[Botany • 2025] Viola xinchengensis (Violaceae) • A New Species from central Guangxi, China

 

Viola xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, 

in Wei, Xu, Li, Feng, Hu, Yang, Qu et Nong, 2025. 

忻城堇菜  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.253.128972

Abstract

Viola xinchengensis (Violaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is established on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. This new species resembles V. lucens, but differs from the latter by its stipules margin long fimbriate-dentate (vs. fimbriate-dentate), stolon absent (vs. stolon slender, often producing a new plant at the top) and sepals 4–6 mm, glabrous (vs. 2.5–3 mm, villous). Viola xinchengensis is similar to V. fargesii, but it can be easily distinguished by its pedicels sparsely white villous (vs. densely spreading white puberulous), stolon absent (vs. stolon longer, elongated, puberulous, sometimes stem-like) and sepals 4–6 mm, glabrous (vs. 7–9 mm, puberulous). Our morphology analysis confirms that the new species belongs to V. sect. Plagiostigma subsect. Diffusae. Photographs, an illustration, a distribution map and comparisons with the most similar species are also provided.

Key words: Morphology, new species, sinkhole, taxonomy, Viola

Line drawing of Viola xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei
A flowering plant B flower C anterior petal D upper petal E lateral petal F ovary and style G stamens and pistil H stipule.

Drawn by Xin-cheng Qu.

Viola xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei
A plant (top view) B plant (flowering) C flowers (lateral view) D flower (front view) E petals F lateral petal G–I ovary and style J stamens K–M capsule N seeds O leaf (adaxial surface) P leaf (abaxial surface) Q stipules R bract S habitat

 (Photographed and edited by You Nong).

 

 Viola xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, sp. nov.

 Chinese name. xīn chéng jǐn cài (忻城堇菜).

Diagnosis. Viola xinchengensis is most similar to V. lucens, but differs from the latter by its stipules margin long fimbriate-dentate (vs. fimbriate-dentate), stolon absent (vs. stolon slender, often producing a new plant at the top) and sepals 4–6 mm, glabrous (vs. 2.5–3 mm, villous). Viola xinchengensis is similar to V. fargesii, but it can be easily distinguished by its pedicels sparsely white villous (vs. densely spreading white puberulous) and sepals 4–6 mm, glabrous (vs. 7–9 mm, puberulous). More detailed morphological differences amongst the three similar species are shown in Table 2.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet “xinchengensis” refers to the type locality, Xincheng County (忻城县), which is situated in central Guangxi, southwest China.

 Gui-Yuan Wei, Chuan-Gui Xu, Ying-Jing Li, Bin Feng, Qi-Min Hu, Chao Yang, Xin-Cheng Qu and You Nong. 2025. Viola xinchengensis (Violaceae), A New Species from central Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 253: 143-154. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.253.128972

[Botany • 2025] Tilia saxatilis (Malvaceae) • A New Species from limestone areas of Guangxi, China

 

Tilia saxatilis Z.C.Lu & W.B.Xu,   

in Lu, Chang, Mo, Wu et Xu, 2025.

石山椴  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.141836 

 

Abstract

Tilia saxatilis Z.C.Lu & W.B.Xu, a new species was discovered in limestone areas of Guangxi, China. The morphology shows that T. saxatilis is similar to T. tuan Szyszyl., but differs by having leaf blades that are oblong or ovate-oblong, entire margins, fruit ellipsoid, 5-angled, apex acute.

Key words: Malvaceae, morphology, new species, taxonomy, Tilia tuan

Tilia saxatilis sp. nov.
 A habit B winter buds C flowering branches D trunk E fruiting branches F habitat (White circle shows where the new species grow).

Tilia saxatilis sp. nov.
A leaf in abaxial view (Red circle shows tuft domatia in vein axils) B bract in abaxial view C bract and cyme D bract and infructescence E flower in frontal view F flower in lateral view G flower in dorsal view H dissection of flower I fruits J seeds.

 Tilia saxatilis Z.C.Lu & W.B.Xu, sp. nov.

