Plant of the month March,2016
Eng (thai)

 

 

Aristolochia phuphathanaphongiana Do, Nordic J. Bot. 33: 567. 2015.
Aristolochiaceae

Description: Climber or creeper. Leaves ovate to triangular-ovate, 3–7 cm long; apex acute; base deeply cordate; blade glabrous on both surfaces; basal veins 5; secondary veins 3–4 pairs; petiole 2–4 cm long, slightly hairy; Inflorescence cymose, axillary, solitary, 4–5 cm long, peduncle short, with 2–8 flowers; bracteole broadly ovate to cordate, apex acuminate, base clasping the axis, sessile, 0.8–1.5 cm long; pedicel 5–6 mm. Perianth violet-reddish brown, connate into a tube, urticle at base, 3–4 mm diam.; tube slightly curved, 2.2–2.8 cm long; limb lanceolate, 1.2–1.5 cm long, densely long hairy inside, mouth covered with white dots; gynostemium 3–4 mm long. Capsule broadly ovoid, 6-angled, 1.3–1.4 cm long. Seeds heart-shaped, flattened, 3–4 cm long, not winged, densely verucose on both surfaces.

 

 

Distribution: Endemic, known from Khao Nangphanthurat Forest Park, Phetchaburi, scattered on limestone, 10–50 m altitudes. The specific epithet is dedicated to Mrs. Leena Phuphathanaphong, the Forest Herbarium, Bangkok.

Thai name: กระเช้านางพันธุรัต (krachao nang phanthurat)

Photos: Rachun Pooma (Phetchaburi)

References: 
Do, T., C. Neinhuis, S. Wanke and R. Pooma. (2015). Aristolochia phuphathanaphongiana: a new species from southwestern Thailand. Nordic Journal of Botany 33: 567–571. doi 10.1111/njb.00889