[Botany • 2024] Pilea monroi (Urticaceae) • Genetic and Morphological Differentiation among Populations of the narrowly endemic and Karst forest-adapted Pilea pteridophylla

 

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. and Lagos-Báez 

& Pilea pteridophylla A. K. Monro,  

in Lagos-Báez, Licona-Vera, Gómez-Domínguez, Ornelas, Vásquez-Aguilar, Hurtado-Reveles et Ortiz-Rodriguez, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-024-00638-x  

 x.com/AndrsErnestoOr1

Abstract

In this study, the influence of geographic isolation on the levels of morphological and genetic differentiation among populations of the karst forest-adapted Pilea pteridophylla (Urticaceae) was evaluated. Based on our results, there is a strong morphological differentiation among the only two know populations of Pilea pteridophylla. Both populations can be clearly differentiated based on vegetative and reproductive characters, and the observed variation is geographically structured. Moreover, our genetic data from the chloroplast genome show strong levels of population differentiation and no shared haplotypes were observed between populations. Also, our estimation of divergence times supports a long-term isolation hypothesis between populations. Based on our results, dispersal seed limitation, long-term forest isolation and topographic heterogeneity (local adaptation) are related to high levels of endemism and species turnover in the mountain karst forests of Mexico.

 

Keywords: Endemic, Neotropics, Mexico, Phylogeography, Speciation, Tropical rainforest

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. and Lagos-Báez (Urticaceae).
 A Habit, plant with pistillate inflorescences. B Stem, a leafless portion with inflorescences. C Flower bud. D Staminate flower with four stamens and four tepals. E Infructescence. F Stem portion with pistillate inflorescences.

Drawn by Robin Pérez Lucas based on Lagos-Báez 57 (MEXU)

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. and Lagos-Báez & Pilea pteridophylla A. K. Monro 
B Individual from the Chiapas population (Blue). C Individual from the Tabasco population (Red)

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. & Lagos-Báez sp. nov.  

Similar to Pilea pteridophylla in general fern-like appearance, but clearly differentiated by its dentate (vs. pectinate) leaves, and larger stem and leaf size. Furthermore, they are allopatrically distributed and under different environmental conditions.

Etymology: Pilea monroi named in honour of Dr Alex Monro, taxonomist, specialist in the genus Pilea (Urticaceae) and especially interested in the study of the plant diversity in the karstic forests of America and China.

Notes: Pilea monroi is the only species in Mexico with linear lanceolate, deeply dentate leaves, and like Pilea pteridophylla, its fern-like appearance makes it easily distinguishable from other species. However, the leaf margins of Pilea monroi are dentate and not pectinate as in Pilea pteridophylla.

...

  

Karina Lagos-Báez, Yuyini Licona-Vera, Héctor Gómez-Domínguez, Juan Francisco Ornelas, Antonio Acini Vásquez-Aguilar, Leopoldo Hurtado-Reveles and Andrés Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez. 2024. Genetic and Morphological Differentiation among Populations of the narrowly endemic and Karst forest-adapted Pilea pteridophylla (Urticaceae).  Organisms Diversity & Evolution. 24, 149–162. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-024-00638-x

   x.com/AndrsErnestoOr1/status/1764034789709951281

[Botany • 2025] Lepanthes luicitae & L. salvaterrae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • Two New Species, Nomenclatural Notes and An updated Checklist in Lepanthes from Mexico

Lepanthes luicitae Solano; 

L. salvaterrae Solano, J.R. Carral & Téllez, 

in Solano, Licona, Carral et Téllez-Baños, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.1.4 

 facebook.com/EthianLicona 

  facebook.com/RodrigoCarral

 

