[Botany • 2026] Begonia trichopetiolata (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Bukidnon, Central Mindanao, the Philippines

 

Begonia trichopetiolata  Medecilo, Rubite & Caballes, 

in Medecilo-Guiang, Rubite, Vallejos, Atay et Caballes, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.2.5  

 facebook.com: Ken Bien Mar CABALLES

Illustrated by Julieferd Torres facebook.com: Ferd Torres

 Researchgate.net/publication/414085231

Abstract

Begonia trichopetiolata from Bukidnon, Central Mindanao, is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to the Philippines. It closely resembles B. mabuhayensis from Surigao del Sur, Eastern Mindanao; however, it differs in having triangular, keeled stipules, densely villose petioles, leaves with 10 primary veins and non-repand margin, shorter inflorescences and primary peduncles, larger bracts, and smaller capsules. Following IUCN Red List criteria, we propose B. trichopetiolata as Critically Endangered (CR). This discovery raises the total number of Begonia species in Bukidnon to 14 and marks the third member of Begonia section Baryandra recorded in the province.

Eudicots, Critically endangered, karst forest, limestone, Mindanao, Philippine endemic

Begonia trichopetiolata.
A. Habit; B. Detail of petiole; C. Leaf abaxial surface; D. Staminate flower bud; E. Staminate flowerfront view; F. Staminate flower lateral view; G. Stamens; H. Anther and filament; I. Pistillate flower front view; J. Pistillate flower lateralview; K. Stigma and style; L. Lateral view of the stipule; M. Anterior view of the stipule; N. Cross section of the ovary; O. Capsule.

Illustrated by Julieferd Torres. 

Begonia trichopetiolata Medecilo, Rubite & Caballes sp. nov. 

§ Baryandra

Etymology:—The specific epithet trichopetiolata refers to the petioles entirely and densely covered with long white hairs.

Maria Melanie P. MEDECILO-GUIANG, Rosario R. RUBITE, Christian Jay S. VALLEJOS, Jasten Kerk A. ATAY and Ken Bien Mar L. CABALLES. 2026. Begonia trichopetiolata (section Baryandra, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Bukidnon, Central Mindanao, the Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 773(2); 162-170. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.2.5 [2026-09-08]

 facebook.com/kenbienmar.potato/posts/28547966154832893

 facebook.com/ferdtorresssss/posts/28045322301814879

 Researchgate.net/publication/414085231_Begonia_trichopetiolata_a_new_species_from_Central_Mindanao_the_Philippines

[Botany • 2026] Zingiber latibracteum (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Northern Vietnam

Zingiber latibracteum X.D.Ma, J.M.Lu & J.Y.Shen,

in Ma, Lu et Shen, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2194 

Abstract

Zingiber latibracteum X.D.Ma, J.M.Lu & J.Y.Shen, currently assigned to Zingiber sect. Dymczewiczia, is newly described from Ha Giang Province, Northern Vietnam. It resembles Z. calcicola Y.H.Tan & H.B.Ding, Z. mellis Škorničk., H.Đ.Trần & Šída f. and Z. plicatum Škorničk. & Q.B.Nguyễn in having terminal inflorescences but is clearly distinguished by its glabrous ligules with rounded apex, shorter petiole, broadly elliptic bracts and smaller lateral staminodes. A comparison table of related species is provided.

Keyword: distribution, Dymczewiczia, habitat, morphology, Vietnam, Zingiber calcicola, Zingiber mellis, Zingiber plicatum.

Zingiber latibracteum.
 A. Plants. B. Leaf, adaxial view. C. Leaf, abaxial view. D–E. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. F. Leafy shoot. G. Inflorescence. H. Bract, adaxial view. I. Bract, abaxial view. J. Flowers and bract, side view. K–L. Flowers, side view. M. Flower, front view. N. Dorsal corolla lobe, adaxial view. O–P. Lateral corolla lobes, adaxial view. Q. Labellum and lateral staminodes, adaxial view. R. Labellum and lateral staminodes, abaxial view. S. Ovary, floral tube, stamen and stigma, side view. T. Ovary, style and epigynous glands, side view. U. Longitudinal section of the calyx tube. V. Stamen, front view.

