[Botany • 2013] Garcinia pushpangadaniana (Clusiaceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India

  Garcinia pushpangadaniana T. Sabu, N. Mohanan, Krishnaraj, & Shareef, 

in Sabu, Mohanan, Krishnaraj, ... et Roy, 2013. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.116.2.2 

Researchgate.net/publication/265161515 

Abstract

Garcinia pushpangadaniana, a new species of Garcinia from the southern part of the Western Ghats, India, is described, discussed and illustrated. This species is allied to Garcinia xanthochyma.

Keywords: ecology, Garcinia, Garcinia xanthochyma, taxonomy

  Garcinia pushpangadaniana.
A. Habit with inflorescence; B. Female flower; C. Sepal (male flower); D1. Petal (Female flower); D2. Petal (Male flower); E. Staminate flower without sepals and petals; F. Pistillate flower without sterile stamens; G. Stigma; H. Cross section of ovary; I. Fruit; J. Seed.

 (Drawn after Sabu, Shareef & Krishnaraj 72601 

by M.V. Krishnaraj).

  Garcinia pushpangadaniana.
 A. Habit; B. Blaze (inset); C. Leaves; D. Female flower bud; E. Opened female flower; F & G. Fruits at various stages of maturity; H. Mature fruit; I. Ripened fruit; J. Seed.

(Prepared by S.M. Shareef from living plants at Kadalar, Idukki district, the type locality of G. pushpangadaniana).

Garcinia pushpangadaniana T. Sabu, N. Mohanan, Krishnaraj, & Shareef, sp. nov.

Eponymy:— The specific epithet honors Dr. P. Pushpangadan, former Director of Jawaharlal NehruTropical Botanical Garden & Research Institute for his invaluable contributions in the fields of Plantconservation, Ethnobiology, Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy. 

Thygarajan Sabu, Narayanan Nair Mohanan, Moothedathu Venugopalan Nair Krishnaraj, Sainudeen Muhammed Shareef, Peerumuhammed Subaida Shameer and Ponnus Ezabelrajam Roy. 2013. Garcinia pushpangadaniana (Clusiaceae), A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India

Phytotaxa. 116((2):; 51–56. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.116.2.2 

Researchgate.net/publication/265161515_Garcinia_pushpangadaniana_a_new_species_from_the_southern_Western_Ghats_India

   

[Botany • 2013] Metrodorea concinna (Rutaceae) • A New Species from Brazil: Morphology, Molecular Phylogenetics, and Distribution

 Metrodorea concinna Pirani & P.Dias, 
 

in Dias, Udulutsch & Pirani, 2013. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.117.2.1

Abstract

A new species of Metrodorea (Rutaceae), M. concinna, is described and illustrated, and morphological, molecular phylogenetic, and distributional support for the new taxon and its relationships with morphologically similar species, as well as with sympatric ones, are explored. The new species is endemic to semideciduous forests of southeastern Bahia, eastern Brazil. It is distinct from other species of the genus mainly by the combination of shrubby to treelet habit, (sub)sessile leaves, sessile leaflets without conspicuous, dark glands on the abaxial surface, and by each carpel bearing one dorsal apophysis. In addition to the diagnostic morphological features, molecular data provide further support to the new taxon.

Keywords: Rutaceae, new species, Brazil

 Metrodorea concinna Pirani & P.Dias, 
 A. Flowering shoot. B. Young shoot with unifoliolate leaves and cucullate sheath protecting the buds. C, D. Trifoliolate leaf with sheath at base, adaxial (C) and abaxial (D) surface. E. Flower after anthesis; note dehisced anthers, the disc and the glandular tubercles which cover the carpel's dorsal surfaces. F, G. Petal, adaxial (F) and abaxial (G) views. H. Floral axis with bracts and mature flower with petals removed. I. Dehisced capsule, only the dry exocarp and mesocarp remain (except for one carpel). J. Two seeds, note chalazal area and hylum.

A-H from Atkins et al. PCD-4655 (type); I-K from Brazão 61.

Metrodorea concinna Pirani & P.Dias, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The epithet concinna is derived from the Latin term concinnus, which means “pretty,”“neat,” “elegant,” referring to its habit and leaf arrangement. 

