[Botany • 2025] Columnea golondrinensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Cerro Golondrinas in the northern Andes of Ecuador

Columnea golondrinensis J.L.Clark,

in Clark, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.253.144114

Abstract

Exploratory field expeditions to the Chocó forests in the northern Andes of Ecuador resulted in the discovery of a new species of Columnea (Gesneriaceae). Columnea golondrinensis J.L.Clark, sp. nov., is described as a narrow endemic from the cloud forests of Cerro Golondrinas in the Carchi Province near the northern Ecuadorian border with Colombia. The oval leaves with a rust-colored multicellular hispid indumentum, terrestrial subwoody habit and deeply bilabiate dark purple corollas with glandular trichomes differentiate this taxon from all other congeners. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status of Vulnerable (VU) is provided for C. golondrinensis.

Key words: Chocó, Colombia, Columnea, Ecuador, Gesneriaceae, taxonomy

Columnea golondrinensis J.L.Clark
A recurved lower lip of bilabiate corolla B, C lateral views of flower D abaxial surface of flowering shoot E adaxial surface of flowering shoot (A–E from J.L. Clark et al. 18185).

Photos by J.L. Clark.

 Columnea golondrinensis J.L.Clark, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Vegetatively similar to Columnea suffruticosa J.F. Sm. & L.E. Skog due to the presence of ovate leaves with a rust-colored multicellular hispid indumentum, but differing in the terrestrial habit (vs. epiphytic habit in C. suffruticosa) and deeply bilabiate corolla (vs. uniformly tubular corolla in C. suffruticosa). The deeply bilabiate corolla, dark purple corolla tube, and glandular trichomes throughout the upper and lower lobes are unique characters not found in any other known species of Columnea.

Etymology. The specific epithet reflects the type locality, Cerro Golondrinas, where this species is presumably endemic.

 John L. Clark. 2025. Columnea golondrinensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Cerro Golondrinas in the northern Andes of Ecuador. PhytoKeys. 253: 57-65. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.253.144114

Resumen: Las expediciones de campo exploratorias a los bosques del Chocó en los Andes del norte de Ecuador resultaron en el descubrimiento de una nueva especie de Columnea (Gesneriaceae). Columnea golondrinensis J.L.Clark, sp. nov., se describe como una endémica restringida a los bosques nublados del Cerro Golondrinas, en la provincia de Carchi, cerca de la frontera norte de Ecuador con Colombia. Las hojas ovaladas con un indumento híspido multicelular de color óxido, el hábito subleñoso terrestre y las corolas profundamente bilabiadas de color púrpura oscuro con tricomas glandulares diferencian a este taxón de todos sus congéneres. Según las directrices de la UICN, se proporciona un estatus preliminar de conservación de Vulnerable (VU) para C. golondrinensis.

[Mammalogy • 2025] Coendou vossi • A Review of the Quichua Porcupine Coendou quichua complex (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with the Description of A New Species from Colombia

 

Coendou vossi 

Ramírez-Chaves, Mazepa, Morales-Martínez, Suárez-Castro, Colmenares-Pinzón, Pulido-Santacruz & Noguera-Urbano, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae140

x.com/DMMoralesMar

 

Abstract

Coendou quichua is a widely distributed trans-Andean species in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. However, analysis of the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene suggests the presence of cryptic diversity. Recent reviews found that morphological variation within this taxon is mainly associated with elevation. Still, mitochondrial divergence values between some populations are similar to those reported between well-diagnosable sister species in the genus. Here, we provide new Cytb sequences from Colombian and Ecuadorian specimens and morphological observations from specimens collected in different natural regions to show that C. quichua is indeed a species complex. Coendou quichua complex contains 3 separate lineages: (i) the typical C. quichua from the Andes of Ecuador; (ii) a sister lineage from the Chocó-Darién ecoregion; and (iii) an undescribed new species from wet and dry forests of the Magdalena inter-Andean valley and the Caribbean regions of Colombia. Based on morphological, ecological niche modeling, and geographical analyses, the lineage from Chocó-Darién in Colombia and Ecuador is here treated as a different species for which the name C. rothschildi is available. The lineage involving samples from the wet and dry forests of the Magdalena inter-Andean Valley and the Caribbean regions represents an unnamed taxon described herein as Coendou vossi sp. nov., endemic to Colombia.

cytochrome b, endemism, geographic variation, inter-Andean valleys, morphometry, South America

Coendou vossi sp. nov.

Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, Glib O. Mazepa, Darwin M. Morales-Martínez, Andrés Felipe Suárez-Castro, Javier E. Colmenares-Pinzón, Paola Pulido-Santacruz and Elkin A. Noguera-Urbano. 2025. A Review of the Quichua Porcupine Coendou quichua complex (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with the Description of A New Species from Colombia. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae140. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae140

 x.com/DMMoralesMar/status/1876357558664872253

Resumen: Coendou quichua se considera una especie trasandina de amplia distribución que se encuentra en Colombia, Ecuador y Panamá. Sin embargo, análisis del gen citocromo b (Cytb) sugieren la presencia de diversidad críptica. Revisiones recientes encontraron una variación morfológica dentro de este taxón asociada principalmente a la elevación, mientras que los valores de divergencia mitocondrial entre algunas poblaciones son similares a los reportados entre especies hermanas del género. Proporcionamos nuevas secuencias de Cytb de especímenes colombianos y ecuatorianos, así como observaciones morfológicas de especímenes recolectados en diferentes regiones naturales para mostrar que C. quichua es de hecho un complejo de especies. El complejo C. quichua posee tres linajes: (i) el típico C. quichua de los Andes de Ecuador; (ii) un linaje hermano de la ecorregión de Chocó-Darién; y (iii) una nueva especie no descrita de bosques húmedos y secos del valle interandino del Magdalena y la región Caribe de Colombia. Con base en análisis morfológicos, y geográficos, junto a modelos de nicho ecológico, el linaje del Chocó-Darién es tratado como una especie diferente para la cual el nombre C. rothschildi está disponible. De manera similar, el linaje que involucra muestras de los bosques húmedos y secos del Valle interandino del Magdalena y del Caribe representa un taxón sin nombre disponible el cual describimos aquí como Coendou vossi sp. nov., endémico de Colombia.

citocromo b, endemismo, morfometría, valles interandinos, variación geográfica, Sudamérica

[Herpetology • 2025] Epipedobates currulao (Anura: Dendrobatidae) • Honoring the Afro-Colombian Musical Culture with the Naming of A Frog from the Pacific Rainforests

 

 Epipedobates currulao  

Betancourth-Cundar, Ríos-Orjuela, Crawford, Cannatella & Tarvin, 2025

Currulao Nurse Frog | Rana nodriza de currulao  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1226.123803  

  facebook.com/CienciasUniandes

Abstract

The number of amphibian species described yearly shows no signs of slowing down, especially in tropical regions, implying that the biodiversity of amphibians remains woefully underestimated. A new species of poison frog is described from the Pacific lowlands of southwestern Colombia: Epipedobates currulao sp. nov., named for the Pacific music and dance genre known as "currulao" or "bambuco viejo". This species inhabits lowland forests from 0–260 m a.s.l. This taxon differs from congeners by having a combination of bright yellow blotches in the dorsal anterior region of the thigh and upper arm, homogenous dark-brown dorsal coloration, and advertisement calls of long duration and many pulses. We also describe the courtship call of E. currulao sp. nov., which is lower in frequency and shorter in duration than its advertisement call. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of the populations sampled and its position as the sister species of Epipedobates narinensis, which occurs in southwestern Colombia. Among species of Epipedobates, the new species has been previously confused with E. boulengeri, but the two species are allopatric and represent two divergent clades (1.77% divergent for 12S–16S and 5.39% for CYTB). These species can be distinguished by the presence of a bright yellow blotch on the dorsal anterior region of the thigh and on the upper arm of E. currulao sp. nov., blotches that are either more white than yellow or absent in E. boulengeri. In addition, the advertisement calls are distinct, with E. currulao sp. nov. having a single but long call in each call series while E. boulengeri has 2–6 calls in a series with each call being much shorter in length. Epipedobates currulao sp. nov. is the most northern species of Epipedobates, which extends southwards along the western edge of the Andes. Known as the Chocó, this biogeographic region has been largely converted to agriculture in Ecuador and is experiencing widespread transformation in Colombia, which may endanger E. currulao sp. nov. and biodiversity in the region.  

