[Mollusca • 2026] Microeledone galapagensis • A New Species of Microeledone (Octopoda: Incirrata) from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae

 

Microeledone galapagensis 

Voight, Smith, Buglass & Ziegler, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 

 

Abstract

The octopod fauna of the deep tropical Pacific Ocean remains poorly known, as is the octopod family Megaleledonidae Taki. A single female megaleledonid specimen collected at 1773 m depth near the equatorial Galápagos island of Darwin is named Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. This small, squat, short-armed octopod has few arm suckers and gill lamellae. Its lack of a crop diverticulum, ink sac, and anal flaps suggests that it pertains to Thaumeledone. However, its smooth skin, which dorsally is nearly free of pigment, large rachidian tooth, and large funnel organ ally it with the monotypic Microeledone. Its reverse countershading and dense pigmentation on the inner dorsal mantle musculature distinguish this species from Microeledone mangoldi Norman, Hochberg & Boucher-Rodoni, 2004a. This species belies the definition of the Megaleledonidae as large-bodied, Southern Ocean endemics, leading us to revise the family diagnosis. The short arms carrying few suckers in this genus and Thaumeledone are hypothesized to relate to heterochrony, potentially increasing energy available for reproduction and contributing to niche partitioning.

Mollusca, Thaumeledone, heterochrony, Pacific Ocean, deep sea, posterior salivary gland, ink sac, skin texture

Photos of Microeledone galapagensis sp.  nov. 
in situ (a); on recovery dorsal (b) and ventral (c) (photos by the Science Party of the NA064 cruise); in preservation dorsal (d) and ventral (e) views of entire animal. 

Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. With the characters of the genus; sheath covering inner dorsal mantle muscles heavily pigmented, internal organs lack pigment, except dots near mantle opening on mantle septum, rectum, and anus; posterior salivary glands medium, ca. 70% of buccal mass length; eyes large, slightly projecting.

Janet R. VOIGHT, Stephanie M. SMITH, Salome BUGLASS and Alexander ZIEGLER. 2026. A New Species of Microeledone from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae (Octopoda: Incirrata). Zootaxa. 5814(4); 533-549. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 [2026-05-25]

     

[Paleontology • 2026] Labrujasuchus expectatus • A New shuvosaurid (Archosauria: Poposauroidea) from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry of New Mexico, U.S.A.

Labrujasuchus expectatus

Turner, Kernan, Laing, Pritchard, Stocker, Irmis, Smith, Werning & Nesbitt, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182

Artwork: Jorge Gonzalez/NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute

ABSTRACT

Bipedal shuvosaurid archosaurs were present for much of the Late Triassic Period. The clade is particularly diverse in Upper Triassic assemblages in the western U.S.A. Isolated bones are easily differentiated from contemporary archosaurs, but the two named North American species, Shuvosaurus inexpectatus and Effigia okeeffeae, display remarkably similar skeletons. Here we describe a new shuvosaurid species, Labrujasuchus expectatus, gen. et sp. nov., from the middle Norian (∼212 Ma) Hayden Quarry of northern New Mexico, U.S.A., located within the Petrified Forest Member of the Chinle Formation, that fills the temporal gap between the two species. The holotype consists of a partial skeleton, with additional shuvosaurid material from the Hayden Quarry likely pertaining to this taxon. This taxon is distinguished by four autapomorphies and assignable to Shuvosauridae based on a deep fossa present on the posterodorsal edge of the coracoid, the proximal portion of the humerus less than twice the width of the midshaft, the anteromedial tuber of the femur large and ‘hooked’ posteriorly, and a ventrally descended posterolateral portion of the femoral head. Recent Bayesian estimates of archosaur phylogeny and divergence times suggested a Middle Triassic split for Shuvosauridae as well as a decrease in the rate of morphological evolution for the clade relative to that of other archosaurs. The anatomical similarity of L. expectatus with other shuvosaurids is consistent with these estimated low rates, and the long gaps in the fossil record for the clade suggest that much of their evolutionary history remains to be sampled.