 Chinese name: shí shān duàn (石山椴)

Diagnosis: This new species is similar to Tilia tuan Szyszyl., but differs in having leaf blades that are oblong or ovate-oblong (vs. narrowly ovate or ovate-oblong to ovate-orbicular), margins entire (vs. entire or with a few minute teeth near apex or prominently dentate); fruit ellipsoid (vs. globose or obovoid-globose), 5-angled (vs. not ridged), apex acute (vs. rounded).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘saxatilis’ refers to the limestone habitats of this new species.

Zhao-Cen Lu, Shi-Li Chang, Ming-Lin Mo, You-Dong Wu and Wei-Bin Xu. 2025. Tilia saxatilis (Malvaceae), A New Species from limestone areas of Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 251: 233-240. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.141836 

[Botany • 2024] Begonia fangchengensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Diploclinium) • A New Species from Guangxi, South China

 

 Begonia fangchengensis  Y.N.Huang, X.X. Feng & R.K.Li,  

Hu, Y.-N. Huang, Zhang, Chen, S.-S. Huang, Li, Wang et Feng, 2024. 

防城秋海棠  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.133724

Abstract

Although Guangxi represents one of the distribution centres of begonias in China, the sect. Diploclinium (Wright) A. DC is not well documented herein. In this article, we illustrate a new species belonging to this section, Begonia fangchengensis Y.N.Huang, X.X. Feng & R.K.Li, which has been discovered in southern Guangxi. Begonia fangchengensis mostly resembles B. rotundilimba in elliptic leaf blade, palmate veins, dichasial cyme, three styles, axile placentation, and unequally 3-winged capsule. On the other hand, B. fangchengensis is characterized by creeping rhizome, pilose stipule, red and densely pilose petiole, pubescent leaf blade and pilose inflorescence bract, sparsely pilose ovary and the zygomorphic androecium, differing from the erect stem at anthesis, the green and densely villous petiole, the glabrous stipule, leaf blade, inflorescence bract, ovary and actinomorphic androecium in B. rotundilimba. Considering its small population size and narrow distribution, its conservation status is categorized as ‘Endangered (D)’ according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key words: Limestone karst, morphology, new taxon, south China, taxonomy

 Begonia fangchengensis 
A habitat B stipule C, D bracts of inflorescences E, F front and back view of staminate flower G androecium H stamens I, J pistillate flower with 3 or 5 tepals K styles L styles and ovary M–Q ovary section from upper to lower positions.

Drawn by Yunxiao Liu 

Habitat and morphology of Begonia fangchengensis
A habitat B flowering plant C creeping rhizome D stipules E leaf blade (adaxial) F, G leaf blade (abaxial) H juvenile leaf I inflorescence J bracts K, L front and side views of staminate flower M, N front and side views of androecium O stamens P pistillate flower with 3 tepals Q, R, S pistillate flower with 5 tepals T stigmas and ovary U ovary sections from upper to lower positions V capsule

(Photos by Z.X. Liu).

 Begonia fangchengensis Y.N.Huang, X.X.Feng & R.K.Li, sp. nov.

 Chinese name: 防城秋海棠

Diagnosis: Begonia fangchengensis mostly resembles B. rotundilimba in its elliptic leaf blade, palmate veins, dichasial cyme, three styles, axile placentation, and unequally 3-winged capsule. However, there are creeping rhizome, pilose stipule, red and densely pilose petiole, pubescent leaf blade and pilose inflorescence bract, sparsely pilose ovary and the zygomorphic androecium in B. fangchengensis. These characters differ from the erect stem at anthesis, the green and densely villous petiole, the glabrous stipule, leaf blade, inflorescence bract, ovary and actinomorphic androecium in B. rotundilimba.

Etymology: The specific epithet “fangchengensis” refers to the Fangcheng District, Guangxi where the species is distributed.

 Ping-Ting Hu, Yu-Ni Huang, Meng-Ni Zhang, Bi-Xuan Chen, Shu-Shu Huang, Ren-Kun Li, Wen-Guang Wang and Xin-Xin Feng. 2024. A New Species in Begonia sect. Diploclinium (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, South China. PhytoKeys. 249: 277-285. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.133724

[Botany • 2025] Acorus shannai (Acoraceae) • A New Species from Southern China

Acorus shannai C.L.Long & Z.Cheng, 

in Cheng, Liu, Yu, Chen, Zhao, Li et Long, 2025. 