Abstract

Two new orchid species from Mexico are described and illustrated here: Lepanthes luicitae, from the mountains of northern Oaxaca, and Lepanthes salvaterrae, from central Veracruz. Lepanthes luicitae is similar to L. thurstoniorum from which differs by its flexuous rachis (vs. zigzag), dorsal sepal as wide as the lateral ones (vs. lateral sepals almost 2/3 the width of the dorsal one), lateral sepals obliquely ovate and diverging from each other towards their apices (vs. obliquely triangular-ovate and subparallel to each other towards their apices), and petals forming butterfly wing-like blades (vs. forming oblong and oblique blades). Meanwhile, L. salvaterrae is similar to L. gabriellae but differs in having a peduncle shorter than the leaf (vs. equal or longer than the leaf), orbicular to orbicular-elliptic leaves (vs. narrowly elliptic), marginally glabrous sepals (vs. with reddish cilia), and petals with upper and lower lobes different in shape and size (vs. similar to each other). Lepanthes acuminata subsp. ernestii, is elevated to specific status, and it is reported for the first time for the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Veracruz, and for Guatemala. Meanwhile, L. machorroi and L. papilionacea are reported as new records for the flora of Veracruz. The richness of Lepanthes in Mexico has increased to 68 species, 39 of which have a distribution restricted to the country. Finally, an updated checklist, including accepted and synonym names for Lepanthes of Mexico, is present here.

checklist, Lepanthes ernestii, Lepanthes luicitae, Lepanthes salvaterrae, Mexican endemisms, Monocots

Lepanthes luicitae Solano

  

Lepanthes salvaterrae Solano, J.R. Carral & Téllez

  

Lepanthes ernestii (Salazar & Soto Arenas) Solano & E. Licona

Rodolfo Solano, Ethian Licona, Rodrigo Carral and Bruno Téllez-Baños. 2025. Two New Species, Nomenclatural Notes and An updated Checklist in Lepanthes (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from Mexico. Phytotaxa. 687(1); 21-64. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.1.4 [2025-02-13]

  facebook.com/EthianLicona/posts/9270397999692544

  facebook.com/RodrigoCarral/posts/10162315215247453

[Botany • 2025] Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution in Yucca (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae)

 

1) Yucca lacandonica, 2) Y. queretaroensis, 3) Y. reverchonii, 

7) Y. baccata, 8) Y. valida, 

12) Y. aloifolia, 13) Y. madrensis, 14) Y. arizonica, 

4) Y. brevifolia, 5) Y. linearifolia, 6) Y. gloriosa, 9) Y. faxoniana, 10) Y. rostrata,   

17–18) Y. jaliscensis, 19–20) Y. rigida, 21–22) Y. grandiflora, 

25–26) Y. gigantea, 27–28) Y. torreyi, 

23) Y. elata, 29–30) Y. filifera, 31–32) Y. carnerosana, 

37–38) Y. coahuilensis, 39–40) Y. schottii 

in Ayala-Hernández, Fehlberg, García-Mendoza,  Solano, García-Sandoval et Samain, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.2.2

Abstract

The current classification of Yucca (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae) is based on morphological characters, mainly on fruit type, caulescence, leaf margin and inflorescence type. To investigate the evolution of these characters, and their potential taxonomic significance as synapomorphies for some groups within Yucca, a phylogenetic analysis was performed with 44 Yucca and eight outgroup species. Divergence times were estimated to produce a suitable phylogenetic framework for the investigation of morphological character evolution. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses showed closer phylogenetic relationship between Hesperoyucca and Hesperaloe than either of these two genera with Yucca. The series previously proposed within the genus were not recovered as monophyletic, but based on fruit type we recovered two main clades which we name here clade Aloifolia and clade Rupicola. The ages of the Yucca stem and crown groups were estimated at 14.34 (95% HPD: 14.64–14.2) and 7.45 (95% HPD: 11.31–3.48) million years, respectively. More recent diversification events occurred in both the species with fleshy and dry fruits. Yucca is monophyletic with two main clades, corresponding to the species with dry fruit (clade Rupicola) and fleshy fruit (clade Aloifolia). Partial geographical concordances were observed in both clades. The dispersal type could be a key character in the diversification of the genus. Leaf margin, caulescence, and inflorescence type are not consistent with phylogenetic relationships.