Reconstruction of Labrujasuchus expectatus, a new species of Shuvosauridae from Late Triassic rocks of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

Artwork: Jorge Gonzalez/NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

ARCHOSAURIA Cope, 1870 (sensu Gauthier & Padian, 1985)

SUCHIA Krebs, 1974 (sensu Benton & Clark 1988)

SHUVOSAURIDAE Chatterjee, 1993 (sensu Nesbitt, 2011)

LABRUJASUCHUS gen. nov.

Type Species—Labrujasuchus expectatus

Etymology—The generic name Labrujasuchus (“la-broo-ha-soo-kus”) is derived from “Ranchos de los Brujos,” Ranch of the Witches, an old Spanish name for the Ghost Ranch area, and the Greek word Σοῦχος (suchus) meaning “crocodile.” It is masculine in gender.

 

LABRUJASUCHUS EXPECTATUS sp. nov.

Etymology—From the Latin “expectatus” for expected or awaited.

The species name is based on the anticipated nature of a shuvosaurid discovery at the Hayden Quarry.

Alan H. Turner, Ciara E. Kernan, Adam Laing, Adam C. Pritchard, Michelle R. Stocker, Randall B. Irmis, Nathan D. Smith, Sarah Werning and Sterling J. Nesbitt. 2026. A New shuvosaurid (Archosauria, Poposauroidea) from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry of New Mexico, U.S.A. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.  e2618182 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182  [26 May 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Sclerocardius lyali • A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Thailand

 

Sclerocardius lyali 

Legalov & Bezborodov, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 

biotaxa.org/jibs

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov

Abstract

A new species, Sclerocardius lyali sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. The new species is close to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in the body covered with short setiform yellowish and pale scales, the postero-ventral side of the protibia lacking teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. This is the first record of Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847, from Thailand. A key to Asian species of the genus Sclerocardius is also given.

 

 Keywords: Curculionoidea, Molytinae, Sclerocardiini, new species, Mae Hong Son Province

 

Sclerocardius lyali sp. n., holotype, male.
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Habitus, ventral view; C. Habitus, frontal view; D. Aedeagus, dorsal view; E. Aedeagus, ventral view; F. Aedeagus, lateral view; G. Abdomen, ventral view.

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Curculionidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Molytinae Schoenherr, 1823

Tribe Sclerocardiini Lacordaire, 1866

Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847

Type species. Sclerocardius bohemani Schoenherr, 1847.

Sclerocardius lyali Legalov & Bezborodov, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Patronymic. In honour of Christopher H.C. Lyal (London, UK), who revised the genus

Sclerocardius.

Diagnosis. This new species is closely related to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in that it has short setiform yellowish and pale scales on the body, a postero-ventral side of the protibia without teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. Sclerocardius indicus is characterised by a body covered in long, narrow, orange scales; a pronotum with relatively small punctation; a postero-ventral side of the protibia with three rounded teeth; and the aedeagus is also wider.

Andrei Legalov and Vitaly G Bezborodov. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from Thailand. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 407-413. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 [2026-04-16] 

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/88627

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov/posts/3470913219750951

[Entomology • 2026] Diaphanes meghalayanus & D. mawlynnong • Two New firefly Species of the Genus Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India

 

[A–B] Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov.;
[C–D] D. mawlynnong sp. nov.   

Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang, 

in Nonglang, Wijekoon, Ryndong, Das, Sengupta et Shangpliang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.415  

facebook.com: Chandana Wijekoon

Abstract

Two new Diaphanes Motschulsky 1853 species, D. meghalayanus Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov., and D. mawlynnong Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov., from Meghalaya, Northeast India, are described. Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov., is characterised by a unique colour pattern of the central disc, the absence of a typical circular pronotal areolet area, brownish-yellow pronotum and elytra, and other specific features of male genitalia. Diaphanes mawlynnong sp. nov., is distinct with rare moniliform antennae, circular-shaped pronotal areolet areas with blunt posterior lateral corners, and specific genital aedeagus characters. The female of D. mawlynnong sp. nov., which is apterous, was found in the same habitat where its males were associated. 13 Diaphanes species have been recorded from India, and with the discovery of these two new species, the number of Diaphanes species recorded in the country increases to 15. This knowledge significantly contributes to the existing information gap of Diaphanes diversity and distribution in this region.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity Hotspot, Indo-Burma, Lampyrids, Oriental, taxonomy

 

 General habitus of two new Diaphanes species from India, males.
A–B. Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov.; C–D. Diaphanes mawlynnong sp. nov.,
A., C. Dorsal view; B., D. Ventral view.

