[Herpetology • 2025] Nidirana shyhhuangi • A New Music Frog (Anura: Ranidae: Nidirana) critically endangered in Taiwan

Nidirana shyhhuangi 

C.-F. Lin, Chang, Matsui, Shen, Tominaga & S.-M. Lin, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.139344  

Abstract

Nidirana okinavana (Boettger, 1895) is a small-sized ranid species belonging to the East Asian genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992. Previous studies have indicated that this species was exclusively distributed on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands in the southern Ryukyus, as well as two extremely small wetland habitats in central Taiwan. Such a restricted distribution makes it one of the most endangered frog species in both Taiwan and Japan. By using molecular, morphological, and acoustic analyses, our study reveals significant divergence between the Taiwanese and Japanese clades, supporting the recognition of the Taiwanese clade as a distinct species, described herein as Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. Compared to Nidirana okinavana sensu stricto from the southern Ryukyus, the Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. is characterized by a significantly smaller and non-overlapping body size, relatively longer forelimbs and hindlimbs, smaller internostril and interorbital distances, with a higher number of cross bands on thigh and shank. Acoustic analyses reveal that the Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. produces calls with a rapid tempo and higher pulse number, with a higher dominant frequency compared to the Japanese clade. Due to the extremely limited distribution of this species to two small sites on Taiwan, and continuing decline in quality of its habitat, we propose that it should be classified as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN criteria. Immediate and comprehensive in situ and ex situ conservation actions are necessary to ensure the sustainable viability of the population.

Key words: Acoustic analysis, Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island, morphology, Nidirana okinavana

Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. in life
A an adult male with a pale yellowish-brown glandular ridge behind the base of the forelimb, which is diagnostic of the sexes B an adult female, with a more grayish coloration C a first-year juvenile, with a reddish lower iris color D a male calling in the nest showing its subgular vocal sac.

Photographed by Chun-Fu Lin (A–C) and Chunwen Chang (D).

 Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: (1) a small-sized ranid, body moderately slender; (2) SVL of preserved specimens in adult males 31.6–36.5 mm (mean ± SD = 33.8 ± 1.2 mm, n = 15), females 33.7–38.3 mm (35.9 ± 1.9 mm, n = 4); (3) head triangular, slightly longer than wide; (4) snout comparatively long, triangular in dorsal view with a slightly obtuse tip, moderately pointed in profile; (5) canthus rostralis distinct, contacting with the upper margin of nostril; (6) loreal region dark brown, extending posteriorly over eye and beyond tympanum; (7) upper lip pale white, white line extending posteriorly, forming a white stripe from below nostril to base of forelimb; (8) iris golden above canthus rostralis, dark brown below; (9) tympanum dark brown and conspicuous, dark zone extending posteriorly forming a trapezoid shape; (10) males with a single subgular vocal sac; (11) dorsum brown or yellowish-brown, sometimes ...

Etymology. The specific epithet of the new species shyhhuangi is a Latinized patronymic noun in genitive case. It is dedicated to Prof. Shyh-Huang Chen, a herpetologist and arachnologist who first discovered this species in the early 1980s. We propose the common name “Yuchi music frog” in English to demonstrate the only two sampling sites of the species in Yuchi (meaning the “fish pond”) Township, or “魚池琴蛙” (pronounced as Yú-Chí-Qín-Wā) in Mandarin for this species.

A type locality of Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. in Lienhuachih (23.__°N, 120.__°E), Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
B a mud nest with an opening diameter of ~ 0.8 cm. The white arrow indicates the position of the opening.

Photographed by Chun-Fu Lin.