ABK clade, ancestral-characters, classification, fruit-type, Hesperoyucca, morphological evolution, phylogeny, yuccas, Monocots

1) Yucca lacandonica, 2) Y. queretaroensis, 3) Y. reverchonii, 4) Y. brevifolia, 5) Y. linearifolia, 6) Y. gloriosa, 
7) Y. baccata, 8) Y. valida, 9) Y. faxoniana, 10) Y. rostrata, 11) Y. sp. Chihuahua,
12) Y. aloifolia, 13) Y. madrensis, 14) Y. arizonica, 15) Y. thompsoniana, 16) Y. capensis,

(Photographs by E. Solano & R. Ríos-Gómez; 

Figure 1 was prepared by B. Ayala-García).

 17–18) Y. jaliscensis, 19–20) Y. rigida, 21–22) Y. grandiflora,
23–24) Y. elata, 25–26) Y. gigantea, 27–28) Y. torreyi,
29–30) Y. filifera, 31–32) Y. carnerosana, 33–34) Hesperoyucca whipplei,
35–36) Y. schidigera, 37–38) Y. coahuilensis, 39–40) Y. schottii

(Photographs by E. Solano & R. Ríos-Gómez; 

Figure 1 was prepared by B. Ayala-García).

María M. AYALA-HERNÁNDEZ, Shannon D. FEHLBERG, Abisai J. GARCÍA-MENDOZA, Eloy SOLANO, Ricardo GARCÍA-SANDOVAL and Marie-Stéphanie SAMAIN. 2025. Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution in Yucca (Agavoideae, Asparagaceae). Phytotaxa. 687(2); 176-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.2.2 [2025-02-18]

[Botany • 2025] Pitcairnia zapoteca (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnioideae) • A New Species with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico

 

Pitcairnia zapoteca I. Ramírez, G. Carnevali & K. Romero,   

in Ramírez-Morillo, Carnevali, Romero-Soler, Pinzón, Tamayo-Cen, Flores et Martínez, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/384986549

Abstract

Background: Pitcairnia is the third largest bromeliad genus in Mexico with 57 species and ca. 82.5 % endemism, and is characterized mostly by zygomorphic, ornithophilous flowers of diurnal anthesis in several hues of red, orange, or yellow, whereas white or green flowers are uncommon. Moreover, there are just a few species with nocturnal anthesis in Megamexico. One of them is documented and discussed here.

Questions: Is the Pitcairnia with campanulate, fragrant flowers of nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca different from other species with similar characters native to Mexico and the Neotropics and what is its conservation status?

Studied species: Pitcairnia abundans, P. lokischmidtiae, P. zapoteca.

Study site and dates: Oaxaca, Mexico, 2016-2024.

Methods: Live plants, herbarium material, protologues, and high-resolution images of herbarium specimens, both of the new taxon and of morphologically similar taxa, were studied and compared against each other. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN criteria.

Results: Pitcairnia zapoteca is similar but different at the species level from P. lokischmidtiae from Jalisco; both share campanulate flowers of nocturnal anthesis and a musky or frutal fragances. The conservation status of the new taxon is assessed as DD.

Conclusions: Pitcairnia zapoteca is a new species, only known from the type locality in the state of Oaxaca and only one of three Mexican species with campanulate, white, yellowish or greenish flowers of nocturnal anthesis. The assessment the true conservation status of the new taxon requires detailed exploration of the SE portion of Oaxaca.

Keywords: actinomorphic flowers, endemic species, nocturnal anthesis

Pitcairnia zapoteca (A-J).
A. Inflorescence. B. Flowers with floral bract and sepals. C. Flowers with floral bract and sepals removed. D. Petals, note the appendage at the base of each one. E. Apical view of the corolla, note the stigma and stamens resting on one petal. F. Floral bract. G. Sepals. H. Ovary with style, stigma and stamens. I. Ovary with stigma. J. Apical portion of filaments and anthers.