Pedro Dias, Renata Giassi Udulutsch and José Rubens Pirani. 2013. A New Species of Metrodorea (Rutaceae) from Brazil: Morphology, Molecular Phylogenetics, and Distribution.  Phytotaxa. 117(2); 35-41. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.117.2.1

[Botany • 2013] Impatiens theuerkaufiana (Balsaminaceae) • A New Scapigerous Species from the Western Ghats, India

Impatiens theuerkaufiana Ratheesh & Sivadasan,   

in Narayanan, Joseph, Kumar, Sivadasan et Alfarhan, 2013. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.83.1.3

Abstract

Impatiens theuerkaufiana, a new scapigerous species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Wayanad district, Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It differs from I. dendricola by having entire lateral sepals, a transversely elliptic, bilobed dorsal petal with wavy margins, a short straight spur less than 5 mm long, and tuberculate seeds; from I. agumbeana by having pendulous linear lanceolate leaves, shorter pedicels up to 3.5 cm long, non-auricled lateral united petals, and an ellipsoid capsule; and from I. stocksii by having long petioles of 5–8 cm, an elliptic lanceolate leaf lamina, long pedicels of 2.0–3.5 cm, and a pouch-like short spur.

Keywords: Endemic species, Kerala, new species, Wayanad

Impatiens theuerkaufiana Ratheesh & Sivadasan.  
A. Habit. B. Bract. C. Single flower. D. Lateral sepal. E. Lower sepal with spur. F. Dorsal petal, dorsal view. G. Lateral united petals. H. Stamens. I. Pistil. J. Fruit. K. Seed.

 Drawings by Jayesh P. Joseph from living specimens.

Impatiens theuerkaufiana Ratheesh & Sivadasan. 
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower. D. Young fruit.

Photos by M. K. Ratheesh Narayanan.

Impatiens theuerkaufiana Ratheesh & Sivadasan, sp. nov. 

The new species resembles I. dendricola and I. agumbeana, but differs by having the lower sepal with a short spur up to5 mm long, the dorsal petal transversely elliptic, basally and distally bilobed, wavy-margined, the lateral unitedpetals non-auricled, and a tuberculate seed coat. It differs from I. agumbeana by having pendulous linear lanceolateleaves, white flowers with a short pedicel up to 3.5 cm long, and ellipsoid capsules; and from I. stocksii by having along petiole of 5–8 cm, an elliptic lanceolate leaf lamina, longer pedicels of 2.0–3.5 cm, and a pouch-like short spur.

Eponymy:— The specific epithet is in honor of Mr. Wolfgang D. Theuerkauf, founder of the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, Alattil, North Wayanad, Kerala and an ardent naturalist and botanist who devoted his life for conservation of wild plants of Western Ghats, and creating awareness and imparting education on nature, natural resources, and conservation.

M. K. Ratheesh Narayanan, Jayesh P. Joseph, N. Anil Kumar, M. Sivadasan and Ahmed H. Alfarhan. 2013. Impatiens theuerkaufiana (Balsaminaceae), A New Scapigerous Species from the Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa. 83(1):54-60. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.83.1.3

Researchgate.net/publication/236615707_Impatiens_theuerkaufiana_a_new_scapigerous_species_from_the_Western_Ghats_India

[Ichthyology • 2022] Redescription of Parapercis moki Ho & Johnson, 2013 (Trachiniformes: Pinguipedidae), with Its First Fresh Coloration Information

Parapercis moki Ho & Johnson, 2013

in Ho, Tang & Chuang, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5092.1.7

Abstract

Two specimens of Parapercis moki Ho & Johnson were collected recently and detailed descriptions of their morphology and fresh coloration are provided. Its diagnosis is now revised as: band across head, six transverse bands on body and blade-like bar below eye; numerous small pores connected by canals forming about 9–10 vertical rows on cheek, opercle, and subopercle; scales on nape extending anteriorly to level of posterior margin of eyes; large spine on posteroventral corner of subopercle; very narrow interorbital space (1.7‒2.0% SL); 4 dorsal-fin spines, each spine progressively longer, last spine entirely connected by membrane to first dorsal-fin ray; four pairs of canine teeth anteriorly in lower jaw; and palatine teeth present, in two rows, and vomerine teeth stout, in two rows.

