1Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand
2Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Biodiversity Program,
Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand
3Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, MSU Science Park, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand
4Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
5Diversity of Family Zingiberaceae and Vascular Plant for Its Applications Research Unit, Program of Environmental and Resource Management, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
6Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, The Botanical Garden Organization, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
7Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia
8Biodiversity Research Group, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia
9Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Received:15 October 2024 / Accepted: 27 January 2025 / Published Online: 22 February 2025
Abstract
The genus Hellenia (Costaceae) is noted for its taxonomic complexity and ecological significance. This study addresses the limited understanding of the genus in Northeastern Thailand by investigating species diversity, conservation status, traditional uses, chromosome number, pollen characteristics, and unique peeling leaf morphology in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Fieldwork and laboratory analyses conducted in 2023 identified two species, Hellenia lacera (Gagnep.) Govaerts and H. speciosa Hellenia lacera (J.Koenig) Govaerts, which differ in their growth patterns. Conservation assessments proposed to placed H. speciosa in the Least Concern (LC) category according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. The consistent diploid chromosome number (2n = 18) and unique pollen morphology offer important taxonomic insights. Additionally, the leaf morphology, marked by epidermal detachment, presents a new characteristic within the genus and may indicate ecological adaptations or evolutionary significance. These findings contribute to the understanding Hellenia’s biology and highlight its ecological and taxonomic relevance within the Costaceae family.
Keywords: Chromosomal structure, Conservation status, Costaceae family, Hellenia, Leaf anatomy, Pollen morphology, Species diversity, Taxonomy, Thailand, Traditional Uses, Ubon Ratchathani
