New natural hybrid, Alpinia × ilanensis (Zingiberaceae) in Taiwan

The genus Alpinia in Taiwan was very impressed by its frequent hybridization. Four out of 6 indigenous species in Taiwan proper have been reported to be involved in a reticulate hybridization. This paper describes and illustrates a new natural hybrid A. × ilanensis, putatively derived from A. japonica and A. pricei, which is supported by morphological and ecogeographical evidences. Based on sparse distribution mode and serious fertility reduction in these hybrid individuals, we suppose that the hybridization events between A. japonica and A. pricei have been independently occurred multiple times in field. This newly discovered hybrid reveals that all 6 independent species in this island possess the ability to cross each other.