Premna caridantha (Lamiaceae: Permnoideae), a distinct new species from Kachin State, northern Myanmar

A distinct new species of Premna, P. caridantha which was discovered from Putao District, Kachin State, northern Myanmar, is described and illustrated here. It is characterized by having large and intricate paniculiform inflorescences which branch three times with the terminal branch formed by a spike-like thyrse, zygomorphic corolla with a short-incurved tube, and a bright yellowish spot on the middle lob of the lower corolla lip. The species is most similar to P. grandipaniculata but clearly differs in leaf shape and corolla characters. Premna caridantha is the fourth species having spike-like thyrses in Premna and the third new Premna species recently discovered from northern Myanmar.