Zingiber latibracteum X.D.Ma, J.M.Lu & J.Y.Shen, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Zingiber latibracteum is readily distinguishable from Z. calcicola, Z. mellis and Z. plicatum by its glabrous ligules, rounded ligule apex, laminae without prominent plication, and shorter lateral staminodes (Table 1).

Etymology: The name ‘latibracteum’ from Latin latus (“wide”) and bractea (“bract”), indicating wide bracts in the species.

Xing-Da Ma, Jian-Mei Lu and Jian-Yong Shen. 2026. Zingiber latibracteum, A New Species of Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) from Northern Vietnam.  Taiwania. 71(3); 495-498 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.495 [2026 May 27] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2194

[Paleontology • 2026] Mandrasuchus milleri • A New alligatorid (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae) from the Early Paleocene (Danian) of the Denver Basin supports earliest Paleocene North American alligatorid radiation

 

Mandrasuchus milleri

Lessner, Sherman, Petermann, Panigot, Duffy & Lyson, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2712566 

Illustration by Andrey Atuchin

ABSTRACT

The North American eusuchian fossil record through the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction shows a remarkable increase in diversity across the K–Pg boundary through the early Eocene. This is in contrast to most other vertebrate clades. Despite the group’s uninterrupted existence across the K–Pg boundary, gaps remain in the alligatorid fossil record, particularly near the K–Pg boundary and geographically in Colorado. Here we describe a new alligatorid, Mandrasuchus milleri, gen. et sp. nov., from the lower Paleocene Denver Formation of Corral Bluffs, Colorado, represented by over 15 specimens. We identify a globidontan alligatorine by the globular caudal dentition and blunted rostrum. Regardless of precise taxonomic assignment, the alligatorid is stratigraphically the earliest confirmed alligatorine, with diagnostic crania from ∼350 kyrs (Puercan 2 North American Land Mammal Age [NALMA]) and referred globular teeth from ∼200 kyrs (Puercan 1 NALMA) post-K–Pg mass extinction. The alligatorine is a new representative of a largely unresolved portion of the crocodylian phylogeny, and its addition could help resolve relationships of early diverging alligatorids and taxa historically referred to Allognathosuchus. This taxon’s distinct rostral morphology and globidont dentition suggest its ability to engage in a macrogeneralist diet. Dietary niche partitioning is likely present in this ecosystem as M. milleri lived alongside the generalist macrocarnivore Borealosuchus sternbergii, the other known Denver Formation crocodylian. The eusuchian survivorship across the K–Pg mass extinction and the morphological diversity of these apex freshwater predators underscores the degree to which freshwater terrestrial ecosystems were buffered from Earth's last mass extinction.

Mandrasuchus milleri hunting crayfish along a river bank in Colorado some 65.5 million years ago.

 Mandrasuchus milleri, gen. et sp. nov.

Emily J. Lessner, Sadie M. Sherman, Holger Petermann, Eldon Panigot, Franklin Duffy and Tyler R. Lyson. 2026. New alligatorid, Mandrasuchus milleri, from the Early Paleocene (Danian) of the Denver Basin supports earliest Paleocene North American alligatorid radiation. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2712566. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2712566 [02 Sep 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Boesenbergia calcicola (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from limestone karst, Northeastern Thailand

 

 Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk,

 in Boonma, S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Ruengrit, Srisuk, Ruannakarn et Naing, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16091480

Abstract

Limestone karst habitats in tropical Asia support specialized and geographically restricted plant diversity, yet many areas remain incompletely explored. During botanical surveys of limestone habitats in northeastern Thailand, a distinctive, yellow-flowered population of Boesenbergia was discovered in Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province. Morphological observations were conducted on living plants in the natural population and spirit-preserved material, supplemented by comparisons with protologues, published descriptions, and herbarium material. Patterns of phenetic similarity among ten selected Boesenbergia taxa were evaluated using 32 morphological characters, Gower distance, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The population is described here as Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov. It is morphologically most comparable to B. petiolata but differs by its conspicuously exserted inflorescence, shorter bracts and flowers, distally puberulent floral tube, smaller puberulent lateral staminodes, and distinctive labellum color pattern. Phenetic analyses were used to summarize patterns of overall morphological similarity among the examined taxa. The species is currently known only from its limestone type locality at approximately 385 m a.s.l. and is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD). This discovery further documents localized Boesenbergia diversity associated with limestone karst habitats in northeastern Thailand.

