[Botany • 2021] Rediscovery and Expansion of the Distribution of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) in southeastern Brazil

 Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade, 

in Mendes, Athiê-Souza, Ribeiro, Gomes, Carrijo et Sales, 2021.  

 DOI: 10.15560/17.2.695 

Researchgate.net/publication/351054563

Abstract

We report here the rediscovery of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) after 50 years, as well as its occurrence in Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil. We provide a taxonomic diagnosis, in situ photographs, a distribution map, and a reassessment of its conservation status, which will contribute to our knowledge of this rare and endemic species as well as our ability to protect it.

Keywords: Atlantic domain, Biodiversity hotspot, Endemism, Phyllanthus subsect. Clausseniani, Southeastern Brazil, Taxonomy

 Phyllanthus itatiaiensis.
A, B. Habitat, with emphasis on the Pedra do Altar rock formation. C, D. Habitat. E. Staminate flower. F. Pistillate flower and fruits.

Photographs: Caio Baez (A, B); J. Külkamp (C-F).

 Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza, Rayane de Tasso Moreira Ribeiro, Caio Baez Gomes, Tatiana Tavares Carrijo and Margareth Ferreira de Sales. 2021. Rediscovery and Expansion of the Distribution of Phyllanthus itatiaiensis Brade (Phyllanthaceae) in southeastern Brazil. Check List. 17(2): 695-700. DOI: 10.15560/17.2.695

 Researchgate.net/publication/351054563_Rediscovery_of_Phyllanthus_itatiaiensis_Brazil

[Botany • 2024] Phyllanthus gandarelensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New and Endangered tiny Species from Serra da Gandarela, Minas Gerais, Brazil

 Phyllanthus gandarelensis J.C.R.Mendes, R.Secco & P.L.Viana,  

in Mendes, Secco et Viana, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09779-x

 Researchgate.net/publication/380591936

Photographs: Heron O. Hilário, Drawing by Carlos Alvarez

Abstract

Field observations and specimens from herbaria revealed the existence of a new species of the genus Phyllanthus, restricted to the municipality of Santa Bárbara, André do Mato Dentro, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Characteristics such as the subsessile petiole and the size and morphology of the leaves, in addition to the pistallate flowers with 6 sepals, stipules, styles, and stigmas were important to recognize Phyllanthus gandarelensis as a new taxon. Description, illustrations, distribution and habitat, phenology, preliminary conservation status as Critically Endangered, and comments on its morphology, as well as a comparative table with its congener species are presented.

 Phyllanthus gandarelensis
A. Habit. B. Branch. C. Branch detail, showing stipules. D. Staminate flower. E. Pistillate flower. F. Fruit (capsule with accrescent calyx and persistent styles). G. Seeds, with obtriangular hilum and detail of ornamentation.

Drawing based on the holotype (drawn by Carlos Alvarez).

 Phyllanthus gandarelensis.
 A. Micro-habitat (resembling some cave environments). B. Habit. C. Detail of the stipules (subulate). D. Flowering branches. E. Leaf blade, with base asymmetric-cordate. F-G. Staminate flower showing stamens and glandular disk. H. Pistillate flower, with evident porrect styles. I. Capsules (mericarps 6, with accrescent calyx and persistent styles).

 (Photographs: Heron O. Hilário).

Phyllanthus gandarelensis J.C.R.Mendes, R.Secco & P.L.Viana, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The epithet “gandarelensis” is a reference to the mountain complex, known as Serra do Gandarela, where this species is found.

 

Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, Ricardo de S. Secco and Pedro Lage Viana. 2024. An Account of A New and Endangered tiny Species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from Serra da Gandarela, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Brittonia. 76; 26–32. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-024-09779-x

 Researchgate.net/publication/380591936_A_new_species_of_Phyllanthus_from_Minas_Gerais_Brazil

[Botany • 2024] Phyllanthus celatus (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species hiding in the shades in an urban Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

 

 Phyllanthus celatus  J.C.R. Mendes, J.M.A. Braga & Fraga, 

in Mendes, Braga, Fraga, Tomazello-Filho, Orlandini  et Athiê-Souza. 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.660.3.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382488487