Chun-Fu Lin, Chunwen Chang, Masafumi Matsui, Chin-Chia Shen, Atsushi Tominaga and Si-Min Lin. 2025. Description of A New Music Frog (Anura, Ranidae, Nidirana) critically endangered in Taiwan. ZooKeys. 1229: 245-273. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.139344  

[Botany • 2024] Fritillaria nevzatcaglari (Liliaceae) • A New Species from southern Anatolia, Turkey

  

Fritillaria nevzatcaglari Yıldırım & Tekşen, 
  

in Tekşen, Çimen et Yıldırım, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0107

 facebook.com: Hasan Yıldırım

 

Fritillaria nevzatcaglari Yıldırım & Tekşen (Liliaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Turkey. It morphologically resembles F. ozdemir-elmasii, F. bithynica and F. elwesii, but differs from them by several characters, the most distinct one being a pale purple outer surface of the perigon. Due to human activities and grazing pressure in the are where F. nevzatcaglari grows, we assess its conservation status as critically endangered (CR).

 

 Mehtap Tekşen, Aşkın Öykü Çimen and Hasan Yıldırım. 2024. Fritillaria nevzatcaglari (Liliaceae), A New Species from southern Anatolia, Turkey. Annales Botanici Fennici. 61(1); 41–46. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.061.0107

  facebook.com/640594604/posts/10161048827289605 

 

[Botany • 2025] Petrolamium crnojevicii • Morphology and Molecules revealed A remarkable New Genus of Lamiaceae, a surprising discovery in south-eastern Europe

Petrolamium crnojevicii  Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina, 

in Surina, Vuksanović, Dragićević, Glasnović, Siljak-Yakovlev, Balant, Radosavljević, Xiang et Li, 2025.   

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13313

Abstract

Petrolamium crnojevicii gen. & sp. nov., a new distinct and remarkable monotypic genus of Lamiaceae, was discovered in the Dinaric karst of southern Montenegro. This taxon exhibits a unique combination of morphological traits, including eglandular, mostly glabrous reniform leaves with 5–7 lobes and prominent hydatodes at their tips. Its small pedicellate flowers feature included anthers and styles within the corolla tube, a straight, narrow, and emarginate to bifurcate posterior corolla lip, and an anterior lip with entire, broadly elliptic-oblong lateral lobes. The trigonous mericarps have a truncated apex and bear fatty tissue. Notably, Petrolamium has a unique chromosome number of 2n = 32. A molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on 79 plastid protein-coding genes and 5 chloroplast markers placed Petrolamium in the subfamily Lamioideae, where it forms a distinct lineage, sister to the other members of the tribe Lamieae. Petrolamium is also unique from an ecological point of view, as it exclusively inhabits floristically depauperate calcareous rock crevices in a very restricted distribution range. This makes P. crnojevicii a critically endangered species according to IUCN criteria and emphasizes the need for immediate conservation efforts. This study highlights the importance of ongoing floristic exploration, demonstrating that even in regions long considered botanically well-known, important discoveries can still emerge, including within extensively investigated plant families like the Lamiaceae.

Keywords: Lamioideae, Mediterranean, molecular phylogeny, new genus, Petrolamium, systematics

 

  

Petrolamium crnojevicii Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina, gen. et sp. nov.

Boštjan Surina, Snežana Vuksanović, Snežana Dragićević, Peter Glasnović, Sonja Siljak-Yakovlev, Manica Balant, Ivan Radosavljević, Chun-Lei Xiang and Bo Li. 2025.  Morphology and Molecules revealed A remarkable New Genus of Lamiaceae, a surprising discovery in south-eastern Europe. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13313 [18 February 2025]

 

[Botany • 2025] Galanthus subalpinus (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Snowdrop from the Western Balkans

 

Galanthus subalpinus  A.P.Davis & I.McEnery, 

in Davis, McEnery, Csiba, Márquez-Corro et Leitch, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10239-8 

Drawn by Lucy T. Smith.

Summary

Galanthus subalpinus (Amaryllidaceae), a new snowdrop species endemic to the Western Balkans (North Macedonia and Kosovo) is described and illustrated. Morphological differences between the new species and the similar Galanthus species, G. nivalis and G. graecus, are reported and discussed, in combination with DNA sequence data from plastid (trnL-trnF, matK) and nuclear (ribosomal ITS) markers and genome size. Line drawings, photographs of habitat and morphology, a distribution map and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided. The genome size (1C-value) of G. bursanus, G. samothracicus and G. × valentinei nothosubsp. subplicatus are reported for the first time.