山柰菖蒲  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.139141 

Abstract

Acorus shannai (Acoraceae) is a commonly used seasoning in southern China. It was previously misidentified as A. macrospadiceus (Yamam.) F. N. Wei & Y. K. Li before. Through comparison of morphological characteristics, distribution locations, and type specimen, we determined that the elevation of A. gramineus var. macrospadiceus Yamam to species status was incorrect. Therefore, we propose a formal description of a new species following nomenclature regulations. Based on morphological and plastid genomic data, this study formally describes and illustrates Acorus shannai, distributed in the Qiandongnan area of Guizhou Province and its surroundings, confirming it as a new species within the genus Acorus. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other members of the A. gramineus group. Key distinguishing features include a strong fennel odor (vs. aromatic in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), fruit with prominent dorsal sutures (vs. inconspicuous dorsal sutures in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), and a leaf-shaped spathe that is about 2–3 times as long as the spadix (vs. more than 3 times in “A. tatarinowii”). Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. shannai is closely related to the other species in the A. gramineus group. The recognition of A. shannai is not only important for the species diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Acorus, but also can avoid the drug safety caused by using other Acorus species as A. shannai to eat and promote the conservation of A. shannai resources.

Key words: Acorus gramineus var. macrospadiceus, Acorus macrospadiceus, Guizhou Province, new taxon, taxonomy

Acorus shannai C.L.Long & Z.Cheng, sp. nov.
A plant inflorescence stage B whole plant C species habitat D rhizome and fibrous roots E petiole leaf F inflorescence and bract G, H inflorescence I fruit

—photos by Zhuo Cheng.

Acorus shannai C.L.Long & Z.Cheng, sp. nov.
A whole plant in infructescence stage B fruit C infructescence

Drawn by Xinchen Qu.

 Acorus shannai C.L.Long & Z.Cheng, sp. nov.

  “山柰菖蒲”(Shan Nai Chang Pu)

Diagnosis: The strong fennel aroma of the plant, distinct dorsal sutures on the fruit, and a spathe length 2–3 times that of the spadix are diagnostic features that differentiate A. shannai from other species in the A. gramineus group. The new species belongs to the A. gramineus group based on the following characteristics: Leaves without conspicuous marginal swellings of the lamina and a distinct midrib (Li 1979). According to the key to the species of Acorus occurring in China (Li 1979; Li et al. 2010), the morphology of A. shannai is similar to “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus. However, A. shannai can be clearly distinguished by the following features: the whole plant emits a strong fennel odor (vs. aromatic in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), the fruit has distinct dorsal sutures (vs. inconspicuous dorsal sutures in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), and the leaf-shaped spathe is approximately 2–3 times longer than the spadix (vs. more than 3 times in “A. tatarinowii”).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the local name “shannai”.

Zhuo Cheng, Xinyu Liu, Nianting Yu, Weizhe Chen, Haofeng Zhao, Feifei Li and Chunlin Long. 2025. Acorus shannai (Acoraceae), A New Species from Southern China. PhytoKeys. 251: 175-188. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.251.139141 

 

[Entomology • 2025] Malaxa chongzuoensis & M. longispina • Two New Species of the Genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae) from China

 

 Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, 

in Lv, Li, Yang, Zhang et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.143177 

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914 from Southwest China, M. chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and M. longispina Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guangdong Province, are described and illustrated. These bring the total number of species in the genus to 13, with nine recorded from China. A checklist and map of all known species of Malaxa are provided, together with an identification key for Chinese species.

Key words: Bamboo host, checklist, Fulgoromorpha, identification key, Oriental region, planthopper, taxonomy, Tropidocephalini

 Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov., male 2 habitus, dorsal view 3 habitus, lateral view
 Malaxa longispina Lv & Chen, sp. nov., male 4 habitus, dorsal view 5 habitus, lateral view.

Scale bars: 0.5 mm (2–5).

 Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov.

Etymology. The new species is named after the city in which it was collected (Chongzuo) with the Latin adjectival suffix ‘-ensis’ meaning ‘from’.

Adult of Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. resting on the leaf of Indocalamus tessellatus (Munro) P. C. Keng (Poales: Poaceae: Bambusoideae).

Photographed by Xiang-Sheng Chen.

 Malaxa longispina Lv & Chen, sp. nov.