(Based on I. Ramírez & G. Carnevali 2459 (Holotype: CICY)).

Pitcairnia zapoteca I. Ramírez, G. Carnevali & K. Romero, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. This new species resembles Pitcairnia lokischmidtiae. However, P. zapoteca differs by the fewer leaves per rosette (10-15 vs. (16-)18-25 in P. lokischmidtiae), shorter leaves (40-60 vs. 80-100 cm), which are also narrower (1.3-1.5 vs.  ca.  4.5  cm  wide),  and  deciduous  (vs. persistent); it also features shorter inflorescences (70-80 vs.  120  cm), larger floral bracts (1.5-2 vs. ca. 1 cm), sepals tinged dull brown-red (vs. totally green), pale-yellowish petals with distal, dull red brown tinges (vs. greenish white), the stigma surpassing the petals when the flower withers (vs.included), and ovary superior (vs. almost completely superior).

Etymology. The name zapoteca honors the Zapotecan people, an ethnic group that have traditionally inhabited the type locality area.

Ivón Ramírez-Morillo, Germán Carnevali, Katya J. Romero-Soler, Juan Pablo Pinzón, Iván Tamayo-Cen, Néstor Raigoza Flores and Ricardo Rivera Martínez. 2025. A New Species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico.  Botanical Sciences. 103(1); 207-217. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/384986549_A_new_species_of_Pitcairnia_from_Oaxaca_Mexico

[Botany • 2025] Prosthechea sanchezii • Clarification of Prosthechea guttata (Orchidaceae) and Description of An “old” New Prosthechea Species from southern Mexico and Guatemala

Prosthechea sanchezii  Salazar, R.Jiménez & T.L.Vieira,

in Salazar, Jiménez-Machorro, Vieira, Velasco-Gutiérrez, Maldonado, Salinas, Santiago et Hágsater, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3599 

 facebook.com/groups/AmericanOrchidSociety

Abstract

Background: Epidendrum guttatum A.Rich. & Galeotti, based on specimens collected by Galeotti in Mexico in 1840, was predated by E. guttatum L. and replaced by Encyclia guttata Schltr. and subsequently by superfluous Epidendrum maculosum Ames, F.T.Hubb. & C.Schweinf.

Questions: The study aimed to show that the concept of Prosthechea guttata of recent authors was based on a misinterpretation of its type material, resulting in the application of the name to a different, undescribed species.

Studied species: Prosthechea guttata (Schltr.) Christenson and P. sanchezii Salazar, R.Jiménez & T.L.Vieira.

Study site and dates: Southern Mexico and Guatemala, 2004-2024.

Methods: Study of type material and its comparison with recent collections; field work; documental and herbarium research.

Results: The identity of Epidendrum guttatum A.Rich. & Galeotti (now Prosthechea guttata) is clarified, showing that recent authors have misinterpreted that morphologically distinctive species restricted to the Sierra Madre del Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico, confusing it with an undescribed species distributed east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico and in Guatemala. The latter is proposed here as a new species, Prosthechea sanchezii, distinguished from genuine P. guttata, and all other Prosthechea species, mainly by the echinate-warty crests on the outer surface of the sepals.

Conclusions: Prosthechea guttata and P. sanchezii are two distinct species historically confused but easily distinguished by morphological attributes, each distributed on opposite sides of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Keywords: Epidendrum guttatum, Oaxaca, Prosthechea maculosa, Prosthechea sanchezii, Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Sierra Madre del Sur

A. Isolectotype of Epidendrum guttatum A.Rich. & Galeotti (W-R catalogue No. 117, reproduced by courtesy of the Herbarium of the Naturhis-torisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria). B. Close-up of the inflorescence of the specimen in A.
C. Prosthechea guttata in situ on a lichen-covered rock (from Velasco et al. 3038). D. Inflorescence of another plant of P. guttata (from Velasco et al. 2355).
E. Inflorescence of Prosthechea ochracea (from Pérez García s.n.). F. Inflorescence of Prosthechea panthera (from Hágsater 12607).