Key Words: Balkan flora, conservation, genome size, 1C-value.

Galanthus subalpinus.
 A habit, flowering; B habit, flower bud stage; C young emerging leaves, showing applanate vernation; D flower; E outer perianth segment, abaxial view (right) and adaxial view (left); F inner perianth segments, with alternative marking types (below), all in abaxial view; G inner perianth segment, adaxial view.

Scale bar: A – C = 4 cm; D = 2.5 cm; E – G = 1 cm. 

All from McEnery s.n. drawn by Lucy T. Smith.

Galanthus subalpinus in situ and in cultivation.
A habitat, subalpine grassland; B small clump, situated in an ephemeral water pool; C flowers; D leaves at early fruiting stage.
A – B North Macedonia; C – D UK, in cultivation.

photos: I. Mcenery.

Galanthus subalpinus A.P.Davis & I.McEnery sp. nov. 

 

ETYMOLOGY. Galanthus subalpinus is named after the subalpine zone (1500 – 1800 m) where the species is found in the wild.

Aaron P. Davis, Ian McEnery, Laszlo Csiba, José Ignacio Márquez-Corro and Ilia J. Leitch. 2025.  Galanthus subalpinus (Amaryllidaceae): A New Species of Snowdrop from the Western Balkans. Kew Bulletin.  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10239-8 

[Botany • 2022] Pleroma joelsilvae (Melastomataceae) • A New and Endemic Species from Paraná, Brazil

Pleroma joelsilvae  F.S.Mey. & Brotto,  

in Meyer, Brotto et Goldenberg, 2022. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.554.3.4 

  Researchgate.net/publication/362191674

Abstract

A new species of the genus Pleroma, endemic to the state of Paraná, is described. Pleroma joelsilvae is morphologically similar to Pleroma oleifolium and Pleroma ursinum. Here we present the taxonomic description for the species, taxonomic comments, distribution map, illustrations made with photos from herbarium specimens, photos of the species in vivo, and conservation status assignments. According to our assessments based on IUCN criteria, P. joelsilvae is Critically Endangered (CR), because its occurrence is very restricted, and its populations are small and occurring in unprotected areas. To facilitate its recognition, we present an updated identification key for the species of Pleroma that occur in Paraná. Pleroma joelsilvae is a tribute to Joel Morais da Silva, for his extensive work as a plant collector on the staff of the “Museu Botânico Municipal de Curitiba”.

Keywords: Melastomataceae, Taxonomy, Tibouchina, Eudicots

 Illustration made with photos from herbarium specimens of Pleroma joelsilvae, based on the holotype and paratypes.
A. Branch. B. Leaf, with detail of the indumentum that covers the adaxial surface (B1), and the abaxial surface (B2) of the blade. C. Bract, adaxial surface. D. Bract, abaxial surface. E. Partial view of the inflorescence. F. Variation in bracteole size (abaxial surface). G. Flower bud, with detail of the indumentum that covers the hypanthium (G1). H. Dried flower. I. Antesepalous stamen, with detail of the pedoconnective appendages (I1), and the indumentum that covers the filament (I2). J. Antepetalous stamen, with detail of the pedoconnective appendages (J1), and the indumentum that covers the filament (J2). K. Gynoecium, with detail of the indumentum that covers the apex of the ovarium (K1). L. Immature fruit.

[A, C-E, G-L: Silva et al 9219 (UPCB); B: Engels 2380 (UPCB); F: Engels s.n. (UPCB0049003)].