Key words: Teleostei, Actinopteri, taxonomy, ichthyology, Taiwan

Parapercis moki Ho & Johnson, 2013.
A‒C. NMMB-P35695, 92.3 mm SL, 1st dorsal-fin spine overlapped with 2ndspine.
D. NMMB-P35214, 58.6 mm SL.
A. Lateral view. B. Dorsal view. C. Preserved condition, lateral view. D. Fresh, lateral view.

Close-ups of head and anterior trunk of Parapercis moki, NMMB-P35695, 92.3 mm SL.
 A. Lateral view of left side, 1st dorsal-fin spine overlapped with 2nd spine. B. Dorsal view. C. Ventral view.

Parapercis moki Ho & Johnson, 2013

Mok’s sandperch

Diagnosis. A species of Parapercis with band across head, six transverse bands on body and blade-like bar below eye; numerous small pores connected by canals forming about 9–10 vertical rows on cheek, opercle, and subopercle; scales on nape extending anteriorly to level of posterior margin of eyes; large spine on posteroventral corner of subopercle; very narrow interorbital space (1.7‒2.0% SL); 4 dorsal-fin spines, each spine progressively longer, last spine entirely connected by membrane to first dorsal-fin ray; four pairs of canine teeth anteriorly in lower jaw; palatine teeth present, in two rows; and vomerine teeth stout, in two rows (revised from the original description).

Distribution. Known from southwestern Taiwan off Chong-chou and Ke-tzu-liao, Kaohsiung. Depth assumed not more than 100 m. It likely inhabits shallow waters in the southeastern Taiwan Strait.

 

Hsuan-Ching Ho, Chi-Ngai Tang, Hsiang-Chieh Chuang. 2022. Redescription of Parapercis moki Ho and Johnson, 2013 (Family Pinguipedidae), with Its First Fresh Coloration Information. Zootaxa. 5092(1); 127-133. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5092.1.7

[Entomology • 2019] Contributions to the Knowledge of the Genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae) from China and Vietnam

Tonkinaphaenops yinquanicus 

Huang, Vương, ... et Faille, 2019 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4701.1.3

Abstract 

Cavernicolous trechine beetles of the genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013, known so far only from Vietnam, are reported for the first time from southern China, and new data are also provided regarding this genus from northern Vietnam. Two new Chinese species, T. yinquanicus sp. nov. from cave Yinquan Dong and T. jingxicus sp. nov. from cave Nianluo Dong in Jingxi County, southwesternmost Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are described and illustrated, together with the descriptions of two new Vietnamese species: T. anthonyi sp. nov. from the cave Hang Dõi and T. impunctatus sp. nov. from the cave Hang Rắn in Cao Bằng province. A key to all known species of Tonkinaphaenops is also provided.

Keywords: Coleoptera, cavernicolous, aphaenopsian, ground beetles, new species, Trechini

Sunbin Huang, Vương Tân Tú, Phạm Văn Phú, Mingyi Tian and Arnaud Faille. 2019. Contributions to the Knowledge of the Genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013 from China and Vietnam (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae). Zootaxa. 4701(1); 35–53. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4701.1.3

[Botany • 2013] Liparis pingxiangensis (Orchidaceae) • A Remarkable New Species of Liparis from China and Its Phylogenetic Implications

 Liparis pingxiangensis L. Li & H. F. Yan

in Li & Yan, 2013.

 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078112

Abstract

In the present study, we formally describe Liparis pingxiangensis as a new species from Guangxi, China on the basis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. It is easily distinguished from closely related species by strongly curved column without column wings, and broadly rhombic-elliptic lip with 2 uncinate calli at the base. In particular, it differs most markedly from its congeners in possessing two pollinia attached by long and prominent caudicles (not stipes), to a distinct sticky disc. This type of pollinarium, as far as we know, is not found in any other species of Liparis, and is also unique among the orchids with waxy pollinia. We then proceeded to a phylogenetic analysis to ascertain the systematic position of this enigmatic species. Molecular study based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK DNA sequence data supports L. pingxiangensis as a distinct species, which forms an independent lineage sister to L. nervosa and its allies (93% BS, 1.00 BPP). In the light of previous work, the findings have important implications for a better understanding of the well-supported pattern mainly based on vegetative features in Malaxideae.

