[Botany • 2024] Pandanus ramromensis (Pandanaceae) • A New Species from Peninsular Thailand

 

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki, 

in Callmander,Low, Poopath et Buerki, 2024. 

เตยเขารามโรม  ||  Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2);  

Photos: M.W. Callmander & Y.W. Low

Drawn by W. Bhuchaisri.

 x.com/YeeWenLow

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki (Pandanaceae) from the summit of Khao Ram Rome (Nakhon Si Thammarat Province) in Peninsular Thailand is described here. The new species resembles Pandanus kedahensis H.St.John in its ecology and habit but differs by the dimensions of its leaves, leaf shape, syncarps and styles. The new species is provided with line drawings and field photographs, and is assigned a preliminary conservation status of Vulnerable (VU) using the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords. Endemic, Khao Ram Rome, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pandanales

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki.
A. Habit. B, C. Syncarp. D. Closeup on styles and stigmas. E. Single drupe detached. F. Basal part of a leaf. G. Median part of a leaf. H. Upper part of a leaf.

From the type Callmander et al. 1373. Drawn by W. Bhuchaisri.

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki.
A. Habit. B, C. Syncarp. D. Closeup on styles and stigmas.

From the type Callmander et al. 1373.

Photos: M.W. Callmander & Y.W. Low

Pandanus ramromensis Callm., Y.W.Low & Buerki 

Callmander, M.W., Low, Y.W., Poopath, M. and Buerki, S. 2024. Pandanus ramromensis (Pandanaceae), A New Species from Peninsular Thailand. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(2); 269 - 275.

 x.com/YeeWenLow/status/1869275908080820286

[Ichthyology • 2024] Malagodon honahona • A New Extinct Species of Malagodon (Cyprinodontiformes: Pantanodontidae) from Southeastern Coastal Madagascar, with a Discussion of its Phylogenetic Relationships and a Redescription of the Genus

Malagodon honahona

 Carr, Martin & Sparks, 2024

DOI: 10.1206/4012.1

Abstract  

A new species belonging to the recently described genus Malagodon Meinema and Huber, 2023, is herein described from specimens collected in a single, small, isolated Pandanas swamp in southeastern coastal Madagascar, located within the Réserve Spéciale de Manombo, south of the town of Farafangana, its only known locality. The new species was last collected in the late 1990s, and despite repeated attempts over the past three decades, no additional specimens have been collected at the type locality or from any other suitable habitats within the region, and the species is presumed to be extinct. The new species is distinguished from its only congener, Malagodon madagascariensis, formerly known from forested swamps in northeastern coastal Madagascar, and also now considered to be extinct, by the following apomorphic features: a lower anal-fin ray count (15–17 vs. 18–19), a longer caudal peduncle (26.8%–39.8% vs. 21.9%–26.7% SL), and the presence of a platelike (vs. thin and spinelike) neural spine on the fifth vertebral centrum in both sexes. Additionally, the new species exhibits neural spines on both the sixth and seventh vertebral centra that are also somewhat expanded and platelike dorsally compared with those in M. madagascariensis, which are narrow and spinelike. We also provide a rediagnosis of Malagodon based on the examination of additional material unavailable in the original description, which was based on only three specimens (two males of M. madagascariensis and one female of the new species).

Live adult male Malagodon honahona, UMMZ 240245, holotype, 23.9 mm SL, photographed shortly after capture. (Photo by P. Reinthal and J.S. Sparks.)

Malagodon honahona, new species, holotype, UMMZ 240245, adult male, 23.9 mm SL. Réserve Spéciale de Manombo, southeastern coastal Madagascar. Preserved in ethanol.

Malagodon honahona, new species

Diagnosis: The new species is readily distinguished from Malagodon madagascariensis, its only congener, by the following apomorphic features: lower anal-fin ray count (15–17 vs. 18–19), longer caudal peduncle (26.8–39.8 vs. 21.9–26.7% SL), and notably expanded and platelike neural spine on arch of fifth vertebral centrum in both sexes (vs. thin and spinelike in M. madagascariensis). In addition, neural spines on both sixth and seventh vertebral centra in new species also somewhat expanded and platelike dorsally versus narrow and spinelike in P. madagascariensis.

Etymology: Named for the swampy Pandanas dominated habitat in which this species occurred within the Réserve Spéciale de Manombo, in southeastern coastal Madagascar. Hohahona translates as swamp or swampy in Malagasy. The epithet, honahona, is used as a noun in apposition.