Key words: Alpha taxonomy, bioacoustics, Chocó, DNA barcoding, megadiverse, music, new species, poison frogs

Images in life and in preservative of the holotype of Epipedobates currulao sp. nov.
A full specimen in life B dorsal view in life C ventral view in life D lateral view in life E dorsal view in preservative (70% ethanol) F ventral view in preservative G lateral view in preservative H dorsal hand in preservative I ventral hand in preservative J dorsal foot in preservative K ventral foot in preservative.

Scale bars: 5 mm (B–G); 2.5 mm (H–K).

Images in life of  Epipedobates currulao sp. nov. in comparison with close congeners and sympatric species
A  Epipedobates currulao sp. nov. from the type locality of Ladrilleros, Valle de Cauca, Colombia (ANDES:A:5261; SVL = 20.0 mm; adult male; paratype) B E. narinensis from Biotopo, Nariño, Colombia (ANDES:A:3704; 16.39 mm; adult male); C. Andinobates minutus from Ladrilleros, Valle de Cauca, Colombia (ANDES:A:5266; 13 mm; sex not determined)
D E. boulengeri from Isla Gorgona, Cauca, Colombia (individual not captured) E E. espinosai from Río Palenque, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador (individual not captured) F E. aff. espinosai from La Nutria, Nariño, Colombia (ANDES:A:2476; 17.77 mm; sex not determined)
G E. boulengeri from Maragrícola, Nariño, Colombia (ANDES:A:2472; 18.96 mm; adult female) H A side-by-side image of E. boulengeri from Isla Gorgona (ANDES:A:3695; 20.65 mm; adult female) and E. currulao sp. nov. from Pianguita, Valle de Cauca, Colombia (ANDES:A:3690; 16.42 mm; adult female) demonstrating the large size difference between the two species.

All images were taken by Rebecca D. Tarvin except for A and C, which were taken by Juan Camilo Ríos-Orjuela. Photos are not to scale.

 Epipedobates currulao sp. nov.

  Proposed English common name: Currulao Nurse Frog 

Proposed Spanish common name: Rana nodriza de currulao

Diagnosis: Epipedobates currulao is a small dendrobatid frog (SVL mean = 17.99 mm and SD = 0.95 mm, n = 16 frogs; Tables 1, 2) with uniformly brown dorsal coloration, black sides, a white to yellow oblique lateral stripe, a bright yellow blotch on the anteriodorsal side of thigh and on the upper arm, and a pale-blue or turquoise venter with black mottling (Fig. 2, Suppl. material 3). Calls of E. currulao sp. nov. are long with a call duration of 0.67–3.88 s (mean = 2.21, SD = 0.54 s, n = 15) and 22–122 pulses per call (mean = 73.98, SD = 18.77, n = 15). They occur in call series of only one call (Tables 3, 4).

Etymology: The specific epithet "currulao" is a noun in apposition of masculine gender. It refers to the musical genre that originated on the southern Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador, where E. currulao occurs and also contributes to the local soundscape. Currulao, also known as bambuco viejo, is an Afro-Colombian sounded practice that inspires dancing and transmits the happiness and cultural tradition of this region. It is a symbol of resilience in the face of racial and regional oppression (Abadía 1973; Aristizabal 2002; Birenbaum Quintero 2006, 2019). We named this species in honor of, and as an homage to, this musical genre that represents the culture of the southern Colombian Pacific because: “la música, como la vida, no se pueden dejar perder”, which translates to “music, like life, cannot be allowed to be lost” (Cruz Hoyos 2016).

  

Habitat structure of Epipedobates currulao sp. nov. at two localities
A–C images of the type locality at Ladrilleros, Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Usually, this species is found on roadsides near streams formed by rainfall
D–F at the type locality, we observed frogs in habitats contaminated with garbage or agricultural waste. Note the frog in F (red circle)
G–J habitat characteristics in Anchicayá, Dagua, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
Images B, C, and E were taken by Rebecca D. Tarvin, all others by Mileidy Betancourth-Cundar.