Abstract

A new and critically endangered species of Phyllanthus, endemic to the Parque Nacional da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, is described and illustrated here. Phyllanthus celatus is placed in Phyllanthus subgenus Phyllanthus section Phyllanthus subsection Phyllanthus. Morphologically it resembles P. augustinii, P. lobatus and P. niruri, but differs mainly by presenting reddish primary, secondary and intersecondary veins on the abaxial surface (vs absent in both species), and 5-lobed pistillate disc (vs entire only in P. augustinii and P. niruri). Of these, only P. lobatus has a lobed disc, but it differs in pistillate sepals light green (vs whitish or slightly pinkish), deeply 5-lobed pistillate glandular disc (vs 3–5-lobed), styles erect (vs curved), and geographic distribution restricted to the Southeast (vs South). The systematic position of this species and its morphological relationships with allies are discussed and field photographs, illustrations, a distribution map, preliminary conservation status, and taxonomic notes are provided.

Eudicots, Malpighiales, neotropics, Phyllanthoideae, taxonomy

 Phyllanthus celatus.
A. Habitat, B. Habit, C. Branches showing both leaf surfaces (adaxial and abaxial), D. Pistillate flowers with details, E. Developed fruits.

(Photographs by J.C.R. Mendes).

Phyllanthus celatus J.C.R. Mendes, J.M.A. Braga & Fraga, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet is a Latin adjective meaning hidden away. It is allusive to the discovery of this species that stayed unknown for centuries in the shadows of the forest, in a place intensely explored by historic and current botanists.  

Jone Clebson Ribeiro Mendes, João Marcelo Alvarenga Braga, Claudio Nicoletti de Fraga, Mario Tomazello-Filho, Priscila Orlandini and Sarah Maria Athiê-Souza. 2024. A New Species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) hiding in the shades in an urban Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 660(3); 278-286. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.660.3.5   Researchgate.net/publication/382488487_A_new_species_of_Phyllanthus_hiding_in_the_shades_in_an_urban_Atlantic_Forest_Brazil

Researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Joao-Marcelo-Alvarenga-Braga-30580335

  

[Botany • 2024] Nymphanthus namkadingensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Laos

Nymphanthus namkadingensis Tk.Yamam., Tagane & Soulad., 

in Yamamoto, Souladeth, Phonepaseuth, Kongxaisavath, Vongthavone, Vuong, Trong, Souvannakhoummane et Tagane, 2024. 

ໝາກຍົມນ້ອຍນ້ຳກະດິງ  ||  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.1

 

Abstract

A new species of Nymphanthus (Phyllanthaceae), N. namkadingensis from Bolikhamxai Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated, along with its vernacular name and preliminary conservation status. The new species is similar to N. rubescens, but distinguished by having larger stipules, longer pedicels, and connate annular disc glands (vs. free disc glands) of pistillate flowers.

Key words: flora, Indochina, Malpighiales, Phyllantheae, taxonomy 

Nymphanthus namkadingensis Tk.Yamam., Tagane & Soulad.
(A, E–G, I–M. Tagane et al. Z74; B–D. Souladeth et al. Z595; H. Tagane et al. Z128). A. Habitat; B. Habit; C, D. Portion of floriferous branchlet showing adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces respectively; E. Abaxial leaf surface; F. Stipule; G. Staminate flower (front view); H. Staminate flowers (lateral view); I. Enlarged view of staminate flower showing stamens and disc glands; J. Pistillate flower (lateral view, sepals detached); K & L. Ovary (lateral view & overhead view, respectively); M. Fruit just before dehiscence.

Abbreviations: an, theca of anther; dp, disc gland of pistillate flower; ds, disc gland of staminate flower; ov, ovary, sy, style. Scale bars E = 5 mm, F = 3 mm, I–L = 0.5 mm, and M = 1 mm. 

Photos: T. Yamamoto (A, E, F, I–M), K. Souvannakhoummane (B), P. Souladeth (C, D), and S. Tagane (G, H).

Nymphanthus namkadingensis Tk.Yamam., Tagane & Soulad., sp. nov. 