Keywords: Boesenbergia; karst; limestone; new species; northeastern; taxonomy; Thailand

 Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.
 (a,b) Habit in natural habitat. (c) Dissected rhizome and tuberous root. (d) Lateral view of flower. (e) Dorsal corolla lobe. (f) Lateral view of corolla lobe. (g) Lateral staminodes. (h) Calyx and ovary. (i) Floral tube and stamen with calyx and ovary. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Front view of ovary. (l) Bract. (m) Bracteole. (n) Ovary with epigynous glands. (o) Labellum, flattened under a glass plate to show its fully expanded shape.

Photographs (a,b) by Mukdamas Ruengrit and (c–o) by Thawatphong Boonma.

Boesenbergia calcicola Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk

Diagnosis. Boesenbergia calcicola is morphologically similar to B. petiolata Sirirugsa in having a terminal inflorescence, lanceolate bracts, a broadly ovate to nearly orbicular labellum when flattened, and an anther crest absent, but differs by its inflorescence conspicuously exserted beyond the leafy shoot (vs. enclosed within or only shortly exserted from the upper leaf sheaths), shorter bracts, 1.5–2.5 cm long (vs. 3–4 cm long), shorter flowers, 2.0–2.5 cm long in lateral projection (vs. c. 4 cm long), a shorter calyx, 3.2–4.8 mm long (vs. c. 5 mm long), a floral tube 1.5–2.5 cm long and sparsely puberulent ...

Etymology: The specific epithet “calcicola” is derived from the Latin calx (genitive calcis), meaning “lime” or “limestone”, and -cola, meaning “dweller”, referring to the occurrence of the species on limestone substrates in Phu Pha Man District, Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand.

 Thawatphong Boonma, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Mukdamas Ruengrit, Pathomthat Srisuk, Prasert Ruannakarn and Min Khant Naing. 2026. Further Botanical Exploration of Limestone Karst Habitats in Northeastern Thailand Reveals a New Yellow-Flowered Species of Boesenbergia Kuntze (Zingiberaceae). Life. 2026, 16(9), 1480; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16091480 [4 September 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila taynguyenensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of Southern Vietnam

Sonerila taynguyenensis Dinh, C.H. Nguyen & C.W. Lin,  

in Dinh, Nguyen, Duong et Lin, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0128  

 facebook.com: Lin CW

 facebook.com/DiepDinhQuang

 Abstract

Sonerila taynguyenensis Dinh, C.H. Nguyen & C.W. Lin (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar especially to S. montana in its erect habit, ovate-lanceolate leaves and the presence of gland-tipped trichomes on the pedicels and hypanthium. It can, however, be readily distinguished by having a quadrangular to obtusely quadrangular stem (vs. terete), acrodromous to subacrodromous venation (vs. pinnate), larger petals up to 16 × 7 mm (vs. up to 9.5 × 6 mm) and 7–8 mm long anthers (vs. ca. 6.5 mm). Sonerila taynguyenensis is also compared with S. tenue. Based on the available data and following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, S. taynguyenensis is tentatively assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Sonerila taynguyenensis (from the holotype). 
A and A': Flowering branches. — B and B': Portion of leaf, adaxial surface. — B”: Portion of leaf, abaxial surface. — C: Portion of stem and petioles. — D and E: Hypanthium close-up. — F–I: Different trichomes in indumentum of reproductive structures. — J and J': Flower, frontal and side views. — K–K”': Stamens, frontal and side views. — L: Bracts. — M–M”: Hypanthiums. — N: Vertical section of ovary. — O: Old capsule.

Sonerila taynguyenensis (B–J from the holotype). 
A: Flowering plant in natural habitat (photographed at Dak Rong Commune on 2 March 2025). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Flowering branches. — D and E: Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. — F: Stem, petioles and portions of leaf. — G: Inflorescences. — H: Flowers, frontal and side views. — I: Stamens. — J: Vertical section of ovary.

