RAPD assessment of novelties resulting in a new species of Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) from Vietnam

A molecular technique (RAPD-PCR) is used to determine the relationship of a n unknown Vaccinium from Vietnam to Vaccinia from throughout the south-east Pacific region. Based on the RAPD and morphological data, a new taxon, Vac cinium hiepii vander Kloet, sp. nov., is described. Cluster analyses (UPGMA , Neighbour-joining) clearly group V. hiepii with V. chunii, placing the ne w taxon within V. Galeopetalum. Furthermore, Vaccinium Bracteata sensu Sleu mer (1941) is strongly supported by high bootstrap values within the dendro grams. Placement of V. petelotii within V. Conchophyllum sensu Stevens (196 9) is also possible. (C) 2000 The Linnean Society of London.