Lithocarpus graniticus (Fagaceae), a New Species from the Granitic Mountain Valleys of Southern Fujian, China

Abstract

An elegant new species of Fagaceae, Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin, was discovered in the valley of a granite mountain in southern Fujian, China. The new species is most similar to L. cucullatus C. C. Huang & Y. T. Chang in having grayish-white waxy scales on abaxial leaf surfaces, cupules enclosing more than 1/2 of the nut, and the seed scar convex and ca. 1/3 of the nut. It is distinguished by its cupular cupule, relatively densely pilose inflorescences, ovate or ovate-elliptic leaves, and sparsely pilose indument on branches and abaxial surfaces of young leaves. Photographs, a line drawing, and a description of the new species are provided.