Emily M. Carr, Rene P. Martin and John S. Sparks. 2024. A New Extinct Species of Malagodon (Cyprinodontiformes: Pantanodontidae) from Southeastern Coastal Madagascar, with a Discussion of its Phylogenetic Relationships and a Redescription of the Genus. American Museum Novitates. (4012), 1-16. DOI: 10.1206/4012.1  

[Herpetology • 2024] Guibemantis ambakoana, G. rianasoa & G. vakoa • Unexpected Diversity and Co-occurrence of phytotelmic Frogs (Anura: Mantellidae: Guibemantis) around Andasibe, one of the most intensively surveyed Amphibian Hotspots of Madagascar, and Descriptions of Three New Species

 

Guibemantis vakoa,  

G.  ambakoana

Gabriel, Rothe, Köhler, Rakotomanga, Edmonds, Galán, Glaw, Lehtinen, Rakotoarison & Vences, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.4.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/377223567

 

Abstract

The area around the Malagasy village of Andasibe, which includes Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park as well as other protected areas, is characterized by very species-rich and well-studied communities of animals and plants, but new species are still regularly discovered. Three species of phytotelmic frogs of the subgenus Pandanusicola in the genus Guibemantis are known from this area, G. flavobrunneus, G. liber, and G. pulcher. Further Pandanusicola frogs from this area have been provisionally assigned to G. bicalcaratus or G. albolineatus, pending detailed taxonomic review. During preliminary exploration of the ecology of these specialized frogs that live and reproduce in the leaf axils of Pandanus screw pines, we noticed the syntopic presence of two differently colored and differently sized Pandanusicola in Andasibe that could not be unambiguously assigned to any known species. A genetic screening revealed that these correspond to yet two further species in the area. Based on our data, seven species of Pandanusicola occur in Andasibe and nearby forests: (1) G. liber, the only non-phytotelmic species of the subgenus in the region; (2) G. flavobrunneus which is the largest species and characterized by a diagnostic yellowish brown dorsal pattern; (3) G. pulcher, characterized by translucent-green color with purplish brown spotting not observed in any other species in the area; (4) G. methueni, a brownish species usually lacking contrasted dorsolateral bands that differs from the other species in the area by emitting a characteristic trill-like advertisement call series (rather than clicks or chirps) and according to our data is widespread along Madagascar’s east coast; as well as three new species: (5) G. ambakoana sp. nov., a brownish species, typically with contrasted incomplete light dorsolateral bands and with single click-like advertisement calls; (6) G. vakoa sp. nov., a species that is equally brownish but lacks contrasted light dorsolateral bands and that has single click-like advertisement calls of very short duration; and (7) G. rianasoa sp. nov., a species that is smaller sized and has less distinct femoral glands than all the others, and emits a short series of soft chirp-like advertisement calls. All these species are genetically highly distinct, with >5% uncorrected pairwise distances in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, and lack of haplotype sharing in two nuclear-encoded genes. The co-occurrence of seven Pandanusicola frogs in a relatively small geographic area is unprecedented in Madagascar and calls for in-depth studies of a possible differentiation in habitat use and life history.

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Mantellidae, Pandanusicola, Guibemantis rianasoa sp. nov., Guibemantis ambakoana sp.nov., Guibemantis vakoa sp. nov., Pandanus, bioacoustics, phytotelmic breeding, microendemism, sympatry, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy 

Guibemantis rianasoa sp. nov.

Guibemantis ambakoana sp.nov. 

 Guibemantis vakoa sp. nov.

 Hugh Gabriel, Laila-Denise Rothe, Jörn Köhler, Sandratra Rakotomanga, Devin Edmonds, Pedro Galán, Frank Glaw, Richard M. Lehtinen, Andolalao Rakotoarison and Miguel Vences. 2024. Unexpected Diversity and Co-occurrence of phytotelmic Frogs (Guibemantis) around Andasibe, one of the most intensively surveyed Amphibian Hotspots of Madagascar, and Descriptions of Three New Species.  Zootaxa. 5397(4); 451-485. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.4.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/377223567_Unexpected_diversity_of_Guibemantis_around_Andasibe_Madagascar

[Herpetology • 2023] Guibemantis pulcherrimus • A New Species of Pandanus-dwelling Frog (Anura: Mantellidae) from northern Madagascar related to Guibemantis pulcher

 Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) pulcherrimus

 Vences, Hutter, Glaw, Rakotoarison, Raselimanana & Scherz, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5306.1.4 

twitter.com/MarkScherz

 