Mileidy Betancourth-Cundar, Juan Camilo Ríos-Orjuela, Andrew J. Crawford, David C. Cannatella and Rebecca D. Tarvin. 2025. Honoring the Afro-Colombian Musical Culture with the Naming of Epipedobates currulao sp. nov. (Anura, Dendrobatidae), A Frog from the Pacific Rainforests. ZooKeys. 1226: 139-170. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1226.123803  

  facebook.com/CienciasUniandes/posts/1178034804324281

Resumen: El número de especies de anfibios descritas cada año continúa aumentando, especialmente en las regiones tropicales, lo que implica que la biodiversidad de anfibios sigue siendo subestimada. Se describe una nueva especie de rana venenosa de las tierras bajas del Pacífico del suroccidente de Colombia: Epipedobates currulao sp. nov., nombrada así por el género de música y danza del Pacífico conocido como "currulao" o "bambuco viejo". Las ranas de esta especie habitan en bosques de tierras bajas desde el nivel del mar hasta los 260 m. Este taxón se diferencia de sus congéneres por tener una combinación de manchas amarillas brillantes en la región dorsal anterior del muslo y los brazos, una coloración dorsal homogénea marrón oscuro y cantos de advertencia más largos y en consecuencia con mayor número de pulsos. También describimos la llamada de cortejo de E. currulao, con menor frecuencia pico y duración que la llamada de advertencia. Los análisis filogenéticos confirman la monofilia de la especie y su posición como hermana de Epipedobates narinensis, la cual se distribuye en el suroccidente de Colombia. Entre las especies de Epipedobates, la nueva especie ha sido previamente asignada a E. boulengeri, pero las dos especies son alopátricas y representan dos clados filogenéticamente divergentes (1.77% divergentes para 12S–16S y 5.39% para CYTB). Estas especies se pueden distinguir fenotípicamente por la presencia de una mancha amarilla brillante en la región dorsal anterior del muslo y en la parte superior del brazo en E. currulao sp. nov., que son más blancas que amarillas o están ausentes en E. boulengeri. Además, los cantos de advertencia son distintos, E. currulao sp. nov. tiene una única y larga llamada en una serie de llamadas, mientras que E. boulengeri tiene de 2 a 6 llamadas por serie, siendo cada llamada mucho más corta. Epipedobates currulao es la especie distribuida más al norte del género Epipedobates, el cual se extiende hacia el sur a lo largo del flanco occidental de la cordillera de los Andes. Esta región conocida como el Chocó biogeográfico, ha sido fuertemente transformada por agricultura en Ecuador y está experimentando una transformación generalizada de sus bosques en Colombia, lo cual pone en peligro a E. currulao sp. nov. y toda su biodiversidad en un futuro cercano. Una traducción del texto principal al español está disponible en el material suplementario 8.

[Entomology • 2025] Tigridania magdalenae • A New Trasandean Species of the Genus Tigridania Kaye, 1918 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from Colombia

Tigridania magdalenae 

Alzate-Cano, Wolff & Laguerre, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.3.12  

 facebook.com: Julian Alzate

During curatorial work at the Entomological Collection of the Universidad de Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia), we discovered a recently collected pair of Euchromiina in copula (Fig. 1B) in the department of Antioquia, Colombia (Fig. 1A). It was a large and robust species, with translucent wings and a striking yellow and red abdomen. This species resembled Autochloris thyestes Druce, 1883, described from Ecuador, but certain details and characteristics suggested a more complex situation. After reviewing recent literature, we found the revision of the genus Tigridania Kaye, 1918 by Grados & Ramírez (2021). The genus Tigridania is monotypic, containing only the type species Tigridania quadricincta Kaye, 1918, described from the Rio Ucayali in the upper Amazon. The species Isanthrene flavizonata Gaede, 1926 which is also a large and robust species with translucent wings, was synonymized with T. quadricincta, by Grados & Ramirez (2021). However in T. quadricincta the abdomen is creamy-yellow with broad black bands and a black tip, markedly different from our species. On the other hand, the male genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics are very similar to those of the type species. Therefore, we have decided to describe it below as a new species, under the name Tigridania magdalenae sp. nov.

Tigridania magdalenae sp. nov.