Etymology. The species name is a combination of the Latin word “long-” and “spina” (with the connecting letter “i”, i.e., “long spine”), referring to the ventral margin of the aedeagus with a long spinous process medially. The name is intended to be feminine.

Sha-Sha Lv, Hong-Xing Li, Lin Yang, Yu-Bo Zhang and Xiang-Sheng Chen. 2025. Two New Species of the Genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Delphacidae, Tropidocephalini). ZooKeys. 1229: 275-287. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.143177 

[Herpetology • 2025] Gracixalus huaping • A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Guangxi, China, with comments on the taxonomy of Orixalus

 

Gracixalus huaping 

Luo, Zhang, Pan & Yu, 2025

 

花坪纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.135742

 

Abstract

A new treefrog of the genus Gracixalus, Gracixalus huaping sp. nov., is described based on the specimens collected from Huaping National Natural Reserve, Guangxi, China. Both maximum likelihood analysis and Bayesian inference found that the Huaping population formed a distinct lineage as sister to Gracixalus jinxiuensis. It was strongly supported that Gracixalus consists of four distinct clades. Morphological analysis suggested that the new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: size small, SVL 26.6–28.8 mm in males and 29.8–32.8 mm in females; vomerine teeth absent; dorsal surface yellowish brown; internal vocal sac and linea masculina present in males; vocal sac opening oval and rim of the opening dark brown; throat smooth; iris golden brown; flanks granular with white blotch. In addition, we agree that the genus Orixalus is a junior subjective synonym of Gracixalus and consider that more studies are needed to investigate the species diversity and taxonomy of genus Gracixalus.

Key Words: Gracixalus jinxiuensis, species diversity, taxonomy, Treefrog

 

Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of the holotype of Gracixalus huaping sp. nov. (A. voucher no. GXNU YU000517) and topotype of G. jinxiuensis (B. GXNU YU000813) in life. The linea masculina was highlighted with arrows. Photos by Guohua Yu.

Diagnosis.

The new species is assigned to genus Gracixalus based upon the following set of morphological characters: the presence of intercalary cartilage between terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits, tips of digits enlarged to discs bearing circum-marginal grooves, vomerine teeth absent, inner (first and second) and outer (third and fourth) fingers not opposable, and an inversed Y-shaped dark brown marking on the dorsum (Fei 1999; Yu et al. 2019; Tran et al. 2023).

The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters. (1) SVL 26.6–28.8 mm in males and 29.8–32.8 mm in females; (2) vomerine teeth absent; (3) dorsal surface yellowish brown; (4) few conical tubercles on dorsum; (5) internal vocal sac in males, vocal sac opening oval and rim of the opening dark brown; (6) throat smooth; (7) finger webbing rudimentary; (8) linea masculina present in males; (9) snout rounded; (10) tibiotarsal articulation reaching eye; (11) tibiotarsal projection absent; (12) ventral surface translucent, yellowish-white; (13) belly granular; (14) nuptial pads present on finger I; (15) heels overlapping when legs at right angle to body; (16) iris golden brown; and (17) flank rough with white tubercles.

Etymology. The specific epithet is named for Huaping, Guangxi, China, where the species was collected. We suggested “Huaping small tree frog” for the common English name and “花坪纤树蛙 (Huā Píng Xiān Shù Wā)” for the common Chinese name.

Habitat of Gracixalus huaping sp. nov. at the type locality (a) and eggs of the new species found in open-ended bamboo. Photos by Guohua Yu.

 

Jiaqi Luo, Ben’an Zhang, Yuanqiang Pan and Guohua Yu. 2025. A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Guangxi, China, with comments on the taxonomy of Orixalus. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(1): 369-388. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.135742

[Botany • 2020] Primulina spiradiclioides (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen,

in Xin, Huang, Fu, Li, Wang et Wen, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.057.0408 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342178681

Abstract

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen (Gesneriaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles P. curvituba, but can be easily distinguished from it by several characters, especially by its straight corolla tube. We found only one population with fewer than 200 mature individuals at the type locality.

