Confirmation of Melastoma dendrisetosum (Melastomataceae) as a distinct species based on morphological and micromorphological data

摘要: Melastoma dendrisetosum C. Chen (Melastomataceae) was first reported in 1983. Chen & Renner (2007) merged it within M. sanguineum. In order to clarify the difference between the two and the taxonomic status of M. dendrisetosum, a field investigation, herbarium survey, and an examination of morphological and micromorphological characteristics was performed. M. dendrisetosum was confirmed as a distinct species, obviously different from M. sanguineum. This species is narrowly endemic and extremely endangered. The authors provide the latest morphological description of M. dendrisetosum, aiming to lay a foundation for the precise identification and future conservation of this species.