Sonerila taynguyenensis (B–G from para-type NHC 20260118006). 
 A: Flowering plant in natural habitat (photographed at Kbang Commune, Gia Lai Province, 19 January 2026). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. — D: Leaf, adaxial surface. — E: Leaf, abaxial surface. — F: Stem and petioles. — G: Cross section of ovary.

 Quang Diep Dinh, Cuong Huu Nguyen, Nam Van Duong and Che-Wei Lin. 2026. Sonerila taynguyenensis (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of Southern Vietnam. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 213-219. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0128 (24 August 2026) 

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10234214243881113

 facebook.com/DiepDinhQuang/posts/28871757869091548

[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus nautiyalii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Didymocarpus nautiyalii M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Taram, Das, Rai, Rawat et Kumar, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2215

Abstract

Didymocarpus nautiyalii M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar (Gesneriaceae) is described as a new species from Shi-Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. It resembles D. albiflorus Souvann. & Phonep. in its habit, leaves, few-flowered inflorescences and slightly pouched infundibuliform corolla with an expanded mouth, but differs in its much shorter stem, sessile to very short petioles, coriaceous lamina, 1–3-flowered cymes, smaller campanulate calyx, shorter bluish-purple corolla, and a glabrous ovary. The species is assessed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keyword: Didymocarpoideae, Didymocarpus albiflorus, Didymocarpus nautiyalii, Eastern Himalaya, endemic

Madhusudhan Khanal, Dipankar Borah, Momang Taram, Niku Das, Santosh Kumar Rai, Sandeep Rawat, Devendra Kumar. 2026. A New Species of Didymocarpus Wall. (Gesneriaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Taiwania. 71(4); 649-654 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.649 [2026 August 13]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2215

[Botany • 2026] Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae) • A New ultramafic-obligate, microendemic Species from Dinagat Island, Philippines

 

Melastoma dinagatense

in Caylan, Medecilo-Guiang, Fritsch, Amoroso et Penneys, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.3.6  

 facebook.com/GrisielouCAYLAN

Abstract

Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae) from Dinagat Island, Caraga Region, Philippines, is here described and illustrated. The species is most similar to the widespread M. malabathricum but differs in its longer pedicels, larger hypanthium and calyx lobes, longer hypanthium scales, and a distinctive leaf indumentum composed of elongated crystalliferous cells with a branched base and emergent hairs, as well as leaf margins with spreading pilose-ciliate hairs. The new species is known only from the ultramafic elfin forest on Mount Redondo and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A dichotomous key to the Philippine species of Melastoma is provided.

Eudicots, endangered, endemic, Mindanao, morphology, ultramafic flora

 

GRISIELOU L. CAYLAN, MARIA MELANIE P. MEDECILO-GUIANG, PETER W. FRITSCH, VICTOR B. AMOROSO and DARIN S. PENNEYS. 2026. Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae): A New ultramafic-obligate, microendemic Species from Dinagat Island, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 766(3); 281-290. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.3.6 [2026-07-14]

 facebook.com/61560779536251/posts/122221884854359317

 facebook.com/GrisielouCAYLAN/posts/3308757025966094

[Botany • 2026] Pulsatilla hezijianensis (Ranunculaceae) • A New Species from Beijing, China

Pulsatilla hezijianensis H.Y. Wu & L. Xie, 

in Wu, Qin, Li, Xiao, Liu, He et Xie, 2026.

禾子涧白头翁  | DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0123

 Abstract 

Pulsatilla hezijianensis H.Y. Wu & L. Xie, a new species of Ranunculaceae from Hezijian Village (Beijing, China), is described. It resembles P. sukaczevii and P. tenuiloba in its finely dissected pinnate leaves but is distinguished by its smaller stature, shorter scapes, smaller fruit heads, and sepals with white inner surfaces and pale blue outer surfaces. In molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (nrITS) and plastid markers (rbcL, accD-psaI, trnL intron), the Hezijian population of P. hezijianensis forms a distinct clade, sister to P. sukaczevii and P. tenuiloba, but with significant genetic divergence. Based on the restricted distribution and small population size, under IUCN criteria the conservation status of P. hezijianensis is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

A–D: Pulsatilla hezijianensis (A–C photographed by L. Xie on 26 April 2023 at the type locality; D photographed by J. M. Xiao on 7 June 2025 at the type locality).
A: Early flowering before leaf emergence. — B: Leaves expanded by late flowering stage. — C: Fruit stage. — D: Habitat.