Photographs by Tiago L. Vieira (A-B), Kenia Velasco (C-D), and Gerardo A. Salazar (E-F).

Prosthechea sanchezii.
A. Flowering plant. B. Inflorescence. C. Close-up of flowers at the apex of the inflorescence. D. Flower, front view. E. Flower, back view. F. Floral dissection. G. Column, dorsal, side, and ventral views (left to right). H. Column, ventral view, after removal of anther and pollinarium. I. Anther, top and bottom views, the latter showing the four pollinia and caudicles.

Photographs by Gerardo A. Salazar (A-D, from Salazar et al. 5761) and Rolando Jiménez-Machorro (E-I, from Leleu sub Jiménez 860).

Prosthechea sanchezii Salazar, R.Jiménez & T.L.Vieira, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Similar to Prosthechea ochracea (Lindl.) W.E.Higgins, differing in the sepals with echinate-warty crests on the outer surface, the warts irregularly conical to uncinate, and the orangish ochre to greenish-orange flowers turning deep orange as the flower ages, the sepals and petals with sparse, irregular wine-red spots on their inner surface.

Etymology. The specific epithet honors our late friend and colleague Luis Martín Sánchez Saldaña (1966-2017), who for over 20 years was curator and researcher of Herbarium AMO, Mexico City, with a special interest in the systematics of the Epidendrum difforme Jacq. group.

Gerardo A. Salazar, Rolando Jiménez-Machorro, Tiago L. Vieira, Kenia Velasco-Gutiérrez, Mayra L. Maldonado, Julian Duarte Salinas, Elizabeth Santiago and Eric Hágsater. 2025. Clarification of Prosthechea guttata (Orchidaceae) and Description of An “old” New Prosthechea Species from southern Mexico and Guatemala.  Botanical Sciences. 103(1); 295-310. DOI: doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3599

  facebook.com/groups/AmericanOrchidSociety/posts/10162139988829840 

[Botany • 2025] Dictyanthus reflexiflorus (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Mexico

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus  Lozada-Pérez, E.B. Cortez & Martínez-Ambriz, 

in Lozada-Pérez, Cortez, Perez-Garcia, GONZÁLEZ et Martínez-Ambriz, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.3.1 

Abstract

A new species of Dictyanthus from the state of Michoacan, Mexico, is described and illustrated Dictyanthus reflexiflorus sp. nov. It grows in tropical deciduous forests located in the municipality of Tacámbaro. A phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data (plastid regions trnL-trnF and rps 16) was conducted to explore the relationship of the new species. Results place the new species in Dictyanthus. The morphological characters that support this relationship are the presence of uncinate hairs and a reticulate corolla. The species has unique characteristics within the genus, such as a reflexed corolla and the tube 10-lobed closely pressed to the side of the gynostegium. A key to distinguish Dictyanthus reflexiflorus from congeners in Mexico is included.

Asclepiadoideae, endemic, Gonolobinae, Michoacán, phylogeny, Eudicots

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus.
 A. Plant with inflorescences. B. Close-up of branch showing mixed indumentum. C. Close-up of thichomes. D. Colleters at base of leaf-blade. E. Inflorescence. F. Close-up of the indument of the abaxial surface of the corolla. G. Gynostegium with style-head. H. Gynostegial corona lobe in posterior view. I. Gynostegial corona lobe in frontal view. J. Pollinarium. Arrows showing the corolla lobes.

Illustrations by Ericka B. Cortez, based on Lozada-Pérez et al. 3835.

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus.
 A-C. Plant and inflorescences with mature flowers. D. Side view of corolla and gynostegium. E. Dried flower. F. Flower fixed in alcohol. G. Vertical section of corona and gynostegium. (GC: Gynostegial corona, G: Style head, black arrows = tube lobes, gray arrows = corpuscle and blue arrows = keels).