Nymphanthus namkadingensis is distinguished from the other members of Nymphanthus by having combination of following features: branches and branchlets glabrous, stipules of 3–9 × 1–2 mm, ovate-lanceolate laminae of 14–25 × 5–8 mm with 8–12 pairs of lateral veins, reddish purple sepals with slightly undulate (non-fimbriate) margins, annular disc glands of pistillate flowers, and glabrous ovaries. Among Nymphanthus species distributed in Laos and its adjoining countries, the new species is most similar to N. rubescens distributed in Laos and Vietnam in having floriferous branchlets rather congested near ...

Etymology:—The specific epithet namkadingensis is derived from Nam Kading National Protected Area, in which the species was first discovered. 

Vernacular name:— ໝາກຍົມນ້ອຍນ້ຳກະດິງ [Mak yom noy namkading (“Mak yom” means Nymphanthus species in general in Lao; “noy” means small fruit), suggested here].

Takenori Yamamoto, Phetlasy Souladeth, Phongphayboun Phonepaseuth, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Truong Ba Vuong, Pham Quoc Trong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane and Shuichiro Tagane. 2024. Nymphanthus namkadingensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Laos.  Phytotaxa. 650(3); 199-205. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.1

 

[Botany • 2024] Emblica chakrabartyi (Phyllanthaceae) • A striking Species from the southern Western Ghats, India

Emblica chakrabartyi   

in Sunil, Prabhukumar, Kumar, Sanilkumar, Simi et Balachandran, 2024. 

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.04154

 

Abstract

A new species of Emblica Gaertn. (Phyllanthaceae), E. chakrabartyi sp. nov. from the southern part of the Western Ghats, India is described here along with data on distribution, phenology and colour photographs. A key to the species of Emblica in India is also provided. The new species is allied to Emblica anamalayana, but differs in habit, urceolate staminate flowers with short pedicel, inner tepals of staminate flower larger than outer, short anthers which are equal in length to its column, three distinct deeply bifid styles, shape of capsule and its styles and black lineolate smooth seeds.

Keywords: India, Kerala, new species, Phyllanthaceae

Emblica chakrabartyi sp. nov. 

Chandrasseril Narayanan Sunil, Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar, Vannaratta Veettil Naveen Kumar, Malayil Gopalan Sanilkumar, Mattappilly Sugathan Simi and Indira Balachandran. 2024. Emblica chakrabartyi sp. nov. (Phyllanthaceae), A striking Species from the southern Western Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04154

[Botany • 2024] Glochidion yangchunense (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species with discoid flowers from Guangdong Province, China

  

Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao, 

in Song et Yao, 2024.

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.239.118411

Abstract

Phyllanthodendron can be readily morphologically distinguished from Glochidion, but recent molecular evidence showed that Phyllanthodendron is paraphyletic due to Glochidion being nested within it. In this study, a new species of the former Phyllanthodendron is described and illustrated as Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao from the limestone areas of South China. This is a peculiar new species and morphologically distinguished by its discoid flowers, T-shaped disc segments, and glabrous flowering branches. A key to Glochidion yangchunense and related species in China is provided here.

Key words: Karst, Malpighiales, Phyllantheae, Phyllanthodendron, Taxonomy

Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao
 A habit B detail of the apex of branches C fruiting branches D, E leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces, shapes and sizes F, G pistillate flower, front and lateral view H, I staminate flower, front and lateral view J branches with staminate and pistillate flowers as well as fruit K fruits and seeds. Arrows indicate disc segments.

 Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Glochidion yangchunense resembles Glochidion anthopotamicum (Hand.-Mazz) R.W. Bouman in general morphology, but much differs from the latter by its glabrous flowering branches (Fig. 1G, I) (vs. pubescent flowering branches; Fig. 3C–F), sepals with lateral veins (Fig. 1F, H) (vs. sepals without lateral veins; Fig. 3D–F), sepals jointly formed a discoid shape (Fig. 1F–I) (vs. sepals jointly formed a urceolate shape; Fig. 3D–F), T-shaped disc segments (Fig. 1F, H) (vs. linear disc segments; Fig. 3D), and short stipules (ca. 1 mm vs. 3 mm long).

