DefinePK

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