NEW DISTRIBUTION RECORD OF LYSIMACHIA OTOPHORA C.Y.WU (PRIMULACEAE) FROM VIETNAM

Abstract

The occurrence of Lysimachia otophora C.Y.Wu was doubtful in Vietnam due to the unavailability of related specimens and literature. In the course of fieldwork in Bat Xat Nature reserve of Lao Cai province, a distinct species of Lysimachia with a petiole leaf auriculate at base, racemes axillary, bracts narrowly lanceolate, corolla yellow and stamens 5 (with 2 stamens short and 3 stamens long) was found. After careful comparison of our specimens and the research samples of L. otophora C.Y.Wu, we concluded that they are similar. This species has been reported native to China (Yunnan and Guangxi) until now and reported for the first time in Vietnam. In this paper, we confirm the new distribution of L. otophora C.Y.Wu in Vietnam providing suitable references. However, we provided data on taxonomy, morphology, ecology and distribution of the mentioned species accompanied by the photographs. Therefore, the total number of species in this genus is 23 species and 1 variety in Vietnam.