Taxonomic revision of Paris kwantungensis (Melanthiaceae) based on morphological and molecular evidence

Paris kwantungensis was proposed initially as a monophyletic entity by Miau in 1982, but its taxonomic status remained contentious. We recently collected and studied this taxon at its original locality in Nujiang, Yunnan province, China. A molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations of P. kwantungensis and related species support its recognition as a distinct species. Phylogenetic evidence shows that P. kwantungensis is a sister to P. polyphylla var. chinensis. Morphologically, P. kwantungensis is distinguished by its petals being nearly twice as long as its sepals (as opposed to petals shorter than sepals), reflexed sepals, and a globose capsule with numerous surface granules. This study provides a comprehensive species description of P. kwantungensis and compares it with related species in the genus Paris. The combination of morphological traits and molecular analyses, particularly of the internal transcribed spacer region sequences, clearly establishes P. kwantungensis as a unique and independent species within the genus.