Figure 3. Morphology of Liparis pingxiangensis (A–D, G) and allied species L. nervosa (E–F).
A. inflorescence, B. flower, front view, C. flower, lateral view, D. gynostemium including anther, clinandrium and viscidium attached to apex of rostellum, lateral view, E. two pairs of close pollinia, F. two pairs of separate pollinia, G. pollinarium including pollinia, caudicles and viscidium.

Scale bars, 3(B–C); 1 mm (D); 0.3 mm (E–G).

Figure 2. Liparis pingxiangensis.
A. habit, B. flower, frontal view, C. flower, lateral view, D. bract, E. dorsal sepal, F. petal, G. lateral sepal, H. lip, I. column, lateral view, J. column without anther cap, ventral view, K. anther cap, L. pollinarium.

Drawn by Yun-Xiao Liu. Figure 

Liparis pingxiangensis L. Li & H. F. Yan, sp. nov. 

Type: — CHINA. Guangxi: Pingxiang, mixed deciduous forests, terrestrial in moist and shady grassy slopes, rare, collected 23 June 2011, flowered and pressed from plant cultivated in an experimental greenhouse of SCBG, 2 Apr 2012, L. Li 151 (HOLOTYPE: IBSC).

Species affinis L. nervosae (Thunb.) Lindl., a qua labiis late rhombico-ellipticus, callis uncinnatis praeditis, columnis arcuatis sine alis, polliniis duobus caudiculis longis affixis cum viscidio magno recedit.

Distribution, habitat and ecology: Liparis pingxiangensis is terrestrial, forming more or less scattered colonies on shady and damp areas with small ravines, in wet to most soils and humus, on the steeper slopes, at elevations of around 800 m in the mixed deciduous forest of southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Flowering occurs in early spring, from early until late April. Up to now, it has not been observed in fruits.

Etymology: The species is named after the site of its first discovery, Pingxiang, Guangxi province, China.

 Lin Li and Haifei Yan. 2013. A Remarkable New Species of Liparis (Orchidaceae) from China and Its Phylogenetic Implications.  PLoS ONE. 8(11): e78112. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078112

[Herpetology • 2013] Microcaecilia marvaleewakeae • A New Species of Microcaecilia (Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) from the Guianan region of Brazil

Microcaecilia marvaleewakeae  Maciel & Hoogmoed, 2013

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3693.3.9

Abstract

We describe a new species of Microcaecilia from the Guianan region of Brazil, based on a series of eight specimens from the states of Pará and Amazonas. Microcaecilia marvaleewakeae sp. nov. is very similar to M. taylori, but differs from it in having more primary annuli, more secondary grooves, and more secondary grooves that completely encircle the body. The new species also seems to have a relatively shorter and thinner head than M. taylori, but additional specimens of the new species are necessary to check this. A brief discussion of the taxonomy of M. taylori is presented.

Microcaecilia marvaleewakeae  Maciel & Hoogmoed, 2013

photo: Kawashita Ribeiro 

 Adriano Oliveira Maciel and Marinus Steven Hoogmoed. 2013. A New Species of Microcaecilia (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae) from the Guianan region of Brazil.
  Zootaxa. 3693(3); 387-394.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3693.3.9 

ResearchGate.net/publication/280117195_A_new_species_of_Microcaecilia_Amphibia_Gymnophiona_Siphonopidae_from_the_Guianan_region_of_Brazil

[Herpetology • 2013] Oligodon cattienensis • A New Species of Kukri Snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826; Squamata: Colubridae) from the Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam

Oligodon cattienensis 

Vassilieva, Geissler, Galoyan, Poyarkov, Devender & Böhme, 2013 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.3.2  

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Oligodon from the lowland forests of Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province, in southern Vietnam. Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Southeast Asian kukri snakes by the combination of the following characters: medium-sized, deeply forked hemipenes without spines, 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows, nasal entire, 2 small postoculars, almost equal in size, 167–178 ventrals, 31–35 subcaudals, 24–35 + 5 large dark-edged vertebral blotches in combination with a yellow-orange or red vertebral stripe between blotches, head pattern including ocular band, temporal bands and elongated chevron, ventrals pink or whitish (reddish in juveniles) in life, some bearing a quadrangular dark blotch on each lateral side, or ventrals being entirely dark. Based on the hemipenial morphology the new species is assigned to the Oligodon cyclurus species group. A comparison table for all Indochinese Oligodon

is provided.

