Pyrus zhaoxuanii (Rosaceae), A new pear species from Danxiashan Mountain, Guangdong, China

By

Yi, Xiaowei
Wu, Ying-Yu
Fan, Qiang.
Chen, Fang
Chen , Zai-xiong
Liu, Bin-Bin
Huang, Cuiying

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

254

Pages

161--173

Subjects

Danxia landscape , new species , Phylogeny , Pyrus

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.138039

 

Abstract

Pyrus zhaoxuanii is described as a new species from Guangdong Province, China, within the genus Pyrus, specifically under P. subg. Pashia. Although it shares morphological similarities with P. calleryana, P. zhaoxuanii can be distinguished by its uniquely small, obovate, leathery leaves, which have an obtuse apex and short petioles. A phylogenetic analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicated that P. zhaoxuanii forms an independent branch within Pyrus and is categorized in the Oriental clade, P. subg. Pashia. Currently, this species has only been recorded in the Danxiashan National Nature Reserve. Considering its potential distribution and population size, we recommend classifying this species as Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List classifications and criteria.