Abelia macrotera var. zabelioides Landrein

Landrein, S., Farjon, A. (2020). A monograph of Caprifoliaceae: Linnaeeae. Kew Bulletin 75: 1 doi:10.1007/s12225-018-9762-5

Type

China, Sichuan, Leshan Pref., E’mei Shan 峨眉山, 21 June 1938, H. C. Chow 7573 (holotype A!).

Morphology General Shoots

Young shoots glabrous

Morphology Leaves

Leaves 5 – 10 cm long, apex long caudate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence terminal, reduced to two or three whorls of cymes subtended by a slender and elongated peduncle with reduced leaf-like bracts.

Distribution

China, E’mei Shan.

Ecology

Woodlands; 600 – 1,800 m.

Conservation

Vulnerable (VU). 30 collections; AOO = 32 km2; EOO = 8,807 km2; Locations = 5; Vulnerable (VU) (B1a, B2a, D2). Protected area: Mt Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area; Wolong Nature Reserve; Gonggashan.

Phenology

Flowering May – Aug. Fruiting Aug. – Dec.

Note

Zabelioides refers to the compound thyrse, which resembles the inflorescence found in the genus Zabelia. The inflorescence of A. macrotera var. zabelioides is unique because it is restricted to two whorls of three-flowered cymes, with reduced internodes, and at the end of an elongated and thin peduncle often accompanied by large axillary buds at the base and reduced leaf-like bracts at the apex (Fig. 71). This inflorescence is similar to that found in Zabelia triflora (R. Br.) Makino, but the flowers are accompanied by two extra whorls of bracteoles forming the epicalyx, thus forming a twice-compound inflorescence. This morphology is observed in specimens from E’mei Shan (Leshan Pref. in Sichuan) but also in intermediate forms with A. macrotera var. macrotera and A. schumannii in Qingcheng Shan (Dujiangyan Xian, Chengdu Pref.), Leshan and Ya’an Prefectures. This variety intergrades and hybridises with Abelia macrotera var. macrotera and A. schumannii and intermediate specimens, such as in Abelia ‘Maurice Foster’, can be observed.