Perilimnastes pluriflora (tribe Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), a new species from Sekong Province, Southern Laos

Perilimnastes pluriflora from Sekong Province, is described here as a new species endemic to Laos. It resembles P. aura in having multi-branched stems, oblanceolate leaves, and bright pink flowers, and both species occur in relatively close geographical proximity. However, the new species can be readily distinguished from P. aura by its equal to subequal leaf pairs, multi-flowered inflorescences, shorter peduncles, linear calyx lobes, and longer petals with an acuminate to attenuate apex. So far, only two populations are known from the type locality, with the total number of mature individuals estimated at fewer than 50. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii); B2ab(iii); C2a(i); D].