J Syst Evol ›› 2009, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3): 220-225.DOI: 10.1111/j.1759-6831.2009.00025.x

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Reappraisal of Microtropis macrocarpa C.Y. Cheng & T.C. Kao (Celastraceae), a critically endangered species endemic to Yunnan, China

1 Qin-Wen LIN 1 Zhi-Xiang ZHANG*   

  1. 1 (College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China) *Author for correspondence. E-mail: .
  • Received:2008-05-26 Published:2009-05-01

Abstract: Microtropis macrocarpa C.Y. Cheng & T.C. Kao has been treated as a synonym of Microtropis macrophylla Merr. & Freeman in most taxonomic reports in China. According to our study, M. macrocarpa is an independent species endemic to Yunnan, China. Microtropis macrophylla and Microtropis pachyphylla Merr. & Freeman should be treated as synonyms of Microtropis longifolia Wall. ex Kurz. M. macrocarpa is also identified as a critically endangered species, CR B1ab (i,ii,iii,v), based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. The foliar surface, anther and pollen structures were also observed with a scanning electron microscope.

Key words: Celastraceae, foliar epidermis, IUCN Red List, Microtropis, pollen