Related species of Glochidion yangchunense Z.Q. Song & Gang Yao
A–F Glochidion anthopotamicum (Hand.-Mazz.) R.W. Bouman G–L Glochidion dunnianus (H. Lév.) R.W. Bouman
A, G habit B, H, I branches C–F, J–L flowers, front and lateral view H part of winged branch with stipules D, K pistillate flowers E, F, L staminate flowers. White arrows indicate disc segments and red arrow indicates stamen.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Yangchun City in Guangdong Province, China, a hotspot for biodiversity research in Guangdong Province, where multiple new taxa of plant ... have been described (see Song et al. 2023).

Zhu-Qiu Song and Gang Yao. 2024. Glochidion yangchunense (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species with discoid flowers from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 239: 229-238. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.239.118411

[Botany • 2023] Amanoa condorensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Shrubby Species from the Cordillera del Condor in southern Ecuador

 

Amanoa condorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill, 

in Clark et Neill, 2023. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.227.104703

Abstract

A new species of Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae) is described from the sandstone Nangaritza Plateau in the Cordillera del Cóndor Region in southern Ecuador. Amanoa condorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill is a small tree, 4 m tall that is only known from the type collection. The new species is distinct by a shrub habit, presence of coriaceous leaves with an acuminate apex, and congested inflorescences. The relatively high elevation of the type locality, presence of an androphore, and the habit as shrub or low tree are an unusual combination for Amanoa. The conservation status of A. condorensis is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), based on IUCN Criteria.

Key words: Andean tepui, Andes, androphore, Ecuador, Nangaritza Plateau, Phyllanthaceae, taxonomy

Amanoa condorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill
A–C mature staminate flower featuring prominent sepals, reduced petals, extra-staminal disc and androphore D shoot featuring two-ranked foliage and congested inflorescences.

(A–D J.L. Clark, D.A. Neill & J. Mayr 15257). Photos by John L. Clark.

 Amanoa condorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Amongst the Neotropical species of Amanoa, A. condorensis shares with A. almerindae Leal. and A. caribaea Krug & Urb. the presence of an androphore, formed from the fusion of the basal filaments. Differs from Amanoa almerindae by the densely pubescent and more widely-spaced flowers along an inflorescence axis 5.5–11 cm long in A. almerindae vs. nearly glabrous inflorescence axis to 4.5 cm long in A. condorensis. Differs from A. caribaea by the presence of inflorescences in an elongate erect raceme appearing congested throughout vs. inflorescences in elongate erect spikes with evenly-spaced fascicles (i.e. not congested throughout) in A. caribaea.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Cordillera del Cóndor mountain range in southern Ecuador where this species is presumably endemic.

 John L. Clark and David A. Neill. 2023. Amanoa condorensis (Phyllanthaceae), A New Shrubby Species from the Cordillera del Condor in southern Ecuador. PhytoKeys. 227: 89-97. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.227.104703

Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie de Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae) de la meseta de arenisca de Nangaritza en la región de la Cordillera del Cóndor en el sur de Ecuador. Amanoa condorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill es un pequeño árbol de 4 metros de altura que sólo se conoce de la colección tipo. La nueva especie se distingue por la presencia de inflorescencias congestionadas, hojas coriáceas con ápice acuminado, y porte arbustivo. La elevación relativamente más alta de la localidad tipo, la presencia de un andróforo, y el hábito de arbusto o árbol pequeño son una combinación inusual para Amanoa. El estado de conservación de A. condorensis se evalúa como En Peligro Crítico (CR) según los Criterios de la UICN.

[Botany • 2022] Phyllanthus pterocaulis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Critically Endangered Species of Stone Breaker from Central Brazil, with Notes on its Leaf and Stem Anatomy

Phyllanthus pterocaulis M.J. Silva, 

in Silva, Alonso & Santos, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.530.1.4  

Researchgate.net/publication/357634074 

 

Abstract

A new species from the state of Goiás, Brazil, Phyllanthus pterocaulis, is described and illustrated, with comments on its geographic distribution and environmental preferences, phenology, morphological relationships, and systematic position. It is morphologically allied with Phyllanthus avicularis, P. heliotropus, and P. hyssopifolioides, but differs from all of them by a set of characters related to cymules sex, presence and types of trichomes on leaves and stems, leaf consistency, numbers of sepals in flower of both sexes, integrity of stamens, capsules and seeds. Additionally, we provide images of the new species in the field, conservation status, mapped distribution, the anatomical description of its stem and leaves, and a key to differentiate it from the other similar species belonging to Phyllanthus sect. Loxopodium occurring in Brazil. The new species is one of the few in the genus that occurs in shaded environments in seasonal dry forests within the Cerrado biome.