Key words: Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov., Dong Nai Province, southern Indochina, taxonomy, natural history

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. (ZMMU R-13865) in life, dorsal (A) and ventral view (B). Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva.

FIGURE 4. Variation in life coloration of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. : (A) ZFMK 88921 (juvenile paratype); (B) ZMMU R-13866 adult male paratype; (C) ZMMU R-13815 adult male paratype; (D) uncollected adult specimen from Cat Tien National Park. Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva, Vitaly L. Trounov, Eduard A. Galoyan, Peter Geissler and Robert Wayne Van Devender

Etymology The new species is named after its type locality, the Cat Tien National Park. Established in 1978, and covering about 72.000 hectares, CTNP is one of the most important areas for the conservation of biodiversity of the lowland forests in southern Indochina.

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. (ZMMU R-13865) in life, dorsal (A) and ventral view (B). Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva.
FIGURE 4. Variation in life coloration of Oligodon cattienensis sp. nov. : (A) ZFMK 88921 (juvenile paratype); (B) ZMMU R-13866 adult male paratype; (C) ZMMU R-13815 adult male paratype; (D) uncollected adult specimen from Cat Tien National Park. Photos by Anna B. Vassilieva, Vitaly L. Trounov, Eduard A. Galoyan, Peter Geissler and Robert Wayne Van Devender

Vassilieva, Anna B., Peter Geissler, Eduard A. Galoyan, Nikolay A. J. Poyarkov, Robert W. V. Devender and Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. A New Species of Kukri Snake (Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826; Squamata: Colubridae) from the Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam.
Zootaxa. 3702(3): 233-246.   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.3.2

http://vk.com/doc1835068_218298111

http://forum.zoologist.ru/viewtopic.php?pid=331689 

[Crustacea • 2013 “2015”] Six New Species of Freshwater Crabs of the Genera Microthelphusa & Fredius (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) from Pantepui, Venezuela

Plate 2. Dorsal view of the cephalothorax of six freshwater crab new species: A.- Microthelphusa aracamuniensis, n. sp.; B.- M. marahuacaensis, n. sp.; C.- M. guaiquinimaensis, n. sp.; D.- M. maigualidaensis, n. sp.; E.- M. roraimaensis,n. sp.; F.- Fredius cuaoensis,n. sp.  

Suárez, 2013 “2015”.  DOI:  10.5281/zenodo.18333

Abstract

Six new species of  pseudothelphusid crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) are described from several rivers of the Pantepui region of Venezuela, in the states of Amazonas and Bolívar: Microthelphusa aracamuniensis, n. sp., M. guaiquinimaensis, n. sp., M. maigualidaensis, n. sp., M. marahuacaensis, n. sp., M. roraimaensis, n. sp., and Fredius cuaoensis, n. sp.

Keywords: Brachyura, Cerro Guaiquinima, Cerro Marahuaca, Fredius, Microtelphusa, Monte Aracamuni, Serranía de Mai-gualida, Río Cuao, Roraima.

Plate 2. Dorsal view of the cephalothorax of six freshwater crab new species:
A.- Microthelphusa aracamuniensis, n. sp.; B.- M. marahuacaensis, n. sp.; C.- M. guaiquinimaensis, n. sp.; D.- M. maigualidaensis, n. sp.; E.- M. roraimaensis,n. sp.; F.- Fredius cuaoensis,n. sp. 

Suárez, Héctor. 2013 “2015”. Six New Species of Freshwater Crabs from Pantepui, Venezuela (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae).