 

 Photos of Pleroma joelsilvae in the field.
A. Flowering branch. B. Leaf, abaxial surface. C. Leaf, with detail of the indumentum that covers the abaxial surface. D. Leaf, with detail of the indumentum that covers the adaxial surface. E. Flower bud. F. Hypanthium and sepals. G. Flower in frontal view. H. Flower in lateral view showing stamens and style. I. Stamens in ventral view, showing the ventral biauriculate appendages. J. Old fruits after seed dispersal.

[Images from Meyer & Brotto 2725].

Pleroma joelsilvae F.S.Mey. & Brotto sp. nov.

 

Fabrício Schmitz MEYER, Marcelo Leandro BROTTO and Renato GOLDENBERG. 2022. Pleroma joelsilvae (Melastomataceae): A New and Endemic Species from Paraná, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 554(3); 257-268. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.554.3.4 

  Researchgate.net/publication/362191674_Pleroma_joelsilvae_a_new_and_endemic_species_from_Parana_Brazil

[Botany • 2025] Piper kiminensis (Piperaceae) • A New Species with shingling variegated leaves from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 Piper kiminensis  

in Gajurel, Yakang, Kashung et Borah, 2025.

 DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.10 

 facebook.com: Dipu Dipankar BORAH

 

Abstract

Piper kiminensis (Piperaceae), a new species, is described from Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India, along with notes on its habitat, ecology, and conservation status. A dioecious, semi-woody climber with distinct dimorphic branches, it is distinguished from other climbing pipers by its vegetative branches possessing shingled, variegated leaves. The new species does share some similarities with P. obtusissimum in its vegetative branches and P. betleoides in its fertile branches, so a table with detailed morphological features for all three species is provided for easy comparison. For aid in recognition, color photographs are also included. The molecular studies based on the ITS sequence also confirmed the distinctness of the new species from other taxa. Moreover, it shows little similarity with any of the existing Piper species.

Conservation, Critically Endangered, Dioecious, Kimin, Papum Pare, Taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, Magnoliids

  

Piper kiminensis sp. nov. 

Padma Raj GAJUREL, Tage YAKANG, Soyala KASHUNG and Dipankar BORAH. 2025. Piper kiminensis (Piperaceae) A New Species with shingling variegated leaves from Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Phytotaxa. 689(2); 269-276. DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.10 [2025-02-24]

  facebook.com/DipuBORAH2/posts/9235663313192792

[Botany • 2025] Nepenthes higaonon (Nepenthaceae) • A New Species of Pitcher Plant from the northern Mindanao, Philippines

Nepenthes higaonon  Lagunday & V.B. Amoroso, 

in Lagunday, Baul, Ansihagan et Amoroso, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.12  

  facebook.com/MelbertJamesGBaul

 

Abstract

Nepenthes higaonon (section Alatae) is described as a new species from the gravel substrates of northern Mindanao, Philippines. It is morphologically similar to N. viridis from which differs in having a non-decurrent leaf-to-stem attachment (vs. slightly decurrent in N. viridis), rounded leaf apex (vs. acute), 3 longitudinal veins on each side of the midrib (vs. 1–2), monomorphic pitchers (vs. dimorphic) aerial pitchers cylindrical upper 1/3rd (vs. infundibular upper 1/3rd), aerial pitcher lid flattened, ovate, angled up to 90° completely exposing the opening (vs. domed, oval to cordate, angled up to ca. 60 ° covering the opening), aerial pitcher peristome anterior with shallow depression (vs. often raised), inflorescence 1-flowered (vs. 2-flowered), and by its climbing stems up to ca. 10 m (vs. up to ca. 4 m). The species described is assessed herein as Critically Endangered according to IUCN criteria, facing threats of poaching, shifting cultivation, without legislative protection and calls for immediate conservation efforts.