Diaphanes meghalayanus Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov. 

Diaphanes mawlynnong Nonglang, Das & Shangpliang sp. nov. 

Emma Magdalene Nonglang, Chandana Dammika Wijekoon, Memorial M Ryndong, Dhiraj Kumar Das, Samrat Sengupta and Jane Wanry Shangpliang. 2026. Two New firefly Species of the Genus Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 415-429. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.415 [2026-04-25]

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/87726

 facebook.com/ChandanaWijekoon3/posts/27450493694537347

[Botany • 2026] Tweeddalea capsiciformis (Araceae: Schismatoglottideae) • Unveiling the Fifteenth Species of Tweeddalea from Indonesian Borneo

 

Tweeddalea capsiciformis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri,

in Irsyam, Hariri et Setiawan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09883-0  

  linkedin.com

Abstract

A new species of the genus Tweeddalea (Araceae), Tweeddalea capsiciformis, is described and illustrated from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This species increases the number of described species in the genus to fifteen. The discovery of T. capsiciformis not only extends the known distribution range of the genus but also highlights the rich yet still insufficiently explored diversity of Araceae in Borneo.

Keywords: Aroid, Kalimantan, Malesia, Multiflora clade, Schismatoglottideae

Tweeddalea capsiciformis.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence position. C. Spathe. D. Spadix. E. Close-up spadix. F. Close-up staminate flowers zone. G. Close-up pistils and interstice zone.

 (A–F from the holotype.).

Tweeddalea capsiciformis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri., sp. nov.

  

 Etymology. The specific epithet capsiciformis refers to the chili-like shape of the spathe, which resembles the fruit of Capsicum L. (Solanaceae).

Arifin S. D. Irsyam, Muhammad R. Hariri & Ade Agus Setiawan. 2026. Unveiling the Fifteenth Species of Tweeddalea (Araceae) from Indonesian Borneo. Brittonia. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09883-0 [30 April 2026] 

 linkedin.com/posts/arifin-surya-dwipa-irsyam-5b46a916a_a-new-discovery-from-the-forests-of-kalimantan-activity-7455934737178812416-w7WN

[Botany • 2026] Lasianthus sondangii (Rubiaceae) • A New Species with a unique spiciform inflorescence from Central Vietnam

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen, 

in Tran, V. C. Nguyen, Luong, Phan-Thi, H. T. Nguyen, Truong et Q. B. Nguyen, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2193

Abstract

Lasianthus sondangii, a new species from Lasianthus section Nudiflorae, is described from Khanh Hoa Province, Central Vietnam. It can be distinguished from other Lasianthus species in Vietnam and surrounding countries by having narrowly triangular stipules, spiciform inflorescences with two or three reduced cyme secondary axes, purple flowers, and clavate calyx lobes with revolute margins. A detailed description of the new species, color plates, distribution, habitat and preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Keyword: Indochina, Khanh Hoa, Lasiantheae, plant conservation, plant diversity, sect. Nudiflorae

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen.
A. A flowering and fruiting branch. B. Apical shoot showing young leaves and stipule. C. Inflorescence and infructescence. D. Infructescence (side view) E. Flowers buds (mature (left) and immature (right)). F. Open flower in different views (side view (left) and top view (right)). G. Corolla artificially cut open, showing hairs at the throat and stamens. H. Flower with the corolla removed to show the ovary, calyx, style, and stigma (left) and longitudinal section that shows the calyx lobes, and the ovule (right). I. Mature fruit (left) and the cross section of fruit shows pyrenes and albumen of seeds (right).

Drawn by Phan Thi Thanh Nha from type QB137.