Julian David ALZATE-CANO, Matta WOLFF and Michel LAGUERRE. 2025. A New Trasandean Species of the Genus Tigridania Kaye, 1918 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Arctiini: Euchromiina) from Colombia.  Zootaxa. 5583(3); 597-600. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.3.12 [2025-02-04]

  facebook.com/JulianAlzate5036/posts/3852164991673506

[Herpetology • 2025] Echinosaura embera • A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus

 

 Echinosaura embera 

 Vásquez-Restrepo & Daza, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814

Abstract

The gymnophthalmid semi-aquatic lizards of the genus Echinosaura have been subject to taxonomic scrutiny in recent years. Here, we combine previously available and new morphological and phylogenetic evidence to describe a new species formerly known under the name E. palmeri. Our results are consistent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses and recover an overlooked evolutionary lineage which is both morphologically and genetically different from the other ones currently recognized within the genus. This species is diagnosable based on external and hemipenial morphology and is phylogenetically related to E. centralis, E. palmeri, and E. panamensis. The new species inhabits the northern portion of the Pacific region in Colombia and the Darien zone between Colombia and Panama. We also re-evaluate and propose a new IUCN extinction risk categorization for the nine species in the genus, assessing three uncategorized species, removing two species from a threatened category, and including a previously considered Least Concern species into a threatened status.

Reptilia, Chocó, morphology, Neotropical, systematics, taxonomy

  Echinosaura embera in life,
A: MHUA-R 12591 (holotype) from Chigorodó, Antioquia, Colombia,
B: CBUCESD 1867 (paratype) from Carmen de Atrato, Chocó, Colombia.

Photos: Juan M. Daza and Juan D. Vásquez-Restrepo, respectively.

Juan D. VÁSQUEZ-RESTREPO and Juan M. DAZA. 2025. A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus.  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 128-142. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 [2025-01-31]  

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814_A_new_species_of_Echinosaura_from_Colombia_and_Panama

[Arachnida • 2024] Tityus achilles • Biomechanics of Venom Delivery in South America’s First Toxungen-spraying Scorpion

 

Tityus (Tityus) achilles Laborieux, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae161 

  x.com/LeoLaborieux 

  Researchgate.net/publication/387130480

 

Abstract

Venom is a metabolically expensive secretion used sparingly in a variety of ecological contexts, most notably predation and defence. Accordingly, few animals employ their toxins from a distance, and venom-squirting behaviour is only known from select taxa. In scorpions, species belonging to two genera are known to spray venom when threatened, and previous work in Parabuthus transvaalicus shows that venom delivery depends on perceived levels of threat. Here, I describe Tityus (Tityus) achilles sp. nov., a new species of buthid scorpion from Cundinamarca, Colombia. Remarkably, this species is capable of venom spraying, a first for both the genus and the South American continent. Using frame-by-frame video analysis and ballistic equations, I show that T. (Tityus) achilles sp. nov. employs not one, but two types of airborne defences with dramatic differences in reach and venom expenditure. Further, the new species uses an unusually large reserve of prevenom-like secretion for spraying, as opposed to the costly venom used by other spraying scorpions. In light of these key specializations, I propose that toxungen spraying convergently evolved in response to different selection pressures, laying the groundwork for future investigation.

behaviour, Colombia, evolutionary biology, new species, taxonomy, toxin, toxungen, venom spitting

 Léo Laborieux. 2024. Biomechanics of Venom Delivery in South America’s First Toxungen-spraying Scorpion. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202(4) zlae161. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae161  

  x.com/LeoLaborieux/status/1869037910496083987

  Researchgate.net/publication/387130480_Biomechanics_of_venom_delivery_in_South_America's_first_toxungen-spraying_scorpion

[Botany • 2024] Amanoa tolimensis (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllanthoideae)• A New Timber Species endemic to Colombia’s Montane Forests and Critically Endangered, with an Updated Key for the Species of the Genus

Amanoa tolimensis Villanueva & Corrales-Bravo,

in Villanueva-Tamayo, Bravo et Aymard-Corredor, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.2.5 

 facebook.com/BorisLibre 

  facebook.com/OmarBernalIlustradorNaturalista 

Abstract

Amanoa tolimensis, a critically endangered new timber tree species from Andean forests of Colombia is described, illustrated, and its distinctive morphological structures are displayed through a Lankester plate. A. tolimensis is recorded so far in montane forests over sandy-clay soils of “Bosque de Galilea” Regional Natural Park, an area located on the western flank of the eastern mountain range of Tolima department. This new species belongs to a small group within the genus characterized by the presence of an androphore, and presents morphological similarities with A. almenrindae. The latter, is a shrub to small tree from black water periodically flooded forests and savannas of Rio Negro basin of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. This new species is a tree 24 m tall, with branches and inflorescence lenticellate, with a ferruginuous tomentum, presenting differences in shape and size in leaves, petioles, pedicels, sepals, ovary, and the pistillate flowers are pedicellate. Additionally, habitat, phytogeographical information, a distribution map, and data about its conservation status are included. An updated identification key for the neotropical species of Amanoa is also provided. This new species represents the first report of this genus in Colombian Andes, and the first endemism of this genus for the country. Amanoa tolimensis is under pressure from logging in some areas of the park, and urgent protection of the species is needed.