Nepenthes, new species, northern Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, Eudicots

Nepenthes higaonon 

  

Noel E. LAGUNDAY, Melbert James G. BAUL, Ramil P. ANSIHAGAN and Victor B. AMOROSO. 2025. Nepenthes higaonon (Nepenthaceae), A New Species of Pitcher Plant from the northern Mindanao, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 689(2); 285-290. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.12 [2025-02-24] 

  facebook.com/MelbertJamesGBaul/posts/9429304917107250

[Botany • 2025] Petrocodon curvitubus (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, 

in Wei, Pan et Ding, 2025. 

弯管石山苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.136306

 

Abstract

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, sp. nov. from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to P. lui and P. tenuitubus, but can be easily distinguished by its elliptic to oblong-ovate leaves, corollas with two purple longitudinal stripes, and conical ovary.

Key words: China, Gesneriaceae, Guangxi, limestone flora, new species

Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, sp. nov.
A plant in flower B abaxial leaf surface and petiole C bracts D frontal view of corolla and side view of flower showing strongly curved corolla tube E longitudinal section of corolla showing the position of stamens F stamens with cohering anthers G pistil and calyx H pistil with sepals dissected I stigmas J fruit.

Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, sp. nov. 
A habitat B plant in flower C adaxial leaf surface D abaxial leaf surface E frontal view of flower F opened corolla G side view of flower showing strongly curved corolla tube H pistil and calyx I sepals J stamens (st.) and staminodes (sta.) from a pickled specimen K pistil and calyx with partly dissected sepals from a pickled specimen.

Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: P. curvitubus is florally similar to P. lui and P. tenuitubus. However, it can be distinguished from these by leaf characteristics, with leaves elliptic to oblong-ovate, apex obtuse or slightly acuminate, base cuneate (vs P. lui, ovate or broadly ovate; apex subacute or obtuse, base cordate to shallowly cordate, oblique; vs P. tenuitubus, ovate to orbicular; apex obtuse, base cordate symmetrical or asymmetrical), corollas with purple stripes (vs absent in P. lui and P. tenuitubus), corolla lobes obovate-elliptic to oblong, apex acuminate (vs P. lui, lobes oblong, obovate to suborbicular, apex obtuse; vs P. tenuitubus, lobes narrowly ovate to ovate, apex obtuse), and ovary conical, ca. 2.5 × ca. 0.8 mm (vs P. lui, linear, ca. 3 × 1.5 mm; vs P. tenuitubus, ovoid, 1–2 × 1–1.5 mm) (Table 1).

Etymology: The epithet originates from the strongly curved corolla tube.

Vernacular name: Wān Guǎn Shí Shān Jù Tái (弯管石山苣苔), the first two words, “Wān Guǎn,” mean the corolla tube is strongly curved, and the following four words, “Shí Shān Jù Tái,” mean Petrocodon in Chinese.

Jin-Xin Wei, Bo Pan and Tao Ding. 2025. Petrocodon curvitubus, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from Guangxi, China.  PhytoKeys. 252: 77-85. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.136306

 

[Botany • 2025] Syagrus harenae (Arecaceae) • Hidden in the Mountain: A New rare Syagrus with morphological novelties

 Syagrus harenae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, 

in Sant’Anna-Santos, Nunes, Micheli et Francino, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.140657

Abstract

Background and aims – The Serra do Ambrósio is a mountain with a unique vegetation called carrasco. The carrasco is characterised by sandy soils of high granulometry and is home to rare species. During the current research on the Arecaceae flora of the Diamantina Plateau, a new Syagrus species was discovered, which is described here.

Material and methods – The morphology and anatomy are described based on field collections. The pinnae anatomy was analysed using LM (free-hand cross sections). The new species belongs to the Syagrus glaucescens complex, and an identification key and a distribution map were created.

Key results – Syagrus harenae resembles S. glaucescens, but some characteristics easily differentiate it, such as the small size, lax pinnae, symmetric pinnae tips, ramenta scales, a scattered thin indumentum on the peduncle, inflorescences and fruits orangish-yellow, and pistil with indumentum. The new species also possesses flowers arranged in tetrads and pentads and is the first species of Syagrus showing two sepals, petals with imbricate tips, staminodes with anthers, and frequently lacks staminodial rings. The pinnae anatomy of the new species also resembles S. glaucescens, which indicates their relatedness. However, reliable differences in pinnae anatomy set the new species apart, such as the fibrous ring reaching the abaxial hypodermis and the large first adaxial fibre bundle near the margin. The new species is assessed as critically endangered.