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen.
A. Habit and habitat. B. A flowering and fruiting branch. C. Apical shoot showing young leaves and stipule. D. Stipule. E. Leaves (adaxial surface (left) and abaxial surface (right)). F. Infructescence. G. Inflorescences. H. Inflorescence bearing open flowers.

(A, B, E–H by Nguyen Van Canh; C, D by Nguyen Quoc Bao from type QB137).

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The new species is distinct from other Lasianthus species in Vietnam and Indo-China by its spiciform, sympodial, reduced-cymose inflorescence; purple flowers (including calyx), calyx lobes obovate with revolute margins.

Thi Thuy Nhan Tran, Van Canh Nguyen, Van Dung Luong, Thanh Nha Phan-Thi, Hoa Thi Nguyen, Ba Vuong Truong and Quoc Bao Nguyen. 2026. Lasianthus sondangii (Rubiaceae, Lasianthus section Nudiflorae), A New Species with a unique spiciform inflorescence from Central Vietnam. Taiwania. 71(3); 488 - 494. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.488 [26 May 2026] 

 https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2193

[Botany • 2026] Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, 

in Zainudin, Idris et Yudistira, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

Abstract

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) is here described as a new species from Kalimantan, Indonesia, adding to the diversity of Aeschynanthus in Borneo. The species is morphologically similar in its inflorescence to A. dasycalyx Hallier f. but distinguished by elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, ovate-elliptic bracteoles, and a tubular-cupuliform calyx that is brown to bright greenish-yellow. It further differs in having a bright greenish-yellow and longer corolla. The new species is also distinct from A. flavidus Mendum & P. Woods by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, tubular-cupuliform calyx, and markedly shorter corolla, which is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length. Notes on distribution, ecology, conservation status, and comparative illustrations are provided.

Keyword: Aeschynanthus dasycalyx, Aeschynanthus flavidus, Borneo, Gesneriaceae, Lipstick flower, Xanthanthos

  

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Plant habit; B. Stem with Inflorescences; C. Abaxial side of leaf; D. to E. Inflorescences at different stages of development; F. Close-up mature flower (front, lateral, and back view); G. Corolla with rare red coloration; H. Longitudinal corolla section; I. Dissection of calyx (inner surface); J. Close up inner surface of calyx; K. Corolla lobes margin; L. Close up inner surface of corolla tube; M. Sparsely papillose scabrid filaments; N. Disk; O. The close-up part of pistil showing glandular hairs under stigma; P. Pistil; Q. Capsule.

Photos taken by Zainudin, based on Zainudin ZBA301090724 and Zainudin ZBA302250622.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Stem with inflorescences and capsule; B. Close-up mature flowers; C. Corolla split open showing stamens and pistil; D. Longitudinal corolla section; E. Pistil; F. Anther; G. Style and Stigma.

Illustrated by Yuanito Eliazar.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.   

 Diagnosis: A. luteoflorus is similar to A. dasycalyx Hallier f., but differs in having elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. ovate); ovate-elliptic bracteoles (vs. linearlanceolate); and a tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. ovatesubcylindrical to sub-urceolate) that is brown to bright greenish yellow (vs. shiny blackish blue). Furthermore, it possesses a longer corolla (2.3–2.5 cm vs. 1.8–2 cm), that is bright greenish yellow (vs. vivid red). A. luteoflorus also differs from A. flavidus Mendum & P.Woods, another yellow-flowered species from Borneo, by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. narrowly to broadly elliptic), tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. tubular to infundibuliform), and a significantly shorter corolla (2.3– 2.5 cm vs. 5.5–6.3 cm) that is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length (vs. >2 times) (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the flower color; 'luteoflorus' translates to yellow-flowered. This term is a combination of two Latin roots: luteus (yellow) and florus (derived from flos, flower).  

Vernacular name: In the Banjar language, Aeschynanthus is called "Kambang Gincu," which means "lipstick flower" (kambang = flower, gincu = lipstick). 