Photos by María de la Luz Perez-Garcia and Lucio LozadaPérez.

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus Lozada-Pérez, E.B. Cortez & Martínez-Ambriz, sp.nov. 

Dictyanthus reflexiflorus shares a climbing habit with D. altatensis (Brandegee) Stevens (2000: 243) but differs from it by the reflexed corolla 10-lobed at base and inflorescence with peduncles 3–4 mm long (vs. corolla rotate, without lobes at the base and inflorescence with peduncles 4–8 cm long).

Etymology:—The epithet reflexiflorus refers to the reflexed corolla, a distinctive feature that is unique in Dictyanthus. 

Lucio LOZADA-PÉREZ, Ericka B. CORTEZ, Maria De La Luz PEREZ-GARCIA, César Ramiro Martínez GONZÁLEZ and Emmanuel MARTÍNEZ-AMBRIZ. 2025. Dictyanthus reflexiflorus (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) A New Species from Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 682(3); 199-213. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.3.1 

 

[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 

 x.com/AndrsErnestoOr1   

facebook.com/KewBulletin 

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

  x.com/AndrsErnestoOr1/status/1883158225790607647

  x.com/KewBulletin/status/1883808131979112691

  facebook.com/SistematicayEvoluciondePlantasTropicales/posts/1115278847057688

[Botany • 2020] Philodendron guadarramanum (Araceae) • A New Species from Tabasco, Mexico

Philodendron guadarramanum Díaz Jim., Croat & Aguilar-Rodr., 

in Díaz Jiménez, Aguilar-Rodríguez, Croat, Cedeño-Fonseca, Montano, Yovel et Macswiney G. 2020.  . Phytotaxa. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.468.3.5 

  Researchgate.net/publication/344974922

 

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Philodendron guadarramanum, a new species of Araceae from Tabasco, Mexico. This species grows in montane cloud forest and evergreen tropical rainforest at elevations between 700 and 1100 m. It is similar to Philodendron purulhense, but differs from that species by having petioles broadly and sharply sulcate adaxially, with an acute medial rib, leaf blades with more basal veins and more primary lateral veins per side, and inflorescences more numerous per axil.

Araceae, endemic, Mexico, Philodendron, Tabasco, Monocots

Philodendron guadarramanum Díaz Jim., Croat & Aguilar-Rodr., sp. nov. 
A. Stem with old remains of cataphylls, closed inflorescences, a partial portion of the petiole, and the partial adaxial surface of a new blade; B. Stem covered with old cataphylls degrading and persisting as fiber masses; C. Inflorescence in post-anthesis with a longitudinal cut of the spathe showing the reddish purple inner surface of the spathe tube, and (from bottom-up) pistillate, sterile, and staminate portions of the spadix; D. Partial portion of the spadix showing pistillate portion (bottom) with the styles rounded at the apex, and the portion sterile (up) broader than pistillate portion; E. Partial view of leaves, showing the adaxial surface of a petiole (note the acute medial rib) and adaxial and partial abaxial surfaces of leaf blades.

Scale bars: A = 10 cm; B = 3 cm; C = 5 cm; D = 1.5 cm.

Philodendron guadarramanum Díaz Jim., Croat & Aguilar-Rodr., sp. nov.

Eponymy:—The species is named in honor of the Mexican botanist, M.C. María de los Ángeles Guadarrama Olivera, who for many years directed and supported the study of the flora of Tabasco. María de los Ángeles is an expert in Commelinaceae. She was a professor and director of the herbarium (UJAT) of the Universidad Juarez Autónoma de Tabasco and is now retired. 

Pedro Díaz Jiménez, Pedro A. Aguilar-Rodríguez, Thomas B. Croat, Marco Cedeño-Fonseca, Martin Alarcón Montano, Yossi Yovel and M. Cristina Macswiney G. 2020. Philodendron guadarramanum (Araceae), A New Species from Tabasco, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 468(3); 296-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.468.3.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/344974922_Philodendron_guadarramanum_a_new_species_from_Tabasco_Mexico

[Arachnida • 2023] Latrodectus occidentalis • Phylogenetic Analyses and Description of A New Species of Black Widow Spider of the Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Mexico; one or more species?