 

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen

Zi-Bing Xin, Zhang-Jie Huang, Long-Fei Fu, Shu Li, Bing-Mou Wang and Fang Wen. 2020. Primulina spiradiclioides (Gesneriaceae), a New Species from Limestone Areas in Guangxi, China.  Annales Botanici Fennici. 57(4-6); 245-248. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.057.0408 [28 October 2020]

  Researchgate.net/publication/342178681_Primulina_spiradiclioides_Gesneriaceae_a_New_Species_from_Limestone_Areas_in_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2025] Sedum guangxiense (Crassulaceae: Saxifragineae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

 

Sedum guangxiense  Yan Liu & C.Y.Zou,

in Zou, T. Meng, S.-Y. Meng et Liu, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.128011 

Abstract

A new species, Sedum guangxiense sp. nov., discovered in Guangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological differences indicate that this species is well separated from its close relatives in Sedum, justifying its recognition as a distinct new species. Morphologically, it closely resembles Sedum tosaense and S. emarginatum in its leaf shape, inflorescence type and life form, but it can be easily distinguished in its erect stems when young, much larger leaves, narrowly triangular petals, ovate nectar scales and oblong anthers.

Key words: Phylogeny, sect. Sedum, Sedum guangxiense, taxonomy

Sedum guangxiense
A plant in flower B sterile plant C inflorescence from below D flowering branch E strongly unequal sepals F side view of a flower with carpels removed, showing the sepals, petals, stamens and nectar scales G adaxial leaf surface H unripe follicles I carpels connate at the base in longitudinal section J ovules K abaxial leaf surface.

A, photographed by Hai-ling Chen in Fangcheng District (corresponding to the holotype H. L. Chen ZCY1978); B, C, photographed by Chun-Yu Zou in Yongfu County (corresponding to the paratype C. Y. Zou & J. Q. Huang, ZCY1977).

 Sedum guangxiense Yan Liu & C.Y.Zou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sedum guangxiense is similar to S. tosaense and S. emarginatum in its leaf shape and inflorescence type, but can be distinguished from the latter two by its erect stems in youth (vs. prostrate when young), much larger leaves (1.5–3.5 cm long vs. 1–2 cm), narrowly triangular petals (vs. narrowly elliptic-lanceolate and linear-lanceolate to lanceolate), ovate nectar scales (vs. subquadrangular and oblong) and larger, oblong anthers (rather than oblong-ovoid).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the distribution in Guangxi Province, China.

 Chun-Yu Zou, Tao Meng, Shi-Yong Meng and Yan Liu. 2025. A New Species of Sedum (Crassulaceae, Saxifragineae) from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 252: 287-299. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.128011 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Protocobitis longibarba • A New Species of the rib-degenerated loach, Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China

 

Protocobitis longibarba

Qin, Liu, Zhang, Shi, Du & Zhou, 2025 

长须原花鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1228.131341  

Abstract

A new species of the genus Protocobitis is described based on morphological comparisons and molecular analyses from specimens of a subterranean tributary of the Hongshui River, Lingyun County, Baise City, and a cave in Jinya Township, Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi, China. Both morphological and molecular data support the validity of Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characteristics: whole body except for head and area between pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin origin sparsely covered with minute scales; barbels elongate; five or six branched pectoral-fin rays and four branched pelvic-fin rays; vertebrae 4+42. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference phylogenetic trees exhibited congruent topological structures, exhibiting high node support for the monophyly of Protocobitis longibarba (BPP = 1; BS = 100), which was clustered with the other congeners.

Key words: Cavefish, mitochondrial gene, Pearl River, taxonomy

Morphometric characters of Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov.
 A–C lateral, dorsal and ventral views of male, holotype KIZ2024000004
D–F lateral, dorsal and ventral views of female, paratype KIZ2024000003
G ventral view of mouth H live male
I lateral and ventral views of skeleton, paratype ZJFRF2402010
J, K suborbital spines (Abbreviations: Pmc, Processus mediocaudalis; Pl-c, Processus latero-caudalis; Pm, Processus medialis; Pm-l, Processus medio-lateralis; Pl-r, Processus latero-rostralis; Pm-r, Processus medio-rostralis).

Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: Protocobitis longibarba can be distinguished from all other species of Protocobitis by the following combination of characteristics: whole body, except for head and abdomen, sparsely covered with minute scales (vs scaleless in P. anteroventris, scales present along midline of body in P. typhlops; barbels elongate; 5–6 branched pectoral fin rays (vs seven in P. anteroventris, P. longicostatus, and P. polylepis); four branched pelvic-fin rays (vs five in other Protocobitis species); caudal-peduncle height 34.9%–58.6% of its length (vs 64.1%–65.7% in P. polylepis, 27.9%–43.3% in P. anteroventris); head width 7.3%–10.3% of SL (vs 5.4%–6.6% in P. anteroventris); head height 50.2%–80.6% of lateral head length (vs 45.7%–49.5% in P. longicostatus, 43.8%–46.8% in P. anteroventris).

Etymology: The specific epithet is a combination of the Latin words long- (long) and -barba (barbel), indicating its long maxillary barbel, which extends almost to the vertical line at the junction of the head and dorsal body, feminine. We suggest the common Chinese name “Cháng Xū Yuán Huā Qiū (长须原花鳅)” and English name “long-barbal protocobitis”.

 Zhi-Xian Qin, Ye-Wei Liu, Si-Yu Zhang, Jing-Song Shi, Li-Na Du and Jia-Jun Zhou. 2025. 

A New Species of the rib-degenerated loach, Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1228: 185-195. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1228.131341  

[Botany • 2024] Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southwestern Guangxi, China

 

Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, 

in Ding, Liu, Zhang, Wang, Huang, Lin, Pan et Li, 2024. 

细瓣石山苣苔 ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70670 

Researchgate.net/publication/386229258

ABSTRACT

The genus Petrocodon is renowned for its remarkably diverse floral morphology, exhibiting a high level of disparity compared to most genera within Gesneriaceae. In this study, we present a detailed description and illustration of Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, a new species with unique floral features that is native to Guangxi, China. This species is geographically close to P. jingxiensis H.S. Gao & W.B. Xu and is indistinguishable from P. jingxiensis in vegetative characteristics. However, it can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter pedicels, slender tubular corolla, shorter corolla tube, distinctly unequal corolla lobes with upper ones linear and reflexed and lower ones oblanceolate, and included chiritoid-like stigma. The presence of linear upper lobes and the chiritoid-like stigma has not been previously reported in Petrocodon, and the emergence of this new species will further expand the morphospace occupied by this morphologically diverse genus.

Keywords: disparity, floral morphology, Gesneriaceae, pollination taxonomy

Petrocodon gracilis:
(a) habitat, (b) habit, (c) inflorescence, (d) corolla in the front view, (e) corolla in the side view, (f) longitudinal section of the corolla, (g) capsule, (h1) stigma in a bud, and (h2–h4) stigmas in opening flowers.

Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: The new species is most similar to P. jingxiensis but can be distinguished from the latter by the short pedicels of 1–4 mm long (vs. long pedicels 10–22 mm), a slender tubular corolla (vs. narrowly funnel-shaped corolla), a short corolla tube of 8–12 mm long (vs. a long corolla tube of 15–25 mm long), distinctly unequal corolla lobes with the upper ones linear and reflexed and the lower ones oblanceolate (vs. subequal ovate corolla lobes with the upper ones erect), and included stigma (vs. exserted stigma).

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the almost linear upper corolla lobes. The Chinese name given is Xi Ban Shi Shan Ju Tai (细瓣石山苣苔).

 

Tao Ding, Ming Liu, Qiang Zhang, Peng-Fei Wang, Xing Huang, Yan-Xiang Lin, Bo Pan and Peng-Wei Li. 2024. Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from southwestern Guangxi, China. Ecology and Evolution. 14(12); e70670. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70670

 Researchgate.net/publication/386229258_Petrocodon_gracilis_a_New_Species_from_Guangxi_China

[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 • 2024] Rohdea maoershanensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, South China

 

Rohdea maoershanensis  

in Li, Huang, Tang, He, ... et Jiang, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.9  

Abstract

A new species, Rohdea maoershanensis, endemic to the Mao’er Mountain National Nature Reserve in northern Guangxi, is described herein. It is morphologically similar to R. chinensis, R. jinshanensis, and R. chlorantha, but it is easy to distinguish from the latter three because of leaves 9–13, linear, length of peduncle about 22 cm, length of bract about 3 mm, triangular lanceolate, filament base enlarged and connected to form a rough annular appendage, ovary is flattened spherical shape. Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1) [C2(a)(ii)], the species is preliminarily classified as Endangered (EN).

