Researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified a new plant species, Eumachia brevipedunculata, in the tropical rainforests of southern Yunnan, China, and northern Laos. 

E.brevipedunculata is a pantropical shrub. It is morphologically similar to E. straminea, but can be distinguished by its smaller stipules, shorter petioles, and compact inflorescences with notably short peduncles and pedicels. Its yellowish-green corollas, shorter anthers, and black, ribbed fruits further differentiate it from close relatives like E.straminea, which has larger leaves, white-cream flowers, and longer floral structures.

The species was frequently misidentified in past collections as members of the genus Psychotria due to superficial similarities. However, molecular and morphological analyses confirmed its placement within Eumachia, a genus resurrected in 2012 after decades of taxonomic debate.

E.brevipedunculata thrives in primary tropical rainforests and humid evergreen broadleaf forests at elevations of 500–1,200 meters. It has been recorded in 23 locations within Yunnan and one in Laos, facing local threats from habitat fragmentation, livestock grazing, and infrastructure development.

Considering its broad extent of occurrence (41,638 km²) and presence in protected areas, the researchers have designated the conservation status of the new species as Least Concern (LC), based on the Red List Categories and Criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

 “This discovery was the result of a decade-long exploration of Psychotria in China, which entailed extensive fieldwork and the analysis of herbarium specimens. This underscores the significance of revisiting historical collections utilizing contemporary taxonomic tools,” said TAN Yunhong of XTBG.

The new species was published in PhytoKeys.

Eumachia brevipedunculata (Image by QUAN Dongli)

Eumachia brevipedunculata (Image by QUAN Dongli)

Published: 25 April 2025