ANARTIA. 25; 64–94. DOI:  10.5281/zenodo.18333

Seis nuevas especies de cangrejos de agua dulce del Pantepui, Venezuela (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae)

Resumen: Se describen seis nuevas especies de cangrejos pseudotelfúsidos (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) procedentes de varios ríos de la región pantepuyana de Venezuela, en los estados Amazonas y Bolívar: Microthelphusa aracamuniensis, n. sp., M. guaiquinimaensis, n. sp., M. maigualidaensis, n. sp. M. marahuacaensis, n. sp., M. roraimaensis, n. sp., y Fredius cuaoensis, n. sp.

  

[Botany • 2013] Gastrodia takeshimensis • A New Mycoheterotrophic Species (Orchidaceae) from Japan

  Gastrodia takeshimensis Suetsugu

DOI:  10.5735/085.050.0613 

ABSTRACT
A new species, Gastrodia takeshimensis Suetsugu (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae, Gastrodieae) from Takeshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, is described and illustrated. Its elongated corolla tube suggests a close affinity to G. nipponica, but it is easily distinguished from G. nipponica by its narrower and enclosed perianth tube, a lip that is joined with the perianth tube without any appendage, and a taller inflorescence during the flowering period.

Kenji Suetsugu. 2013. Gastrodia takeshimensis (Orchidaceae), A New Mycoheterotrophic Species from Japan. Annales Botanici Fennici. 50(6):375-378. DOI:  10.5735/085.050.0613

ResearchGate.net/publication/274678217_Gastrodia_takeshimensis_(Orchidaceae)_a_New_Mycoheterotrophic_Species_from_Japan

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/11/10/new-species-of-orchid-discovered-in-japan-exhibits-anit-social-behavior/

[Botany • 2013] Curcuma leonidii • A New Species (Zingiberaceae) from southern Vietnam

Curcuma leonidii Škorničk. & Lưu

   DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.126.1.4

Photos: Lưu H. Trương  

Abstract

Curcuma leonidii, a new species of Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from southern Vietnam is described and illustrated here. Curcuma leonidii with flowers similar to some Stahlianthus-like species but inflorescences consisting of up to 8 green bracts and their arrangements conforming to usual ‘classical’ Curcuma-like species provides the much-awaited morphological link between the two genera, of which Stahlianthus have been, based on molecular results, recently proposed to be merged with Curcuma subg. Hitcheniopsis.

Keywords: Bù Gia Mập National Park, Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis, Stahlianthus

 Curcuma leonidii
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower. D. Anther (front, back and side views, scale bar 5 mm).

Photos: Lưu Hồng Trương 

Similar to Curcuma harmandii Gagnep. (subg. Hitcheniopsis) in inflorescence consisting of green bracts with no obvious coma, but differs from it by having a more compact inflorescence (vs. more elongated in C. harmandii), white corolla lobes (vs. greenish), white oblanceolate-spathulate shape of the lateral staminodes (vs. greenish-white nearly linear) and white labellum with rich yellow well-defined median, the sides of the basal half of the median puberulent, patched with red, and nearly plain margin (vs. white labellum with yellow pubescent median bordered around with pink tinge, especially towards the apex, and crisped margin).

Etymology:— We dedicate this small but beautiful species to Prof. Leonid V. Averyanov, who first brought this species to our attention. Prof. Averyanov made exemplary contributions to the knowledge of Vietnamese Orchidaceae. With his main Vietnamese collaborators, Prof. Phan Kế Lộc and Dr. Nguyễn Tiến Hiệp, he also conducted multiple expeditions during past 20 years leading to great enhancement of general floristic and phytogeographic knowledge of Vietnam and adjacent areas of eastern Indochina (e.g. Averyanov et al. 2003).