Keywords: Seasonal dry forest, Phyllanthus sect. Loxopodium, Phyllantheae, diversity, taxonomy, Eudicots

Phyllanthus pterocaulis M.J. Silva.
A. Habit; B. Portion of branch, note the winged projections and hispidulous trichomes; C. Stipules; D. Leave, note the ciliate margin; E. Detail of lower side of the leaf blade showing trichomes; F. Detail of the bisexual cymules. G. Staminate flower; H. Pistillate flower in frontal view; I. Pistillate flower, note the disk and ovary; J. Fruit; k. Mericarps removed showing the carpophorous; L. Seed, lateral view; M. Seed, dorsal view.

(drawings by Cristiano Gualberto, from the holotype)

Phyllanthus pterocaulis M.J. Silva. 
 A. Habit; B. Portion of branch showing the cymules and fruit; C. Detail of the cymules; D. Staminate flower in frontal view; E. Pistillate flower in lateral view, the sepals green whitish; F. Pistillate flower in upper view, the sepals reddish; G. Fruit; H. Seeds in dorsal and lateral view.

 Photographs by M. J. Silva.

Phyllanthus pterocaulis M. J. Silva. sp. nov.

Diagnosis:—This species can be differentiated from its most similar species (see table 1) by having herbaceous habit up to 13 cm tall, stem short and sparsely hispidulous, conspicuously winged in cross section, Leaves ovate with margin irregularly serrate, base truncate or cordate, hispidulous below; flowers on both sexes 5 or 6-merous, the staminate ones with three free stamens, the pistillate ones with bilobed stigma. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet “pterocaulis” refers to the cross section of its winged stem (“ptero” from the Greek “pterón”, plus “caulis”, from Latin). 

Marcos José da Silva, Alexandre Antônio Alonso and Igor Soares dos Santos. 2022. A New Critically Endangered Species of Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus, Phyllanthaceae) from Central Brazil, with Notes on its Leaf and Stem Anatomy. Phytotaxa. 530(1); 53-64. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.530.1.4

Researchgate.net/publication/357634074_A_new_species_of_Phyllanthus_from_Central_Brazil

[Botany • 2022] Breynia hiemalis (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllantheae) • A New Species from Yunnan, south-west China

 

 Breynia hiemalis Huan C. Wang & Feng Yang, 

in Yang, Chen, ... et Wang, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.206.85241

Abstract

Breynia hiemalis Huan C. Wang & Feng Yang (Phyllanthaceae), of sect. Cryptogynium (Müll.Arg.) Welzen & Pruesapan in subg. Breynia, is described from Yunnan, south-west China. It is known from only a single locality in the valley of the Yuanjiang River, and usually occurs in the understory of the savanna vegetation. It is characterized by its broadly elliptic to orbicular leaf blades, shallowly plate-like calyces of the staminate flowers, ovaries with clearly erose rim and urceolate capsules. Morphological comparisons with similar species are also presented.

Keywords: Breynia sect. Cryptogynium, endemism, Sauropus, savanna, Yuanjiang River

 Breynia hiemalis Huan C. Wang & Feng Yang, 

A habit B pistillate flower (apical view) C fruit D staminate flower (apical view) E staminate flower (lateral view).

(Drawn by Jing-Yi Ye from type specimen H. C. Wang et al. YJ16225) 

 Breynia hiemalis Huan C. Wang & Feng Yang, 
A habit B phyllanthoid branch showing pistillate flower and staminate flowers C stipule D staminate flower (apical view) E pistillate flower (apical view) F calyx in fruit (dorsal view) G fruit.

Photographed by H. C. Wang from type locality in January 2022.

 Breynia hiemalis Huan C. Wang & Feng Yang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Breynia hiemalis can easily be distinguished from all morphologically similar species by plants glabrous throughout, by its broadly elliptic to orbicular and relatively small (4–21 × 4–17 mm) leaves, calyx of staminate flower shallowly plate-like, ovary rim conspicuously erose, and the urceolate capsule with a raised and lobed apical rim. 