Conclusion – Syagrus harenae is the first endemic species of the genus described for the Serra do Ambrósio and possesses striking characteristics, such as the re-greening of the pistillate flowers and flowers arranged in tetrads and pentads. The type population corroborates the Diamantina Plateau and its disjunctions as one of the centres of diversity for Syagrus. The discovery of this new species reinforces the uniqueness of the local flora and its classification as a priority area for conservation.

Keywords: campo rupestre, carrasco, Espinhaço Range, Palmae, Serra do Ambrósio, taxonomy

 Syagrus harenae.
 A. Prostrated stem. B. Sheathing leaf arranged in 5 nearly vertical or slightly spiralled rows. C. Flowers arranged in tetrads. D. Sepals connate at the base. E. Flowers arranged in pentads. F. Fruits. G. Endocarp pores

. A–G from Sant’Anna-Santos & Francino 406 (DIAM, holotype). 

Illustration by Gustavo Surlo.

Vegetative morphological aspects of Syagrus harenae.
A. Landscape photograph of the type locality: a group of individuals (white rectangles) growing on the sandy soils near rock outcrops (ro). B. The white arrowhead indicates the prostrated stem. C. Ramenta (black arrowheads) on the pinnae abaxial surface (ab) and leaf rachis with brownish tomentum (ra). D. Long tapering pinnae tips (white arrowheads). E. Pinnae: dark-green adaxial surface (ad) and glaucous abaxial surface (ab). F. Pinnae inserted in divergent planes over the rachis (rc). G. Fibres (white arrowheads) of the pseudopetiole. H. Leaf sheath (sh), peduncular bract (pb), and prophyll (pr).

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Floral morphology of Syagrus harenae. 

A. Staminate flowers on rachillae upper 1/3 and triads on its lower 2/3: staminate flowers in pre-anthesis (two black arrowheads). B. Tetrads (two white circles): staminate flowers in anthesis (two black arrowheads). C. Inflorescence bearing only pistillate flowers (after staminate flowers’ senescence). D. Triad: sessile staminate flowers, yellow pistillate flowers. E. Pedicellate staminate flowers (two black arrowheads), green pistillate flowers. F. Tetrad: two central pistillate flowers flanked by two staminate flowers. G. Pentad on lateral view: three central pistillate flowers flanked by two staminate flowers (two black arrowheads). H. Pentad: top view. Staminate flowers (two black arrowheads). I. Apex and base staminate flowers. Three petals (pe). J. Staminate flower: petals (pe) longer than ... 

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos

Fruit morphology of Syagrus harenae. 

A. Infructescence. B. Immature fruit: epicarp green in colour and recovered by a scaly lepidote tomentum. C. Mature fruit: epicarp orange in colour and recovered by a scaly lepidote tomentum. D. Fibrous mesocarp (me). Epicarp (ep). Endocarp (en). E. Three apical endocarp pores: top view. F. Endocarp pore, lateral view. G. Longitudinal section: brownish endocarp (en) and whitish endosperm (ed). 

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus harenae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Syagrus harenae is similar to S. glaucescens Glaz. ex Beccari, from which it differs by lax pinnae on the leaf rachis (vs congested pinnae), apical pinnae size (8–12 × 0.2–0.4 vs 1.5–6 × 0.2–1.0), pinnae with symmetrical tip (vs asymmetrical); base of the stem not-angular (vs angular), brownish indumentum where pinnae are inserted on the lower leaf rachis (vs glabrous); prostrated stem (vs erect); sheathing leaf base length (10–28 cm vs 42–52 cm), lax sheathing leaf base (vs congested); inflorescence strongly pendulous (vs erect ou slightly pendulous); peduncle with scattered thin indumentum (vs glabrous); petal tips imbricate (vs valvate); pistil with whitish indumentum on lower 1/3 (vs glabrous), inconspicuous staminodial ring (vs conspicuous staminodal ring); fruit yellowish-orange when mature (vs brownish).

