|
back |
| syn. - |
| distribution:
Thailand: Nong Khai Province |
| This species
was scientifically described only in the year 2009. Up to now it is only known from the type locality, the Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve Area in the Nong Khai Province in the north east of Thailand. There it grows in about 300 m altitude in open grassland at the edges of dry evergreen forests. It is a grass-like looking, erect growing species with a small subterranean tuber measuring 1,5 cm to 2 cm in diameter. The stem reaches a length of 10 cm to 30 cm and is branched. It is somewhat hirsute at the nodes. The leaves are very narrow lancet-shaped and about 3,5 cm to 7 cm long. The inflorescence appaeras at the end of the stem and bears only a single flower. The flowers of this species, in my opinion, are absolutely unique in their appearance, even compared with other species in the genus. They are quite large, the lower part is formed like a ball, light green and decorated with many reddish brown stripes and spots. The flower lacks a tube, the lower part merges directly into the petals. These petals are reddish brown, united at the end, but very narrow and screwed around eachother. The flower itself looks almost like a tiny octopus. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The locals of course know this conspicuous plant species from time immemorial, they name it Ya phan klieo. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is very likely that other new species from the genus await their discovery in Thailand. (see also Ceropegia sp. 'Khao Yai' and Ceropegia sp. 'Sai Thong') |
 left:Ceropegia thailandica Photo: Preecha Karaket; by courtesy of Rachun Pooma http://web3.dnp.go.th/botany |
| References: - U. Meve: Ceropegia thailandica (Asclepiadoideae-Ceropgieae), a spectacular new Thai species. Bradleya Vol. 27: 161-164. 2009 |