Paraphlomis octopus (Lamiaceae), a new species from Southern China

Paraphlomis octopus (Lamiaceae), a new species from the limestone area in Guangdong and Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on two nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences revealed that the new species is sister to P. pagantha, and the two species are further sister to P. kwangtungensis. All three species were further embedded within a clade consisting of species with hairy ovaries or nutlets. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from P. kwangtungensis in its acute apex of calyx tooth, from P. pagantha in its strongly reflexed lower corolla lip, and from both species in their inflorescence with peduncle-like stalks, and wider upper corolla lip. Based on an extensive field survey, we also found that the type locality of P. kwangtungensis has long been misrecorded in floras. A key to all species with hairy ovaries and nutlets is provided.