Etymology: The specific epithet, harenae, means sand and refers to the unique sandy soil where the new species grows in the Serra do Ambrósio mountain.

 

Morphological aspects of  Syagrus harenae with ecological implications.
A. Fly on the peduncular bract. B. A bee visiting a pistillate flower. C. A bee visiting a staminate flower. D. Beetle. E–F. Larvae (two white arrowheads). G–H. Fruits and endocarps on the sandy soil. I. Mesocarp damaged (da) by fruit predation. J–K. Pendulous infructescences almost reaching the ground (three white circles), and young plants (two white arrowheads) near adult plants.

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

 Bruno Francisco Sant’Anna-Santos, Elaine Lopes Pereira Nunes, Rafael Micheli and Dayana Maria Teodoro Francino. 2025. Hidden in the Mountain: A New rare Syagrus (Arecaceae) with morphological novelties. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(1): 63-81. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.140657

[Botany • 2024] Allium taiseba (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Scorodon from Van Province, Turkey

 Allium taiseba Fırat, 

in Fırat. 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04420 

Researchgate.net/publication/384534079 

facebook.com/NordicJBotany

 

Abstract

A new species, Allium taiseba (A. sect. Scorodon), is described from Hoşap (Xoşap)/Van province, Turkey. It is morphologically similar to A. bingoelense, but it differs in several morphological features including inner tunic's colour of bulb, spathe length, tepal colours and size, stamen colour and length, ovary shape, style colour and length, capsule and seeds size. A comprehensive description of the new species is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution map, habitat and ecology, vernacular names and IUCN conservation status.

 Allium taiseba sp. nov.
(A) Habitat and general view of the type locality, (B) habit.

 Allium taiseba sp. nov.  (photographed by M. Fırat): (A) inflorescence, (B) perigon.
 Allium bingoelense (photographed by Ş. Yıldırımlı): (C) inflorescence, (D) perigon.
Allium sivasicum (photographed by M. Koyuncu): (E) inflorescence, (F) perigon.
Allium wendelboanum (photographed by O. Eren): (E) inflorescence, (F) perigon.

Allium taiseba Fırat sp. nov.

Eponymy: The name of this species is attributed to ‘Taişeba’, known as the god of lightning and thunderstorms in mythological Kurdish history. Today, Tuşba, the old Kurdish name for the city of Van, is also named after this god. He is one of the three great gods known in Hurri and Urartu states. In Kurdish,‘Tav’ means light and ‘Şev’ means night (Tav û Şev), that is, the god who turns the night into light. 

Mehmet Fırat. 2024. Allium taiseba, A New Species of Allium sect. Scorodon (Amaryllidaceae) from Van Province (Turkey). Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04420

 Researchgate.net/publication/384534079_Allium_taiseba_a_new_species_from_Van_province_Turke 

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[Botany • 2025] Piper saurodermus (Piperaceae) • A New Peltate-leaved Species restricted to the Tropical Rainforest of southern Mexico

 

Piper saurodermus  Ortiz-Rodr. & J.R.Carral, 

in Ortiz-Rodriguez, Carral-Domínguez, Amancio, Hurtado-Reveles et Martínez-Velarde, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10236-x 

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Summary

Piper saurodermus (Piperaceae), a new peltate-leaved species endemic to Mexico, is described and illustrated. In the context of the genus, the new species presents a unique combination of morphological features. These include its creeping habit, strongly bullate and densely pubescent leaves with an arcuate venation pattern, short stipitate inflorescences, glabrous flower bracts and the ornamented surface of its fruits. Based on the criteria established by IUCN, it is provisionally determined that the species is Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(ii,iii,v)].