  J. Leong-Škorničková and Hồng Trường Lưu. 2013. Curcuma leonidii, A New Species from southern Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 126(1); 37–42.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.126.1.4

 mapress.com/phytotaxa/content/2013/f/pt00126p042.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Nototriton mime • A New Nototriton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from Parque Nacional Montaña de Botaderos in northeastern Honduras

Nototriton mime 

Townsend, Medina-Flores, Reyes-Calderón & Austin, 2013

   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3666.3.6   

Abstract

The highlands of northeastern Honduras remain under-characterized in terms of biological diversity, as exemplified by the regularity of new amphibian and reptile taxa discoveries. Following the recent description of a new species of Nototriton from the Sierra de Agalta in northeastern Honduras, we report the discovery of a second new species of Nototriton from the nearby Parque Nacional Montaña de Botaderos. This new taxon, Nototriton mime sp. nov., is distinguished from other Nototriton by its distinctive pale brown dorsal coloration in adult males, relatively large nares, a relatively broad head, mitochondrial sequence divergence, and phylogenetic relationships, and is geographically isolated from other populations of Nototriton.

Keywords: Nototriton mime sp. nov., mtDNA, 16S, cytochrome b, Nototriton picucha, sexual dichromatism

Etymology. The specific epithet “mime” is a noun in apposition to the generic name, given to honor our late friend Arquimides Gabriel Rosales Martinez, or “Mime” (pronounced me-may), a young Honduran biologist passionate about amphibians. Mime and his sister, Novy Hortensia Rosales Martinez, were killed by a drunken driver on 17 December 2010 in Tegucigalpa.

Natural history: The habitat at the type locality is tropical montane cloud forest, in the Lower Montane Wet Forest formation. The male holotype (USNM 579870; Fig. 3A) was active at night among the leaves of an orchid growing on a small stump on the ground along a wet ridge at 1,705 m elevation. The male paratype (USNM579871; Fig. 3C) was collected from underneath a small log embedded in the ground at 1,720 m elevation. The female paratype (MVZ 269306; Fig. 3B) was found in a bromeliad on the ground at 1,705 m elevation, near the holotype. The juvenile paratype (USNM 579872; Fig. 3D) was collected during the late afternoon from within a small bromeliad approximately 2 m above the ground on a large fallen branch at 1,710 m elevation.

Remarks. With the description of Nototriton mime, there are 17 named species of Nototriton distributed from Guatemala to Costa Rica, six of which are endemic to Honduras (Townsend et al. 2011; Boza-Oviedo et al. 2012).Each of these six endemic species have distributions restricted to cloud forest habitat in the upper reaches of isolated mountain ranges, with only one species (N. limnospectator) known to occur at premontane elevations aslow as 800 m. In addition to these six species, there are two as yet undescribed species currently referred to the taxon N. barbouri , one from Parque Nacional Pico Bonito (N. sp A in Townsend et al. 2011) and one from Refugiode Vida Silvestre Texíguat (N. sp. B, op. cit.).

The coloration seen in Nototriton mime appears to be the first documented case of sexual dichromatism in thegenus Nototriton, and one of few documented cases in tropical salamanders. Another endemic Honduras salamander, Bolitoglossa diaphora, from the Sierra de Omoa in northwestern Honduras, also exhibits marked dichromatism, with males being bluish-gray and females being a mottled red-orange coloration (McCranie &Wilson 1995).

Townsend, Josiah H., Melissa Medina-Flores, Onán Reyes-Calderón & James D. Austin. 2013. A New Nototriton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from Parque Nacional Montaña de Botaderos in northeastern Honduras. Zootaxa. 3666(3): 358–368.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3666.3.6

academia.edu/3631616/A_new_Nototriton_Caudata_Plethodontidae_from_Parque_Nacional_Montaña_de_Botaderos_in_northeastern_Honduras

[Herpetology • 2013] Aparasphenodon pomba • A New and Possibly Critically Endangered Species of Casque-headed Tree Frog Aparasphenodon Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura, Hylidae) from southeastern Brazil

Aparasphenodon pomba  

Assis, Santana, Silva, Quintela & Feio, 2013 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3716.4.6  

Abstract

A new species of casque-headed tree frog of the genus Aparasphenodon is described from the municipality of Cataguases (21º20’S, 42º45’W; 288 m a.s.l.) in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. Aparasphenodon pomba sp. nov. is characterized by medium size (males, snout-vent length, SVL 51.6–60.5 mm; females, SVL 58.7–62.1 mm); snout almost round in dorsal view; dorsum and limbs with cream-colored reticulation on dark-brown background; spots on ventral surface cream-colored; lips white; cream-colored dorsolateral stripe originating on the snout, crossing the upper eyelid and extending posteriorly to the axilla level; and red iris.

