Hedychium chrysoleucum (Zingiberaceae) Resurrected, with the First Record for China

Based on field observations, herbarium studies, and morphological/cytological analyses, we resurrect Hedychium chrysoleucum (Zingiberaceae) as a distinct species, resolving its long-standing classification as a variety or a synonym of H. coronarium. We report it as new to China, where it was found in southwestern Yunnan, in its easternmost location. A comprehensive morphological description and diagnostic illustrations of H. chrysoleucum, and comparisons with two morphologically similar species, H. coronarium and H. flavescens, are provided. Hedychium chrysoleucum can be distinguished from these two species by having a shorter leafy shoot, narrower labella and lateral staminodes with yellow patches at the bases, and by flowering year-round. With perpetual blooming, a rare trait for the genus, and dwarf stature, H. chrysoleucum has potential as parent material for breeding ornamental Hedychium cultivars.