Research Group of the Plant Evolution in the Karst Plant in Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences, achieved some new findings about the endemic genus Petrocodon in Gesneriaceaeto Chinese Karst regions. The main contentsare following: 

Firstly, three new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon ainsliifolius, Petrocodon lithophilus, Petrocodon viridescens, from limestone areas of Yunnan, China are described and illustrated. Their independent species status is demonstrated in phylogenetic analyses using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast trnLF intron-spacer sequences. The phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships with their congeners are discussed from a morphological point of view. 

Secondly, morphological convergences, particularly of the flower, appear to characterize this calciphilous genus. Preliminary results are based on the material included, phylogenetic relationships inferred, and geographic distributions. The limestone area in Southeast Yunnan and West Guangxi appears as the center of origin and diversification of Petrocodon, with separate range expansions to eastern karst regions. 

The work implies that the future scientific collaboration between China and Vietnam need to be enhanced for integrated insight of the diversification patterns in the karst. The article can be searched in http://chinesesites.library.ingentaconnect.com/content/aspt/sb/pre-prints/content-1300032Chen 

Fig. 2. Photographic images of plants and flowers of the three new species. 

 (A—C. Petrocodon ainsliifolius) A. Plant. B. Front face of corolla. C. Corolla cut open. (D—G. Petrocodon lithophilus) D. Plant. E. Front face of corolla. F. Side view of corolla and calyx. G. Corolla cut open with stigma. (H—M. Petrocodon viridescens) H. Dry, dehisced capsule. I. Plant. J. Inflorescence. K. Top view of flower. L. Corolla cut open. M. Side view of corolla with calyx.  

(Photographed by Yu-Min Shui.)