FLORA OF VIETNAM
Melastomataceae
Sonerila mollissima Aver., sp. nov.**

Ha Giang Prov., Quan Ba Distr., Thai An Commune, Seo Lung Two Village, around point 22.96988°N 105.08646°E. Very steep mountain slopes composed of stratified shale and clayey subsoil at elevation 800–1000 m a.s.l. Primary and secondary evergreen broad-leaved humid forest. Terrestrial herb in open steep wet shady slope along trail. Flowers light pink-purple, anthers yellow. Common. 10 October 2019, L. Averyanov, Nguyen Sinh Khang, T. Maisak, VR 1510. (holotype – LE01066987, isotype – HN, LE01070178 – photo).
From close S. dongnathamensis Suddee, Phutthai & Rueangr. and S. primuloides C.Y.Wu this plant differs in short distinct stem with leaves composed into apical rosette (vs. acaulescent plants with basal rosette), ovate leaves (vs. leaves cordate or circular) and dense long villous indumentum on petioles (vs. petioles sparsely villous), axillary inflorescence (vs. inflorescence subterminal) and densely villous scape pedicels and ovary (vs. scape, pedicels and ovary glabrous).