Zingiber is one of the largest genera of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) with about 205 species.The genus is traditionally divided into four sections based on the position of the inflorescence. So far, at least 15 terminally flowering species (sect. Dymczewiczia) were described. 

During a botanical survey in Malipo County, Yunnan Province in 2022, researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) collected an interesting unknown species of Zingiber. Its inflorescences are produced terminally on the leafy shoots, the researchers confirmed it belonging to he Zingiber sect. Dymczewiczia. 

After careful morphological studies and literature review, the researchers confirmed the species new to science and named it as Zingiber longii. The result was published in Taiwania.  

Zingiber longii is a perennial rhizomatous herb. It is is similar to Z. rufopilosum in having terminal inflorescences, rufous pilose leaf sheaths and ligules, but differs from it in lamina having caudate apex extending to 5 cm, broadly ovate labellum having an emarginate apex, glabrous margins of the laminae and ostiole. 

Zingiber longii is known only from its type locality, Malipo County, Yunnan, China. It grows along a stream in the forest.  

Due to insufficient field surveys, the researchers have not gotten a clear picture of its natural distribution and population status, making no adequate information to assess its risk of extinction directly or indirectly. Hence, the researchers temporarily listed the species as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List Categories. 

Contact 

TAN Yunhong Principal Investigator   

Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China                    

E-mail: tyh@xtbg.org.cn    

First published: 24 July, 2023  

 Zingiber longii (Image by DING Hongbo) 

 Zingiber longii (Image by DING Hongbo) 

 Zingiber longii (Image by DING Hongbo)