujian, southeastern China. Additionally, to provide valuable molecular resources for further studies, we assembled and annotated the complete plastome of this new species.