Key Words: Conservation, floristic refuge, karst, neotropics 

Piper saurodermus.
A habit, a creeping understory plant; B peltate leaf with strongly bullate surface and arcuate venation pattern; C short stipitate inflorescence; D close-up of the inflorescence, note the glabrous bracts; E infructescence and ornamented fruit (inset).

 photos: A – B Leopoldo Hurtado Reveles; C – E Rodrigo Carral Domínguez.

Piper saurodermus Ortiz-Rodr. & J.R.Carral sp. nov. 

Andrés Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez, José Rodrigo Carral-Domínguez, Guadalupe Amancio, Leopoldo Hurtado-Reveles and María Fernanda Martínez-Velarde. 2025. Piper saurodermus (Piperaceae), A New Peltate-leaved Species restricted to the Tropical Rainforest of southern Mexico.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10236-x

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[Botany • 2025] Aeschynanthus clarkei (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from North East India

Aeschynanthus clarkei Moaakum, S. Dey, Barbhuiya & G. Krishna,

 in Moaakum, Dey, Kri, Barbhuiya, Limthure et Krishna, 2025. 

 https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2045 

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Abstract

A new species Aeschynanthus clarkei sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Nagaland state of Northeast India. Morphologically, this species closely resembles to Aeschynanthus lineatus Craib in having sessile inflorescences, but differs in leaves elliptic-lanceolate vs narrowly to broadly elliptic or lanceolate to obovate; calyx lobes linear vs lanceolate-linear to linear-oblanceolate. It also appears to be morphologically similar to Aeschynanthus angustioblongus W.T. Wang in leaves shape but differs in having leaves margin prominently dentate vs margin entire and flowers in pair vs flower solitary. This species is narrowly confined to Kiphire district of Nagaland, in a small population comprising about 35 matured individuals in two localities. The threat status of this new species is provisionally assessed here as “Critically Endangered CRB2ab(III); D)” following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 16 (2024).

Keyword: Aeschynanthus angustioblongus, Aeschynanthus lineatus, Endangered, Indo-Burma hotspot, Nagaland

Aeschynanthus clarkei sp. nov.: 
A. Habit: B. leaves dorsal and ventral surfaces; C. Inflorescences; D. A flower; E. Calyx (corolla removed); F. Corolla split open; G. Pistil with calyx; H. Capsule (dehisced).

Aeschynanthus clarkei sp. nov.:
A. Habit; B. Flowering twig showing inflorescence; C. Leaves dorasal and ventral surfaces D. A flower; E. calyx (corolla removed); F. Corolla split open showing stamens; G. Pistil with calyx.

Aeschynanthus clarkei Moaakum, S. Dey, Barbhuiya & G. Krishna, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Morphologically, this species closely resembles to Aeschynanthus lineatus Craib in having sessile inflorescences, and similar in corolla tube structure, but differs by its, leaves shape elliptic-lanceolate vs narrowly to broadly elliptic or lanceolate to obovate; calyx lobes linear, obtuse at apex, glabrous vs calyx lobes lanceolate-linear to linear-oblanceolate, outside glabrous to rust-brown pubescent. It also appears to be morphologically similar to Aeschynanthus angustioblongus W.T. Wang in leaves shape but differ in having leave margin prominently dentate vs leaves margin entire; flowers in pair vs flower solitary; style glandular pubescent vs style sparsely hairy/pubescent.

Etymology: This species is named after Charles Baron Clarke (1832–1906), a British Botanist, who contributed significantly for the family Gesneriaceae in Flora of British India.

Jamir Moaakum, Santanu Dey, Sirumai Khusiali Kri, Hussain Ahmed Barbhuiya, Limthure and Gopal Krishna. 2025. A New Species of Aeschynanthus Jack (Gesneriaceae) from North East India.  Taiwania.70(1); 50-54. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.50 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2045

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