Abstract

Populations of phytotelmic frogs from northern Madagascar assigned to Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) pulcher are known to differ genetically from populations further south in the eastern rainforest belt of the island, but to date, their status has not been analyzed in depth. We combined molecular genetic data with an examination of color pattern to clarify the taxonomy of these frogs. DNA sequences of both mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes were consistently differentiated between the northern populations and those occurring further south. Uncorrected pairwise distance in the 16S rRNA gene was 3.7‒4.3% and thus at a level usually characterizing distinct frog species in Madagascar. Furthermore, the northern specimens were characterized by more and smaller purplish-brown spots on their green dorsal surface, and a less distinct brown patch on the flanks. Although fully conclusive evidence for the species status of the northern lineage from bioacoustic differences, sympatric occurrence or narrow hybrid zone is currently lacking, such species-level distinctness is currently the most likely hypothesis. We therefore name the northern populations as Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) pulcherrimus sp. nov. The new species is known from Makira (type locality) and Bemanevika, and specimens morphologically assignable to this taxon have also been recorded from Masoala, Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, Mantellidae, northern Madagascar, phytotelmic anurans, Guibemantis pulcher, Guibemantis pulcherrimus sp. nov. 

Miguel Vences, Carl R. Hutter, Frank Glaw, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Achille P. Raselimanana and Mark D. Scherz. 2023. A New Species of Pandanus-dwelling Frog from northern Madagascar related to Guibemantis pulcher. Zootaxa. 5306(1); 97-115. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5306.1.4

 twitter.com/MarkScherz/status/1670879315460759552

[PaleoBotany • 2022] Pandanus estellae (Pandanaceae) • A Fossil Syncarpous Fruit from Australia Provides Support for a Gondwanan History for the Screw Pines

Pandanus estellae

Rozefelds, Rudall, Herne, Milroy & Bridgeman, 2022

  DOI: 10.1086/719431

Abstract

Premise of research. The Capella region in central Queensland has yielded diverse, three-dimensionally preserved, permineralized floras that are associated with 32–28 Ma Cenozoic volcanics. A new fossil infructescence that was recently discovered from a new locality is shown to have affinities with Pandanus Parkinson, and it is described herein as Pandanus estellae sp. nov.

Methodology. The affinities of the material were assessed according to a literature review of families that have syncarpous fruits or cones. The specimen was studied and photographed using conventional macromorphological approaches. Micro–computed tomography scanning was used to ascertain whether the internal structure of the fruit was preserved.

Pivotal results. The single infructescence consists of several basally connate segments that lack a clear phyllotactic pattern and are variable in size and shape; the external surface of each segment is irregularly pentagonal-hexagonal and strongly coalescent. Each segment is interpreted as multicarpellate. Collectively, these features allow interpretation of the fossil as syncarpous, and the morphological features support placement in the monocot family Pandanaceae. The arrangement of segments is consistent with the polydrupes that characterize most species of Pandanus, but the small size of the infructescence of P. estellae differs from fruits of modern species in the genus, which are typically much larger. The anatomy of P. estellae is not preserved. The inferred Early Oligocene age for the fossil fruit predates current estimates, which are based on molecular data and limited calibration points, by about 8–10 Myr for the split of Benstonea Callm. and Buerki from Pandanus.

Conclusions. The new species P. estellae is significant because it provides credible pre-Pleistocene evidence of the genus and is the oldest unequivocal fruit of Pandanus currently known. Its occurrence in Australia supports a Gondwanan history for the family.

Pandanus estellae sp. nov.

Andrew C. Rozefelds, Paula J. Rudall, Matt C. Herne, Anita K. Milroy and Joe Bridgeman. 2022. A Fossil Syncarpous Fruit from Australia Provides Support for a Gondwanan History for the Screw Pines (Pandanus, Pandanaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences. 183(4);   DOI: 10.1086/719431

 phys.org/news/2022-05-evidence-fossil-fruit-australia-uncovers.html

[Botany • 2019] Pandanus papateaensis (Pandanaceae) • A New Threatened Species from the Uplifted Atoll Makatea (Tuamotu, French Polynesia)

Pandanus papateaensis Butaud, F. Jacq & Callm.

in Butaud, Jacq & Callmander, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.15553/c2019v742a3

The new species Pandanus papateaensis Butaud, F. Jacq & Callm. (Pandanaceae) is described from the uplifted atoll of Makatea located in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. The new species can be distinguished from other Polynesian species by its completely fused drupes with usually two seminal chambers and by its reddish-brown to dark-purple pileus, which totals more than one third of the total length of the drupe. Pandanus papateaensis is known from a few subpopulations located on the edge of the central plateau and it occurs in sympatry with Pandanus tectorius Parkinson. The species is known by less than 80 individuals and its sustainability is threatened by a phosphate mining project, which could have a significant impact on two of the three subpopulations. Based on the latter evidence, the new species is assigned a preliminary “Endangered” [EN] status following IUCN Red list Categories and Criteria. A regulatory protection status is thus recommended for this new species, as well as for the exceptional natural vegetation formations of this atoll, which is threatened by 50 years of intense phosphate mining without any current restoration programs to compensate for the damage caused.