Alma Negra, Andes, Doselia galilensis, endangered tree, Galilea, Cordillera oriental, Eudicots

Amanoa tolimensis Villanueva & Corrales-Bravo, sp. nov.

Etymology: — The epithet “tolimensis” refers to the name of Tolima Department, the political region where this new species occurs.

Boris VILLANUEVA-TAMAYO, Lina M. Corrales BRAVO and Gerardo A. AYMARD-CORREDOR. 2024. A New Timber Species of Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae; Phyllanthoideae) Endemic to Colombia’s Montane Forests and Critically Endangered, with an Updated Key for the Species of the Genus. Phytotaxa. 672(2); 187-198. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.672.2.5

  facebook.com/BorisLibre/posts/10161133918167639

  facebook.com/OmarBernalIlustradorNaturalista/posts/10161806653252410

[Botany • 2024] Heliconia longipedunculata (Heliconiaceae) • A New Species of Heliconia from Colombia: A Proposal Based on Different Characters

Heliconia longipedunculata  

  

in Alzate-Guarín, Sepúlveda-Nieto et Ramírez, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364424X17267811220425 

 noticias.uniquindio.edu.co 

Abstract

Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) is a genus of giant rhizomatous herbs that have bright and striking bract inflorescences. The family consists of one genus and about 194 species that occur naturally in the tropical regions of the world, concentrating their greatest diversity and endemism in the Andean foothills and the Pacific region of Colombia, with approximately 120 species of the total registered for the world. Within the species of this genus there is high morphological variation, which sometimes makes clear identification of Heliconia specimens difficult. So is the case of Heliconia platystachys Baker, which contains two morphologically distinct groups of plants distinguished by the size and color of the bracts, the floral bracts, the mucilage that covers the flowers, and the shape of the staminodium. These structures of floral biology such as staminodium are of great taxonomic value in the study of the species within the genus Heliconia. The main goal of this work was to study Heliconia populations, which are found on the western slope of the Central Cordillera of Colombia at elevations between 970 and 1200 m, for which the morphoanatomical and palynological attributes were analyzed. We want to explore in this work whether the variation exhibited by these populations and their distribution allows us to postulate the occurrence of a new species with sufficient evidence for its separation.

KEYWORDS: Andes, floral morphology, morphometry, species key, staminode, taxonomy

Heliconia longipedunculata  

 

Fernando Alzate-Guarín, María del Pilar Sepúlveda-Nieto, and Diego Ramírez. 2024. A New Species of Heliconia from Colombia: A Proposal Based on Different Characters. Systematic Botany. 49(3); 515-521. DOI: doi.org/10.1600/036364424X17267811220425

 

Una nueva especie de Heliconia fue registrada desde la Uniquindío

  noticias.uniquindio.edu.co/noticias/publicaciones/4736

facebook.com/novataxcol/posts/955904739893116

[Botany • 2024] Malaxis susanae (Orchidaceae: Malaxidinae) • A New Species of Malaxis with white flowers from Colombia

Malaxis susanae Sierra-Ariza, J.S. Moreno, & Chinchilla, 

in Sierra-Ariza, Moreno et Chinchilla, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v29iss1.2024.n16  

 facebook.com/RenzoGarciaP

 Researchgate.net/publication/382239385

 

Abstract

Malaxis susanae from the Colombian Andes is described and illustrated as a new species of orchid. It resembles Malaxis carpinterae (Schltr.) Ames, but differs by the flowers that have a white (vs. green) lip and the disc cavity with the margin inconspicuously raised (vs. conspicuously raised in a retuse margin) at the apex. Notes on its distribution, habitat, floral phenology, etymology, related taxa, and conservation assessment are provided.

Keywords: Andes orchids, Malaxis caracasana, Malaxis carlos-parrae, Malaxis excavata, Malaxis lobulata, Malaxis pittieri 

Lankester Composite Digital Plate of Malaxis susanae Sierra-Ariza, J.S. Moreno, & Chinchilla.
 A, Habit; B, leaves; C, floralbract; D, flower, oblique view; E, Dissected perianth (lip to the right); F, Pedicel and ovary, lip and column, frontal (left) and lateral(right) views; G, Column, dorsal (top) and ventral (bottom) views.; H, operculum (left) and pollinia (right).