E–G: P. sukaczevii (photographed by L. Xie on 27 May 2024 in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia).
 E: Flowering. — F–G: Dense clumps in late flowering stage in its arid, rocky habitat.

Pulsatilla hezijianensis
— A: Whole plant. — B: Sepals (left: adaxial view, right: abaxial view). — C: Floral dissection. — D: Mature fruit. — E: Pistil. — F: Stamen. — G: Leaf. — H: Bract.

Pulsatilla hezijianensis H.Y. Wu & L. Xie, sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Hezijian Village, Changping District, Beijing.

Vernacular name. The proposed mandarin Chinese name is “Hé Zĭ Jiàn Bái Tóu Wēng” (禾子涧白头翁).

Diagnosis. Morphologically allied to P. tenuiloba and P. sukaczevii but can be distinguished by its smaller and slender individuals (3–15 cm tall) especially in the late flowering and fruiting stages, shorter scapes, smaller fruit heads, and sepals that are adaxially white and abaxially pale blue.

Huan-Yu Wu, Shuang Qin, Wen-He Li, Jia-Min Xiao, Bo-Wen Liu, Jian He and Lei Xie. 2026. Pulsatilla hezijianensis (Ranunculaceae), A New Species from Beijing, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 165-175. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0123 (18 June 2026) 

[Botany • 2025] Dalechampia nivea (Euphorbiaceae) • A New Species from Brazil

Dalechampia nivea  Brigato & O.L.M.Silva, 

in Brigato, Carnriro-Torres, Cordeiro et da Silva, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.701.3.5 

Researchgate.net/publication/391875236

Abstract

We describe Dalechampia nivea, a new species from high-altitude regions (700–1,190 m) within the rainforests of the Atlantic Forest domain. This species has been recorded in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil. Dalechampia nivea shares morphological similarities with D. pentaphylla, including leaves with five leaflets and pistillate flower calyx with six entire sepals. However, it can be distinguished by the 3-lobed involucral bracts with entire to serrated margins, lanceolate to ovate bracteal stipules, and tomentose ovary. In contrast, D. pentaphylla has 5-partite involucral bracts with lacerate margins, broadly ovate to reniform bracteal stipules, and pilose to pubescent ovary. This article includes detailed photographs, distribution maps, comments on the habitat, and a preliminary assessment of the species’ conservation status. An identification key for the Brazilian Dalechampia vines with compound or palmatisect leaves divided into five partitions is also provided.

Acalyphoideae, Bahia, Dalechampia sect. Dioscoreifoliae, Taxonomy, Eudicots

LUIZA OLIVEIRA BRIGATO, DANIELA SANTOS CARNEIRO-TORRES, INÊS CORDEIRO and OTÁVIO LUIS MARQUES DA SILVA. 2025. Dalechampia nivea (Euphorbiaceae), A New Species from Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 701(3); 271-278. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.701.3.5 [2025-05-20]

 Researchgate.net/publication/391875236_Dalechampia_nivea_a_new_species_from_Brazil

[Botany • 2026] Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India

 

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja,

in Alen, Abhilash, Gayathri, Arya, Kumar, Sojan, Suresh, Antony et Leeja, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 

 Abstract

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova (Selaginellaceae) is described as a new lycophyte species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It morphologically resembles S. tenera, but can be distinguished by its small habit, basal rhizophores, median leaf traits, lack of vegetative buds and tapering strobili. The taxonomic delimitation is strongly supported by multivariate morphometric analysis (PCA) of macro- and micromorphological traits. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcL gene places S. jobii as a sister to S. miniatospora. Growing on shaded laterite habitats in Palakkad, the species has an Area of Occupancy of less than 10 km2. Consequently, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria.

Selaginella jobii (from the holotype).
— A: Habit. — B: Rhizophore. — C: Stem. — D: Axillary leaf. — E: Lateral leaf. — F: Median leaf. — G: Strobili, dorsal view. — H: Strobili, ventral view. — I: Ventral sporophyll with megasporangium. — J: Ventral sporophyll with microsporangium. — K: Dorsal sporophyll with microsporangium.

