Description of a new natural Sonneratia hybrid from Hainan Island, China

Abstract

Here, we describe, illustrate and compare a new natural hybrid, Sonneratia x zhongcairongii Y. S. Wang & S. H. Shi (Sonneratiaceae), with its possible parent species. Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat conditions, this taxon is considered to represent a sterile hybrid between S. alba and S. apetala. In China, the new hybrid is only reported in the mangrove forest in Dongzhai Harbour, Hainan Island. It has intermediate characteristics with its parents by elliptical leaf blades, peltate stigma, terminal or axillary inflorescence with 1-3 flower dichasia, cup-shaped calyx (4-6 calyx lobes) and no petals. We also provide a key for the identification of Sonneratia species.