LCDP by M. A. Sierra-Arizafrom the holotype (sierra ariza & albino Bohórquez 99, TOLI) 

Flowers of Malaxis susanae Sierra-Ariza, J.S. Moreno, & Chinchilla. from left to right:
front, oblique, lateral and back views.

By M. A. Sierra-Ariza from the holotype (sierra ariza & albino Bohórquez 99, TOLI) 

Comparison of flowers of Malaxis susanae Sierra-Ariza, J.S. Moreno, & Chinchilla from different locations in Colombia.
A,Valle del Cauca Department, 2 May 2015 by C. Alzate; B, Tolima, 18 December 2018 by M. A. Sierra-Ariza; C, Santander, 24 September2018 by H. López.

Prepared by M. A. Sierra-Ariza. 

Malaxis susanae Sierra-Ariza, J.S. Moreno, & Chinchilla, sp. nov. 

The new species is similar to Malaxis carpinterae (Schltr.) Ames, but is distinguished from it by the flowers that have a white (vs. green) lip, and the disc cavity that has an inconspicuously raised margin (vs. conspicuously raised in a retuse margin) at the apex.

Eponymy: Named in honor of María Susana Muhamad González, a distinguished Colombian political scientist and environmentalist, who currently serves as the Minister of Environment of Colombia. She is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to the care, restoration, and conservation of Colombia’s environment. In 2023, she was recognized by euters Impact as one of the top 25 female leaders globally in the fight against climate change. Additionally, in 2024, the omen Economic orum honored her as the oman of the Decade in Colombia for her exceptional efforts. Her achievements include securing significant resources to combat deforestation in the Amazon and leading Colombia’s successful bid to host CP16 on biodiversity in 2024.

Mario Alexei Sierra-Ariza, Juan Sebastián Moreno, and Isler F. Chinchilla. 2024. A New Species of Malaxis (Malaxidinae: Orchidaceae) with white flowers from Colombia. Harvard Papers in Botany. 29(1), 147-152. (30 June 2024) DOI: doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v29iss1.2024.n16

 Researchgate.net/publication/382239385_A_new_species_from_Colombia

Malaxis susanae de los Andes colombianos es descrita e ilustrada como una nueva especie de orquídea. Se asemeja a Malaxis carpinterae (Schltr.) Ames, pero se diferencia por tener flores con el labio blanco (en comparación con verde) y la cavidad del disco con el margen discretamente elevado (en comparación conspicuamente elevado en un margen retuso) en el ápice. Se proporcionan notas sobre su distribución, hábitat, fenología floral, etimología, taxones relacionados y evaluación de conservación.

🌍 ¡Increíbles noticias desde la COP16!🌿

.... 🌱✨

- 🌟 Pleurothallis petroana, en honor a nuestro presidente Gustavo Petro

- 🌟 Pleurothallis franciana, en homenaje a nuestra vicepresidenta Francia Márquez

- 🌟 Malaxis susanae, en reconocimiento a nuestra Ministra de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible, Susana Muhamad 

Además, la cuarta especie, Pleurothallis cop-biodiversitatis,  fue nombrada en conmemoración de la histórica #COP16 celebrada en Cali en 2024. 📅✨

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[Botany • 2024] Aphelandra almanegra (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the dry forests of the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia department, Colombia

 

Aphelandra almanegra   

in Gallego et Wood, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.2  

www.KEW.org 

Abstract

Aphelandra almanegra, a new species from tropical dry forest in Antioquia department, Colombia, is described, illustrated and mapped. Notes are given on its geographical distribution, phenology, conservation status and taxonomic affinities. It is compared with its morphologically closest relative Aphelandra pulcherrima, which differs by its habit, indumentum and various inflorescence characters. This species is restricted to dry forests of the Cauca River canyon, in the northwest of Colombia, a highly degraded and threatened ecosystem.