Etymology: The epithet ‘‘hiemalis’’ is Latin for ‘‘belonging to winter’’, referring to the flowering period of this new species.

  Feng Yang, Chao Chen, Jing-Yi Ye, Jian-Yong Wu and Huan-Chong Wang. 2022. Breynia hiemalis (Phyllanthaceae, Phyllantheae), A New Species from Yunnan, south-west China. PhytoKeys 206: 75-86. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.206.85241

[Botany • 2019] Phyllanthus huamotensis & P. chantaranothaii (Phyllanthaceae) • Two New Species of Phyllanthus from A Limestone Mountain, northern Thailand

Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn.

in Pornpongrungrueng, Chantaranothai, Parnell & Hodkinson, 2019.

มะขามป้อมดินหัวหมด  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.47625 

Abstract

Two Phyllanthus species are newly described from a limestone mountain in the north of Thailand. The first species, P. huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov., is one of the most distinct Phyllanthus species easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margin and red capsule with papillose-puberulous surface. The second species, P. chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov., is similar to P. pulcher Wall. ex Müll.Arg., but it is distinguished by its puberulous upper leaf surface and pistillate flowers which have red, narrowly lanceolate sepals with a white, long fimbriate margin, puberulous outer side as well as puberulous pedicel.

Keywords: diversity, Euphorbiaceae, new taxa, revision, taxonomy

Figure 1. Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov. A habit B, C leaf shapes (B adaxial surface C abaxial surface) D stipule E pistillate flower F staminate flower G mature capsule.

 Drawn by Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng. 

Figure 2. Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov. A, B habit C branchlet showing axillary fascicle of staminate flowers D branchlet showing pistillate flower E branchlet showing young red capsule.

A Photo by Natthawut Triyuttachai B, C photos by Suchart Chanhomhual D, E photos by Kanokorn Ruengsawang.

Phyllanthus huamotensis Pornp., Chantar. & J.Parn., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Phyllanthus huamotensis is one of the most distinct species of Phyllanthus in Thailand, easily distinguished by its reddish branchlets and stem, conspicuous reddish venation, especially on the lower leaf surface, red sepals with long fimbriate margins and red capsule with a papillose-puberulous surface. It is most similar to P. pulcher Wall. ex Müll.Arg., but differs in its undershrub habit that is up to 30 cm high (P. pulcher is a shrub up to 1.5 m high), small sized leaves (2–9 × (2–)3–8 mm) (leaves in P. pulcher are 7–28 × 6–17 mm) with conspicuous reddish venation (inconspicuous on both leaf surfaces in P. pulcher) and a red capsule with a papillose-puberulous surface (glabrous in P. pulcher).

Habitat and distribution: This species grows on open limestone hills, at 880–937 m above sea level. Currently, it is known only from the type location Doi Huamot, Tak province in northern Thailand.

Etymology: The name of this species is given, based on the location where the plant was first discovered.

Vernacular: Ma Kham Pom Din Huamot - มะขามป้อมดินหัวหมด.

Figure 3. Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov.
A habit B, C leaf shapes (B adaxial surface C abaxial surface) D stipule E pistillate flower F staminate flower G young capsule H mature capsule.

Drawn by Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng. 

Figure 4. Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov.
A habit B branchlet showing axillary fascicle of staminate flowers C branchlet showing pistillate flower D branchlet showing young capsule E branchlet showing mature capsule.

 A–C photos by Natthawut Triyuttachai D, E photos by Siriyakorn Sukcharoen.

Phyllanthus chantaranothaii Pornp., J.Parn. & Hodk., sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Phyllanthus chantaranothaii is most similar to P. pulcher, but differs in its puberulous upper leaf surface with white, simple and dendritic hairs and pistillate flowers that have red, narrowly lanceolate sepals with a white long fimbriate margin, puberulous on the outer side and puberulous pedicel, whereas in P. pulcher, the leaf is glabrous on both surfaces and the sepals of the pistillate flower are rhombic-ovate with the upper part greenish and lower part red, glabrous on the outside and glabrous pedicel.

Habitat and distribution: This species grows in mixed deciduous forest, at ca. 500 m elevation. It is currently known from the type location near Pa La Ta waterfall and Doi Huamot, Tak province, Thailand.