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova  

Etymology. The specific epithet jobii honours Dr Joseph Job, retired Associate Professor of Botany, St. Berchmans College, Changanassery, Kerala, India. An exemplary educator, Dr Job inspired numerous students, including the first author, to pursue science.

Diagnosis. Selaginella jobii is morphologically similar to S. tenera and S. miniatospora, but can be distinguished by its lean, non-spreading habit with exclusively basal rhizophores, tapering strobili featuring a distinct apical microsporangiate zone, and regular verrucate ornamentation on the megaspores. A comprehensive morphological comparison of these taxa is provided in Table 1.

Alex Philip Alen, Kalathil Sethumadhavan Abhilash, Thekkekara Suresh Gayathri, Sindhu Arya, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anil Kumar, Jose Sojan, Veerankutty Suresh, Raju Antony and Lakshmanan Leeja. 2026. Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae), A New Species from Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1);201-211. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 (13 August 2026)  

[Herpetology • 2026] Dibamus alfredi & D. somsaki • Long time no see: Rediscovery, first Molecular data, and Redescriptions of Two rare Dibamus Species (Squamata: Dibamidae) from Thailand

 

Dibamus somsaki Honda, Nabhitabhata, Ota & Hikida, 1997;
[A & B]  Dibamus alfredi Taylor, 1962

in Kliukin, Pawangkhanant, Aksornneam, Kaosung, Nguyen, Bragin, Gorin, Suwannapoom, Thammachoti Charunrochana et Poyarkov, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5875.4.1

 facebook.com: Nguyen Van Tan 

Abstract

Alfred’s blind skink, Dibamus alfredi Taylor, 1962, and Somsak’s blind skink, Dibamus somsaki Honda, Nabhitabhata, Ota & Hikida, 1997, are two poorly known and rarely recorded members of the family Dibamidae endemic to Thailand. Since their original descriptions based on specimens collected in Pattani Province in 1960 and Chanthaburi Province in 1995, respectively, both species have remained extremely elusive and no molecular data have been available to date. Here, we report new records of D. alfredi from Yala Province in southern Thailand and of D. somsaki from Chanthaburi Province in eastern Thailand, providing important new locality data for these rare Thai endemics. Based on newly collected material, we present revised diagnoses and detailed redescriptions of both species and provide osteological descriptions of D. alfredi and D. somsaki based on micro-CT data for the first time. In addition, we present the first molecular data for both species based on mitochondrial DNA sequences of three gene fragments (16S rRNA, ND2, and COI) and reconstruct an updated phylogeny of the family Dibamidae. Our analyses confirm that D. alfredi and D. somsaki represent two deeply divergent evolutionary lineages within the genus Dibamus.

Reptilia, Dibamus alfredi, Dibamus somsaki, blind skinks, rediscovery, molecular phylogeny, osteology, Indochina

Dibamus somsaki in life (ZMMU re-18399), female from Makham district, Chanthaburi, Thailand.

Photograph by P. Pawangkhanant.

Dibamus alfredi in life.
(A) female(B) male; from Yala, Thailand.

 Photographs by N.A. Poyarkov (A) and A. Kaosung (B).

Alfred’s blind skink, Dibamus alfredi Taylor, 1962

Somsak’s blind skink, Dibamus somsaki Honda, Nabhitabhata, Ota & Hikida, 1997

Nikita S. KLIUKIN, Parinya PAWANGKHANANT, Akrachai AKSORNNEAM, Andaman KAOSUNG, Tan Van NGUYEN, Andrey M. BRAGIN, Vladislav A. GORIN, Chatmongkon SUWANNAPOOM, Panupong THAMMACHOTI CHARUNROCHANA and Nikolay A. POYARKOV. 2026. Long time no see: Rediscovery, first Molecular data, and Redescriptions of Two rare Dibamus Species from Thailand (Squamata: Dibamidae).  Zootaxa. 5875(4); 301-332. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5875.4.1 [2026-09-07]

  facebook.com/tansifasv/posts/122265551672144982

[Botany • 2026] Pimpinella pygmaea (Apiaceae) • A New Species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Pimpinella pygmaea  A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana, 

in Sajan, Shibu et Sujana, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0110

Abstract

Pimpinella pygmaea A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana (Apiaceae) is described as a new species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. It shares morphological similarities with P. candolleana, P. leschenaultii and P. tomentosa, but can be distinguished from them by several morphological features, including plant height, leaf size and shape, number and size of rays, number of flowers, and surface of the schizocarp. A detailed description, including habitat, phenology, photographs and scanning electron micrographs of the schizocarp, is provided.