   

 Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón,  

in Valdez-Mondragón et Cabrera-Espinosa, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.897.2293  

ABSTRACT

A new species of the spider genus Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805 from Mexico is described based on an integrative taxonomic approach. Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov. is described using the molecular markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), morphology of male and female specimens, and Species Distribution Models (SDM). Four molecular methods for species delimitation were implemented. The new species is characterized by having a unique dorsal coloration pattern on the abdomen. Latrodectus occidentalis sp. nov. is considered a distinct and valid species for four reasons: (1) it can be distinguished by morphological characters (genital and somatic); (2) the average interspecific genetic variation is > 2%; (3) 12 haplotypes were recovered within the species, being separated by the next close haplogroup of L. hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935 (30 mutations); and (4) congruence was observed among the four molecular methods. The number of recorded species of Latrodectus from Mexico increases to four: Latrodectus mactans (Fabricius, 1775), L. hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935, L. geometricus C.L. Koch, 1841 (introduced), and L. occidentalis sp. nov. The diversity of the genus Latrodectus from Mexico is surely underestimated, and more sampling is needed from the different biogeographical provinces and ecoregions to fill in these gaps.

Keywords: integrative taxonomy, North America, species distribution modeling, DNA barcodes, morphology

 Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov.
 Live females (13–15) and males (16–18) 
 13, 16. Salvatierra,  Guanajuato,  Mexico.  14.  Camichines,  Cocula,  Jalisco,  Mexico  (type  locality). 15.  Hostotipaquillo,  Jalisco,  Mexico.  17.1  km  North  of  San  Nicolás  de  Ibarra,  Jalisco,  Mexico. 18. “Las Letras”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Photographs 13, 16, 18 by Cabrera-Espinosa (2021). Photograph 14 by Navarro-Rogríguez  I. (2021).  Photograph 15 by Valdez-Mondragon A. Photograph 17 by Mamole in www.naturalista.mx 

Habitats and microhabitats of Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov.
 Red arrow indicates the microhabitat where the specimens were collected.
19, 22. “Las Letras”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. 20. Zona arqueológica “Plazuelas”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. 21. Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico. 23–24. Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico (type locality) (red arrow in figure 23 shows the female found below a wasp nest). 

Photographs 19–22 by Cabrera-Espinosa (2021); 23–24 by Jared Lacayo (2021).

 

Valdez-Mondragón, A., & Cabrera-Espinosa, L. A. 2023. Phylogenetic Analyses and Description of A New Species of Black Widow Spider of the Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae, Theridiidae) from Mexico; one or more species?. European Journal of Taxonomy. 897(1), 1–56. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.897.2293  

  

[Botany • 2024] Barkeria wixarika (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Laeliinae) • A New Species from Nayarit, Mexico

  

Barkeria wixarika 

in León-Peralta, Jones, Reynaud et Pérez-García. 2024. Barkeria 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.674.3.3

  facebook.com/hemisferioscoordinados

Abstract

Barkeria wixarika is described from Nayarit, Mexico. This new species is morphologically similar to B. uniflora but distinct in its flowering phenology, inflorescence type, petal shape, column morphology, and geographic distribution. Detailed comparisons with related species, including digital plates along with a map highlighting the distribution of the novel species in relation to others are presented. Finally, an updated identification key for Barkeria is provided.

Barkeria barkeriola, B. uniflora, microendemism, Río Santiago-Aguamilpa basin, Monocots

Barkeria wixarika 

Cekouat E. León-Peralta, Jason Jones, Sergio Reynaudand Eduardo A. Pérez-García. 2024. Barkeria wixarika (Laeliinae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), A New Species from Nayarit, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 674(3); 265-274. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.674.3.3 

 facebook.com/hemisferioscoordinados/posts/28553800674219537