Keywords: PANDANACEAE, Pandanus, French Polynesia, Tuamotu, Makatea, Atoll, Phosphate, New species, Taxonomy

Pandanus papateaensis Butaud, F. Jacq & Callm., spec. nova

Etymologie. – L’épithète spécifique est basé sur «Papatea», une des anciennes dénominations de l’atoll de Makatea et signifiant en tahitien «rocher blanc». 

Etymology. - The specific epithet is based on "Papatea", one of the ancient denominations of Makatea Atoll and in Tahitian meaning "white rock".

Jean-François Butaud, Frédéric Jacq and Martin W. Callmander. 2019. Pandanus papateaensis (Pandanaceae): une nouvelle espèce menacée de l’atoll soulevé de Makatea (Tuamotu, Polynésie française) [Pandanus papateaensis (Pandanaceae): A New Threatened Species from the Uplifted Atoll Makatea (Tuamotu, French Polynesia)]. Candollea. 74(2): 137–144. DOI: 10.15553/c2019v742a3

 In French, English and French abstracts. 

Researchgate.net/publication/335235023_Pandanus_papateaensis_une_nouvelle_espece_menacee_de_Polynesie_francaise

 twitter.com/ScnatCH/status/1168903620366090242 

[Herpetology • 2018] Guibemantis milingilingy • Stumbling Upon A New Frog Species of Guibemantis (Anura: Mantellidae) on Top of the Marojejy Massif in Northern Madagascar

Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) milingilingy

Bletz, Scherz, Rakotoarison, Lehtinen, Glaw & Vences, 2018

 DOI:  10.1643/CH-17-655 

 twitter.com/ASIHCopeia
MarkScherz.com

We describe a new frog species of the genus Guibemantis, subgenus Pandanusicola, from Marojejy National Park in northeastern Madagascar. Guibemantis milingilingy, the new species, exhibits high genetic divergence from all other described species of Guibemantis based on DNA sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This new species inhabits Pandanus plants like the majority of other members of this subgenus, but is found at much higher elevations (2026 m a.s.l.). It differs from its closest relative, G. punctatus, by the lack of speckled or spotted dorsal patterns and by the presence of a distinctly dark tympanum. As a high-elevation species, it is likely to be a species sensitive to climate change, similar to other montane endemics in Madagascar.

Guibemantis milingilingy, new species, in life from the type locality. 

(upper) male holotype, ZSM 429/2016 (ZCMV 15237); (middle), female paratype UADBA-A63759 (ZCMV 15230) or 63760 (ZCMV 15248); (lower) female paratype ZSM 430/2016 (ZCMV 15238). 

Dwarfed Pandanus forest, habitat of Guibemantis milingilingy, new species. 

Guibemantis milingilingy, new species, in life from the type locality, female paratype ZSM 430/2016 (ZCMV 15238). 

Guibemantis milingilingy new species 

....

Etymology.— The specific epithet is a Malagasy word meaning ‘‘being in an uncomfortable position,’’ in reference to the precariousness of capturing specimens of this species, due to the uneven and steep substrate on which their Pandanus plants grow, which caused one of the authors to fall into such a plant with great gusto. The name is used as an invariable noun in apposition to the genus name. 

Available names.— No junior synonyms are available as potentially available names for any other Pandanus-dwelling species of Guibemantis.

    

Molly C. Bletz, Mark D. Scherz, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Richard M. Lehtinen, Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. 2018. Stumbling Upon A New Frog Species of Guibemantis (Anura: Mantellidae) on Top of the Marojejy Massif in Northern Madagascar. Copeia. 106(2); 255-263. DOI:  10.1643/CH-17-655

 twitter.com/ASIHCopeia/status/992124201350975489

MarkScherz.com/Publications

          

[Botany • 2014] Notes on Benstonea (Pandanaceae) from the Islands of Halmahera, New Guinea and Sulawesi

Figure 1. A–D. Benstonea verruculosa. E–G. Benstonea stenocarpa. H. Benstonea celebica.