  

Etymology: The name of this species honours Prof. Dr. Pranom Chantaranothai for his major contributions to plant taxonomy, in general, but especially for his extensive work on Phyllanthus in the Flora of Thailand.

Vernacular: Mayom Noi - มะยมน้อย.

Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng, Pranom Chantaranothai, John A.N. Parnell and Trevor R. Hodkinson. 2019. Two New Species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from Thailand.  PhytoKeys. 136: 35-44. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.136.47625

[Botany • 2018] Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Nickel Hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with Potential for Tropical Agromining

Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi Welzen, R.W.Bouman & Ent

in Bouman, van Welzen, Sumail, et al., 2018.

  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-018-0225-y

Abstract 

Background: Nickel hyperaccumulator plants are of much interest for their evolution and unique ecophysiology, and also for potential applications in agromining—a novel technology that uses plants to extract valuable metals from soil. The majority of nickel hyperaccumulators are known from ultramafc soils in tropical regions (Cuba, New Caledonia and Southeast Asia), and one genus, Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae), is globally the most represented taxonomic entity. A number of tropical Phyllanthus-species have the potential to be used as ‘metal crops’ in agromining operations mainly because of their ease in cultivation and their ability to attain high nickel concentrations and biomass yields. 

Results: One of the most promising species globally for agromining, is the here newly described species Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi. This species can be classifed in subgenus Gomphidium on account of its staminate nectar disc and pistillate entire style and represents the most western species of this diverse group. The fower structure indicates that this species is probably pollinated by Epicephala moths. 

Conclusions: Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi is an extremely rare taxon in the wild, restricted to Lompoyou Hill near Kinabalu Park in Sabah, Malaysia. Its utilization in agromining will be a mechanism for conservation of the taxon, and highlights the importance of habitat and germplasm preservation if rare species are to be used in novel green technologies. 

Keywords: Epicephala pollination, Nickel hyperaccumulation, Phyllanthaceae, Phyllanthus subgenus Gomphidium, Sabah

Fig. 2 Detail of Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi plants.
a Inflorescences of P. rufuschaneyi, note the difference between main stem and side stem with at the base small structures that signal phyllanthoid branching; b fruit capsules of P. rufuschaneyi. Images by A. van der Ent

Fig. 3 Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi Welzen, R.W.Bouman & Ent:
a a branch with only scars of cataphylls and cataphyllary stipules present at the base of branchlets as these are caducous (drawn from herbarium specimen with leaves glued sideways and staminate flowers sometimes upright instead of hanging); b detail of sidebranch with leaves and staminate flowers in natural position; c staminate flower; d staminate flower with part of sepals removed showing disc glands and androecium; e pistillate flower; f pistillate flower with part of sepals removed showing disc glands and ovary; g fruit

(a, c, d Daim Endau 225; b Lomudin Tadon g257; e, f SNP 32987; g Lomudin Tadon 257; all SNP). Drawing by Esmée Winkel (2017)

Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi Welzen, R.W.Bouman and Ent, sp. nov.

—TYPE: MALAYSIA. Sabah, near Kampong Nalumad, eastern boundary Kinabalu Park, Lompoyou Hill, Antony Van der Ent et al. SNP 32987! (holo SNP; iso L). 

Paratype: SNP 22039!, Lompoyou Hill, Sabah, Malaysia (Figs. 2, 3, 4). 

This species is most similar to P. securinegoides from the Philippines, from which it can be distinguished by its smaller leaves, staminate fowers with connate flaments and pistillate fowers with connate tubular stigmas

Etymology: The specific epithet “rufuschaneyi” honours Dr. Rufus L. Chaney (b. 1942), an agronomist who is widely credited for inventing phytomining (agromining) (Chaney 1983), leading to the technology being patented (Chaney et al. 1998). Dr. Chaney has worked for 47 years at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USA) on risk assessment for metals in soils and crops, and the food-chain transfer and bioavailability of soil and crop metals to humans. He published over 490 publications and won the Gordon Award for Lifetime Achievement and Excellence in Phytoremediation Research. The fact that P. rufuschaneyi is the most promising tropical Ni ‘metal crop’ presently known, makes this recognition fitting.