Campylandra, new taxon, Mao’er Mountain National Nature Reserve, Monocots

Rohdea maoershanensis

Jian-Ling LI, Yao-Heng HUANG, Zhong-Xiang TANG, Qiu-Lan HE, Shao-Neng WANG, Bo QIN, Sheng-Hua LIANG and Ri-Hong JIANG. 2024. Rohdea maoershanensis, A New Species of Asparagaceae from Guangxi, South China.  Phytotaxa. 671(2); 198-204. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.9 [2024-11-12] 

x.com/ChinaScience/status/1890113718945755208

[Botany • 2025] Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

 

Spiradiclis scorpiura Y.Nong & L.Wu, 

in Nong, Lei, Wu, Hu, Li, Qu, Xu et Wei. 2025. 

蝎尾螺序草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.139783 

Abstract

Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae), a new calcareous species found in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to S. coccinea, S. scabrida, and S. purpureocaerulea in having pubescent stems and subglobose capsules, but it is easily distinguished by its cincinnous inflorescence and its triangular, 1–2 mm long, pubescent bracteoles. According to the IUCN criteria, it is considered Data Deficient (DD) until more information becomes available. Photographs, an illustration, a distribution map, and a comparative table with the most similar species are provided.

Key words: Daxin County, limestone, new species, sinkhole, taxonomy

  

Line drawing of Spiradiclis scorpiura Y.Nong & L.Wu
A flowering plant B stipule C flower D long-styled flower, frontal view, showing corolla lobes and stigma E longitudinally opened long-styled flower, showing the position of the stamens and the style and stigma F longitudinally opened short-styled flower, showing the position of the stamens and the style and stigma G seed

(Drawn by Xin-cheng Qu).

Spiradiclis scorpiura Y.Nong & L.Wu
A habit B detail of fruiting plant C inflorescence D stipule E longitudinally opened, long-styled flower F longitudinally opened, short-styled flower G flowering plant

 (photographed and edited by You Nong).

 Spiradiclis scorpiura Y.Nong & L.Wu, sp. nov.

Chinese name: xiē wěi luó xù cǎo (蝎尾螺序草).

Diagnosis: Spiradiclis scorpiura is most similar to S. coccinea but is different in its densely pubescent young stems that become glabrous when older (vs. glabrous or subglabrous), its cincinnous inflorescences (vs. cymose), its triangular, 1–2 mm long, pubescent bracteoles (vs. subulate, 3–4 mm long, glabrous), its calyx puberulent outside (vs. glabrescent outside), and its capsule 3–4 mm in diam. (vs. 4.5–5.5 mm in diam.).

Etymology. The specific epithet “scorpiura” refers to the terminal, cincinnous inflorescences of the new species.

 You Nong, Li-Qun Lei, Lei Wu, Qi-Min Hu, Ying-Jing Li, Xin-Cheng Qu, Chuan-Gui Xu and Gui-Yuan Wei. 2025. Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 252: 41-49. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.139783 

   

[Botany • 2025] Rhododendron yuanbaoshanense (Ericaceae, subgen. Hymenanthes) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Rhododendron yuanbaoshanense  

in Y.H. Deng, Pan, Ding, Liu, Qin, Huang et M.-M. Deng, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.2.6 

 

Abstract

A new species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in subgen. Hymenanthes, sect. Ponticum, subsect. Fortunea from Yuanbaoshan, northern Guangxi, China, namely R. yuanbaoshanense, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to R. yuefengense and R. orbiculare, but it differs from R. yuefengense by its broader ovate to orbicular leaf blades with a cordate-auriculate base, cylindric petioles, and longer inflorescence rachis. It is distinguished from R. orbiculare in having 8–17-flowered inflorescences with longer rachis, funnelform-campanulate to campanulate corollas that are pink to pale pinkish-purple and sparsely glandular outside, and densely white glandular style.

China, Ericaceae, Guangxi, Rhododendron subgen. Hymenanthes, taxonomy, Eudicots

Yi-Hui DENG, Bo PAN, Tao DING, Hong LIU, Xue-Lian QIN, Zi-Xiong HUANG and Min-Min DENG. 2025. Rhododendron yuanbaoshanense (Ericaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. Phytotaxa. 682(2); 179-184. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.2.6 [2025-01-21]