Endemism, Inter Andean Valleys, Vulnerable species, Eudicots

 

Pablo C. GALLEGO and John R.I. WOOD. 2024. Aphelandra almanegra (Acanthaceae), A New Species from the dry forests of the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia department, Colombia.  Phytotaxa. 652(3); 208-216. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.652.3.2

Kew's Top 10 New Species of 2024

  www.KEW.org/read-and-watch/top-10-species-2024

  www.TheGuardian.com/environment/2024/dec/19/toadstool-with-teeth-ghost-palm-plant-finds-2024

[Botany • 2024] Miconia garagoana (Melastomataceae: Miconieae) • A New rheophytic Species from the eastern Andes of Colombia

 

Miconia garagoana Humberto Mend., W. Ariza & L. Carvajal,

 in Mendoza-Cifuentes, Ariza-Cortés et Carvajal Rojas, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.119563 

Abstract

A new species, Miconia garagoana, from riparian environments of the northern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, is described. This is the second species exclusive to rheophytic conditions that grows in the Andean forest in Colombia and is characterized by the presence of stellate-lepidote trichomes on young structures and inflorescences, terminal inflorescences, 4-merous (rarely 5-merous) flowers, oblong-subulate anthers with an apical pore and 2-locular ovary. The differences with other rheophytic species occurring in Colombia are noted and it is argued that it is related to other Andean species with bluish-green ripe fruits such as M. squamulosa and M. symplocoidea. This new species is so far known only from Colombia and its threat category is suggested as Critically Endangered” (CR).

Key words: Eastern Mountains, endemism, Miconieae, northern Andes, rheophytic plants, riparian environments

Miconia garagoana Humberto Mend., W.Ariza & L.Carvajal
A flowering branch B leaf seen from the underside C flower in lateral view D longitudinal cut of the ovary-hypanthium E dorsal tooth of calyx F petals G, H, I stamens in different views J ripe friut.

Illustration based on W. Ariza-Cortés et al. 4855 (UDBC).

Miconia garagoana Humberto Mend., W.Ariza & L.Carvajal
A, B different views of flowering branch C leaf variation D branch with flowers and fruits E seeds.

All photos by Lindon Carvajal and William Ariza.

 Miconia garagoana Humberto Mend., Ariza-Cortés & L.Carvajal, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Rheophytic shrubs with stellate-lepidote trichomes in distal branches and inflorescences; leaves linear-elliptic, 3-nerved or 3- slightly plinerved, length-to-width ratio is greater than 5.5:1; terminal inflorescences with 1-9(-14) flowers, flowers 4-merous (rarely 5-merous), anthers oblong-subulate with a ventrally oriented pore, ovary 2-locular, fruits bluish-green with large and relatively few sedes. Similar to Miconia riparia Triana but differs in the indumentum of stellate-lepidote trichomes (vs. indumentum of pinoid trichomes in M. riparia), flowers predominantly 4-merous (vs. 5-merous). Also similar to Miconia rheophytica Posada-Herrera & Almeda, but the latter has branches with dense indumentum of dendritic ferruginous trichomes, ciliate leaf margins, dichasial axillary inflorescences, 5-merous flowers and 3-locular ovary.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the municipality of Garagoa in the department of Boyacá, where the majority of individuals of the species have been observed.

Miconia garagoana Humberto Mend., W. Ariza & L. Carvajal
A Andean forests in the area of origin B habitat C–F different views of growth habit.

All photos by Lindon Carvajal and William Ariza.

 Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes, William Ariza-Cortés and Lyndon Carvajal Rojas. 2024. Miconia garagoana - Melastomataceae: A New rheophytic Species from the eastern Andes of Colombia. PhytoKeys 247: 145-154. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.119563 

Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie, Miconia garagoana, de ambientes riparios del norte de la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia. Esta es la segunda especie exclusiva de condición reofitica que crece en bosques andinos de Colombia y se caracteriza por la presencia de cubiertas de tricomas estrellado-lepidotos en las estructuras jóvenes e inflorescencias, inflorescencias terminales, flores 4-meras /raras veces 5-meras), anteras oblongo-subuladas con un poro apical y ovario 2-locular. Se establecen las diferencias con otras especies reofíticas presentes en Colombia y se argumenta que está relacionada con especies de andinas de frutos maduros color verde-azuloso como M. squamulosa y M. symplocoidea. Esta nueva especie hasta ahora se conoce sólo de Colombia y se sugiere su categoría de amenaza como En Peligro Crítico (CR).

Palabras clave: Ambientes riparios, Cordillera Oriental, endemismo, Miconieae, norte de los Andes, plantas reofíticas