Cotoneaster hylmoei Flinck & J. Fryer
Section Densiflori, Series Salicifolii
Origin: China (Hubei, Sichuan).
Presence in western Europe: Only known so far from the British Isles (e.g. Stace 2010). Possibly overlooked elsewhere.
Cultivation in Belgium and the Netherlands: Unknown (De Koning & van den Broek 2009). Probably included in either Cotoneaster floccosus or C. salicifolius.
Comparative taxonomy: Species included in Cotoneaster salicifolius by Dickoré & Kasperek (2010) and accepted as a mere variety of the latter (var. rugosus Rehder & E.H. Wilson) by Lingdi & Brach (2003). Cotoneaster rugosus Pritzel is considered conspecific by these authors but it is a distinct species with extremely bullate leaves with more veins (8-11 vs. 5-7), a laxer inflorescence, white petals and fruits with usually two nutlets (vs. three in C. hylmoei) (Fryer & Hylmö 2009).
Illustrations: Fryer & Hylmö (2009), Stace (2010).
A single young shrub of Cotoneaster hylmoei was discovered in 2011 on an old wall near the church in Kuurne (and subsequently regularly confirmed).
In general habit Cotoneaster hylmoei is much reminiscent of C. salicifolius and both are possibly confused. However, it is very characteristic with its pale pinkish petals (all other related species have pure white petals) and very dull upper leaf surface (intensely shiny in C. salicifolius).
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Literature
De Koning J. & van den Broek J.W. (2009) Nederlandse Dendrologie (14e druk, geheel herzien). K.N.N.V.: 547 p.
Dickoré W.B. & Kasperek G. (2010) Species of Cotoneaster (Rosaceae, Maloideae) indigenous to, naturalising or commonly cultivated in Central Europe. Willdenowia 40: 13-45 [available online at: http://user.uni-frankfurt.de/~kasperek/papers/dickore_kasperek_2010.pdf).
Fryer J. & Hylmö B. (2009) Cotoneasters. A comprehensive guide to shrubs for flowers, fruit, and foliage. Timber Press, Portland-London: 344 p.
Lingdi L. & Brach A.R. (2003) Cotoneaster. In: Wu Z.Y. & Raven P.H. (eds.), Flora of China, vol. 9. Science Press, Beijing & Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis: 85-108 [available online at: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/PDF/PDF09/Cotoneaster.PDF].
Stace C. (2010) New Flora of the British Isles, 3th ed.: XXXII + 1232 p. Cambridge University Press.