Distribution, habitat and ecology: Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi is known only from two populations; one (very small) population at the foot of Bukit Hampuan, and another larger population on Lompoyou Hill approximately 5 km from the first population. The habitat in both localities is open secondary scrub that has been affected by recurring forest fires (Fig. 1). Lompoyou Hill is close to the villages of Nalumad and Pahu. The hill (400 m asl) has been burnt at least once as a result of an uncontrolled forest fire in 1998. Prior to burning, the site was already disturbed by logging. The area has a short and open scrub community (dominated by shrubs 1–3 m tall) with pioneer species such as Macaranga kinabaluensis Airy Shaw (Euphorbiaceae). In this habitat type several other Ni hyperaccumulator plant species occur, including Phyllanthus balgooyi, Actephila alanbakeri, Mischocarpus sundaicus Blume (Sapindaceae), and Xylosma luzonensis Clos (Salicaceae). The local conditions are xeric, and the soils are shallow and heavily eroded with limited amounts of organic matter. In pot experiments P. rufuschaneyi responded negatively to increasing organic matter amendments (Nkrumah et al. 2017). Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi occurs exclusively on these young eroded soils (hypermagnesian Cambisols) that occur at low elevation (700 m asl) on strongly serpentinised bedrock. These soils have extremely high magnesium (Mg) to calcium (Ca), circum-neutral pH, and high available Ni as a result of the disintegration of phyllosilicates and re-sorption onto secondary iron (Fe)-oxides or high-charge clays (Echevarria 2018). In Sabah, Ni hyperaccumulator plant species are restricted to these soils with a pH > 6.3 and relatively high total soil Ni concentrations > 630 μg g−1 (Van der Ent et al. 2016b).

Roderick Bouman, Peter van Welzen, Sukaibin Sumail , Guillaume Echevarria, Peter D. Erskine and Antony van der Ent. 2018. Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi: A New Nickel Hyperaccumulator from Sabah (Borneo Island) with Potential for Tropical Agromining.  Botanical Studies: An International Journal. 59:9.  DOI: 10.1186/s40529-018-0225-y

[Botany • 2018] Glochidion shanense • A New Species from Myanmar [Taxonomic Studies of Glochidion (Phyllanthaceae) from the Indo-China Peninsula (I)]

Glochidion shanense  Gang Yao & Shixiao Luo

in Yao, Cai, Wu, et al, 2018.

  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.96.24497

Abstract

Based on morphological studies performed on live plants in the field and specimens deposited in herbaria, a new species, Glochidion shanense Gang Yao & Shixiao Luo (Phyllantheae, Phyllanthaceae), is here described and illustrated. The species is morphologically most similar to G. ellipticum Wight, but can be distinguished from the latter by having hairy branchlets, longer pedicels, uniseriate and narrowly triangular sepals of female flowers, 4–5-locular ovaries, stout and cylindric persistent style on fruits.

Keywords: Phyllanthaceae, Glochidion, Morphology, Myanmar

Figure 2. Morphological comparisons between Glochidion ellipticum Wight (B, C, E, H) and
Glochidion shanense  Gang Yao & Shixiao Luo (A, D, F, G). A, B, D, E Female flower C, F Branchlets G, H Fruit.

Glochidion shanense Gang Yao & Shixiao Luo, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The species is similar to G. ellipticum Wight in morphology, but differs from the latter by its branchlets pubescent, pedicels of female flowers 1.5–2 mm long, sepals of female flowers uniseriate and narrowly triangular, apex of style truncate slightly, persistent style of fruit stout and cylindric.

....

Distribution and habitat: This new species is currently known only from its type locality, Shan State, eastern Myanmar, where it grows in the broadleaved and coniferous dry forest dominated by Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne., Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. and Pinus species.

Etymology: Glochidion shanense is named after its type locality, Shan State in eastern Myanmar.

 Gang Yao, Jie Cai, Youheng Wu, Xuefei Yang, Thaung Naing Oo, Aung Zaw Moe and Shixiao Luo. 2018. Taxonomic Studies of Glochidion (Phyllanthaceae) from the Indo-China Peninsula (I): G. shanense, A New Species from Myanmar. PhytoKeys. 96: 57-62.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.96.24497