A, E. Axillary syncarp. B. Peduncle covered by prophylls. C, D, F. Details of pileus and stigmas. G. Habit. H. Polysyncarpic pending infructescence.

A–C: From Callmander & Lasut 1551 (Photos: M. Callmander). F: Munzinger & Bau 6745 (Photo: J. Munzinger). E, G. Bau s.n. (Photos: B. Bau). H. Purwanto & al. PSU42 (Photo: Y. Purwanto & R. Polosakan).
DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.175.3.6

Abstract

Benstonea (Pandanaceae) was circumscribed to include 57 species formerly placed in the genus Pandanus. Field observations, accompanied by the study of available herbarium material have brought new insights for the delimitation of certain problematic species, especially in the difficult group of species characterized by an axillary infructescence on a short peduncle covered by prophylls and the abscission of the basal portion of the drupe at maturity. New combinations, based on names in Pandanus previously treated as synonyms of Benstonea stenocarpa, are proposed for three distinct species of this group from Halmahera (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea. The identity of Benstonea celebica, endemic to Sulawesi (Indonesia), is also elucidated and an epitype is designated for this species.

Keywords: Benstonea, Pandanaceae, Halmahera, New Guinea, Sulawesi

Benstonea celebica (Warburg 1900: 80) Callmander & Buerki in Callmander & al. (2012: 332).

Benstonea jacobsii (Stone 1984: 210) Callm., Buerki & A.P. Keim, comb. nov.

Benstonea misimaensis (St. John ex Stone 1978: 54) Callm., Buerki & A.P. Keim, comb. nov. 

Benstonea verruculosa (Backer ex Stone 1978: 55) Callm., Buerki & Phillipson, comb. nov.    

Martin W. Callmander, Sven Buerki,  Ary P. Keim  and Peter B. Phillipson. 2014. Notes on Benstonea (Pandanaceae) from the Islands of Halmahera, New Guinea and Sulawesi. Phytotaxa. 175 (3): 161–165. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.175.3.6

http://mapress.com/phytotaxa/content/2014/f/pt00175p165.pdf

[Botany • 2016] Lifting the Curtain on Our Knowledge of New Guinean Benstonea (Pandanaceae)

FIGURE 2. A–B. Benstonea ihuana. C. Benstonea rostellata. D. Benstonea papuana. E. Benstonea permicron.

A. Photo: P. Homot. B. Photo: T. Laman. C. From Heatubun1253 (Photo: C. Heatubun). D. Heatubun et al. 1017 (Photo: C. Heatubun). E. Mustaqim et al. 1529 (Photo: W. Mustaqim) 

Abstract

New Guinea is one of the centres of diversity of Benstonea (Pandanaceae), a genus distributed from India to Fiji. Ten species were previously recognised on this island and further field observations, accompanied by the study of available herbarium material have brought new insights into species delimitations within a group of caespitose species with a solitary terminal infructescence. The taxonomical identity of Benstonea odoardoi is elucidated and is considered here as a synonym of Benstonea lauterbachii. Three new combinations and a new name—based on names of Pandanus species previously treated as synonyms of Benstonea odoardoi—are proposed for four distinct species belonging to this group of caespitose species and restricted to Indonesian New Guinea and Papua New Guinea. Finally, Pandanus bintuniensis is here considered as a synonym of Benstonea permicron.

 Key words: taxonomy, Indonesian New Guinea, Pandanus, Papua New Guinea

Benstonea odoardoi is a synonym of the large tree B. lauterbachii

• Benstonea lauterbachii (Schumann & Warburg in Warburg 1900: 81) Callmander & Buerki in Callmander et al.(2012: 335).

Three new combinations, a new name and a new synonymy within caespitose species of Benstonea with solitary terminal syncarps

• Benstonea eumekes (H. St. John ex B.C. Stone) Callm. & Buerki, comb. nov. 

• Benstonea ihuana (Martelli) Callm. & Buerki, comb. nov.

• Benstonea rostellata (Merr. & L.M. Perry) Callm. & Buerki, comb. nov.

• Benstonea papuana Callm. & Buerki, nom. nov.

 Martin W Callmander, Ary P Keim, Charlie D. Heatubun, Peter Homot and Sven Buerki. 2016. Lifting the Curtain on Our Knowledge of New Guinean Benstonea (Pandanaceae).
Phytotaxa. 275(2); 168-174. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.275.2.8

ResearchGate.net/publication/308355975_Lifting_the_curtain_on_our_knowledge_of_New_Guinean_Benstonea_Pandanaceae