Pimpinella pygmaea.
 — A: Habit and habitat. — B: Habit with associated plants. — C: Vegetative stage with basal leaves. — D: Inflorescence. — E: Infructescence. A—C photographed at the type locality 6 December 2025.

Pimpinella pygmaea (from the holotype).
— A and B: Habit. — C: Basal leaf. — D: Adaxial view of the lamina of basal leaf. — E: Abaxial view of the lamina of basal leaf. — F: Lower cauline leaf. — G: Upper cauline leaf. — H: Abaxial view of involucral bract. — I: Adaxial view of involucral bract. — J: Involucel bracteole. — K: Mature flower bud. — L: Single flower. — M: Petals. — N: Stamens. — O: Gynoecium. — P: Immature fruit with stylopodium. — Q: Carpophore. — R: Schizocarp. — S: Dorsal view of mericarp. — T: Lateral view of mericarp. — U: Ventral view of mericarp. — V: Cross-section of mericarp.

Pimpinella pygmaea A. Sajan, Navya & Sujana, sp. nova 

Etymology. The specific epithet pygmaea is derived from the Latin word pygmaeus, meaning dwarf, in reference to the small size of the species.

Akhil Sajan, Navya Shibu and Kanjiraparambil Arjunan Sujana. 2026. Pimpinella pygmaea (Apiaceae), A New Species from Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 63-69. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0110 [27 March 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Nipponopelta yezoensis • A new nodosaurid ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Upper Cretaceous Hikagenosawa Formation in Japan reveals dispersal pattern of Asian nodosaurid ankylosaurs

Nipponopelta yezoensis 

 Oyabu, Kobayashi, Zelenitsky, Fiorillo & Kano, 2026

「ニッポノペルタ・エゾエンシス」DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106477 

Highlights

• Nipponopelta yezoensis is the first ankylosaur formally named from Japan.

• The taxon is more closely related to North American nodosaurids than Asian taxa.

• Coastal environments may have played a role in interregional nodosaurid radiations.

Abstract

Nodosaurid dinosaurs are mainly known from North America and Europe, with rare occurrences in South America and Asia. A partial skull, discovered in a concretion from the upper part of the marine Hikagenosawa Formation (upper Cenomanian) in Yubari City, Hokkaido, Japan, was initially described in 2005 and identified as a nodosaurid based on its dentition and occipital bone morphology. However, its taxonomic status remained unresolved. In this study, three-dimensional CT reconstructions reveal detailed morphological features justifying the naming of a new taxon, Nipponopelta yezoensis gen. et sp. nov., the first named Japanese ankylosaur based on unique characters in the occipital region. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Nipponopelta yezoeisis is deeply nested within derived North American and European nodosaurids and distantly related to other Asian nodosaurids. Ancestral geographic analysis suggests that Nipponopelta yezoensis and its close relatives originated in Laramidia, Appalachia, and Asia, indicating a wide ancestral area. Habitat reconstruction reveals that Nipponopelta yezoensis preferred marine-influenced environments, likely inhabiting coastal or estuarine areas. This preference for coastal environments played a significant role in its dispersal patterns across different regions.

Keywords: Ankylosauria; Nodosauridae; Cretaceous; Palaeobiogeography; Asia

Nipponopelta yezoensis gen. et sp. nov.

Shumpei Oyabu, Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, Darla K. Zelenitsky, Anthony R. Fiorillo and Manabu Kano. 2026. A new nodosaurid ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Upper Cretaceous Hikagenosawa Formation in Japan reveals dispersal pattern of Asian nodosaurid ankylosaurs. Cretaceous Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106477 [21 August 2026]

https://tiisys.com/blog/2026/09/02/post-202824/

北海道産恐竜化石を「ニッポノペルタ・エゾエンシス」と命名～約1億年前の"海辺の恐竜"が明かす、白亜紀の大陸間移動～（総合博物館　教授　小林快次）