Boehmeria nivea var. strigosa (Urticaceae), a new variety from southwest China

Abstract

Boehmeria nivea var. strigosa Zeng Y. Wu & Y. Zhao, a new variety of B. nivea (Urticaceae) from southwest China, is here described and illustrated based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny. This new variety is mainly characterized by its green abaxial leaf blade, partly connate stipules, and densely patent strigose hairs. The phylogenetic relationship of rbcL showed that B. nivea var. strigosa formed a monophyletic group with a high support value. The conservation status of B. nivea var. strigosa is assessed as “Near Threatened” (NT) based on IUCN Criteria.