Keywords: Amphibia, Aparasphenodon pomba sp. nov., Southeastern Brazil, Atlantic Rain Forest, taxonomy

FIGURE 3. Aparasphenodon pomba sp. nov., holotype (MZUFV 10438; SVL 60.5 mm) in life, from Sítio Boa Sorte, Municipality of Cataguases, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 

Geographic distribution. Known only from the type locality, in the Municipality of Cataguases, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil (Fig. 5).

Natural history. The holotype was collected during the day inside a bamboo culm (Bambusa vulgaris) that had a small slit. All paratypes were found active during the night, during or after rains, occupying the same bamboo grove, at heights from 0.8 to 5.0 m. Bambusa vulgaris is native to Asia (Lima Neto 2010); the bamboo grove where the type series was collected has been in the area for about 70 years and its origin is unknown. Aparasphenodon pomba closes its eyes and contracts its body when manipulated (Fig. 4B). The new species occurs in sympatry with other three hylid species, Hypsiboas faber, Scinax eurydice, and Scinax sp. (gr. catharinae). We did not find A. pomba males in calling activity.

Habitat. Aparasphenodon pomba was found in a locality named Sítio Boa Sorte (21º20’20”S, 42º45’43”W; 288 m a.s.l.), which comprises an area of 135.52 hectares located on the border of the municipalities of Cataguases and Dona Euzébia, in the “Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais. This area is within an Atlantic Rain Forest fragment characterized as Submontane Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (Veloso et al. 1991). This region is currently highly fragmented, with mainly pastureland between forest remnants.

Remarks. The environment of the only known locality of Aparasphenodon pomba covers only a small area, and its known range is less than 10 km2 (actually only 1.36 km2 ). There are no protected areas close to the A. pomba type locality (Sítio Boa Sorte), a forest fragment that is highly impacted by human activities because of its proximity to the urban area of the municipality of Cataguases. The Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil is the most intensively studied region in the country, and since the 1990s areas close to the type locality of this new species have been repeatedly surveyed for amphibians. Apparently, A. pomba is at critical risk of becoming extinct within a very short period of time, as its presumed range is not included in any conservation unit and is entirely within privately owned land.

However, the finding of the new species only in a specific climatic conditions and associated with a bamboo grove environment also suggests subsampling in previous studies conducted in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Based on the criteria and categories of the IUCN Red List (Version 3.1, 2007), these data justify the assignment of A. pomba both the Critically Endangered category (CR) as in the Data Deficient category (DD).

Etymology. The specific name of the new species, a noun in apposition, refers to its discovery in an Atlantic Rain Forest fragment near the Pomba River, Cataguases, Minas Gerais.

Assis, Clodoaldo L. DE, Diego J. Santana, Fabiano A. D. Silva, Fernando M. Quintela and Renato N. Feio. 2013. A New and Possibly Critically Endangered Species of Casque-headed Tree Frog Aparasphenodon Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura, Hylidae) from southeastern Brazil. Zootaxa. 3716(4); 583-591.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3716.4.6

http://diegojsantana.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/6/0/20601370/assis_et_al._2013._aparasphenodon_pomba_sp._n.pdf

Ora "Pombas": Será mais uma para a lista?
http://www.wildlifepreservation.tk/2016/04/ora-pombas-sera-mais-um-pra-lista.html

[Botany • 2013] Rhododendron mechukae • A New Species (Ericaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Rhododendron mechukae 

A.A.Mao & A.Paul  

DOI:  10.1017/S0960428612000364

Abstract

The new species Rhododendron mechukae A.A.Mao & A.Paul (Ericaceae) is described from India.

A. A. Mao, Moonmoon Bhaumik, Ashish Paul, Sanjeeb Bharali and Mohammed Latif Khan. 2013. Rhododendron mechukae (Ericaceae), A New Species from  India.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 70(1); 57-60. DOI:  10.1017/S0960428612000364
 ResearchGate.net/publication/235671584_Rhododendron_mechukae_ERICACEAE_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_INDIA