 Zainudin, Abdul Rahim Idris and Yuda Rehata Yudistira. 2026. Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(3); 477-482. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.477 [24 May 2026] taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

[Paleontology • 2026] Acutodon villeveyracensis • A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France)

Acutodon villeveyracensis 

Jansen, Augé, Garcia, Otero & Valentin, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649 

Artwork by Olivier Jansen

ABSTRACT

The Chinese crocodile lizard (Anguimorpha, Pan-Shinisaurus Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an endangered species inhabiting the lowland rainforests of southeastern China and northern Vietnam. The evolutionary history of this clade remains poorly understood, as only five fossil species and a few fossil specimens are described from the Lower Cretaceous of China and the Cenozoic of Europe and North America, revealing a considerable gap in the fossil record. A new anguimorph, Acutodon villeveyracensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the lower Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) locality of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France), corresponding to a freshwater subtropical paleoenvironment. The species is attributed to a pan-shinisaur anguimorph based on a toothed maxilla sharing multiple characters with the extant Sh. crocodilurus and its fossil relatives, notably tall, tapered, and recurved teeth, with mesiodistally constricted tooth bases lacking basal infoldings but possessing medial resorption pits, and a posteromedially shifted anterior superior alveolar foramen. This Cretaceous record is the oldest in Europe for pan-shinisaur lizards. It pre-dates the occurrence of this clade in Europe by around 30 Myr, raising questions about the paleobiogeographic history of pan-shinisaur lizards.

Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55). Photographs, virtual reconstruction, and interpretative drawings of the maxilla in A, labial; B, lingual; C, occlusal; and D, dorsal views. Note that the posteriormost tooth was lost after CT scanning.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; ce, cutting edge; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; fp, facial process; lf, labial foramina; lic, lamina intercristalis; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; lr, lacrimal recess; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; rp, resorption pit; sds, supradental shelf. Scale bar equals 10 mm.

Details of the teeth of Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55) from the virtual reconstruction.
A, morphology in anterior view; B, section in median plane; C, section in horizontal plane.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; c, cement; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; d, dentine; lf, labial foramen; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; m, maxilla; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; t1–t4, teeth numbered from front to back. Scale bar equals 2 mm.

SQUAMATA Oppel, Citation1811

ANGUIMORPHA Fürbringer, Citation1900

PAN-SHINISAURUS sensu Smith and Gauthier, Citation2013

ACUTODON gen. nov.

ACUTODON VILLEVEYRACENSIS, gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Large anguimorph lizard characterized by the following combination of characters: the teeth are tall, thin, and possess a tapered apex; anterior teeth are strongly posteriorly recurved, but the most posterior teeth are straight; the teeth lack striations and basal infoldings; the base of the teeth expands lingually but is strongly anteroposteriorly compressed, and is covered in a thin layer of cementum; the crowns have a faint cutting edge, restricted to the most apical portion; medial resorption pits are ...

Etymology—‘acutus’ (Latin), sharp, pointed, piercing, and thin; ‘ὀδόντος’ (Greek), teeth; the genus name refers to the tapered, sharp, and thin teeth of this new genus; ‘villeveyracensis’ (Latin) from the locality of Villeveyrac, department of Hérault, France, where this new lizard taxon has been found.

Acutodon villeveyracensis
Paleoartistic reconstruction of the new genus and species of pan-shinisaur lizard from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Original artwork by Olivier Jansen.

Olivier Jansen, Marc Augé, Geraldine Garcia, Olga Otero and Xavier Valentin. 2026. A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649  [20 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Syzygium khammouanense (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.,

in Dang, Souladeth, Pham, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Sengthong, Souvannakhoummane, Vongthavone, Yamamoto, Tanaka, Takahashi et Tagane, 2026.

ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3  

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH

Summary

A new species, Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. (Myrtaceae), discovered from Khounkham District, Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from other Syzygium species by having 26 – 30 pairs of secondary veins and a strongly quadrangular hypanthium, 1 cm long. A description, provisional conservation assessment, photographs and vernacular name of the new species are provided.

Key Words: Indochina, Khounkham, limestone flora, plant diversity, taxonomy

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.
A flowering branch; B leaf, abaxial surface; C flower bud; D inflorescence; E flower, cutaway, showing stamens and style; F young fruits; G hypanthium, with style (left), and petals, adaxial surface (centre), abaxial surface (right). photos by: Shuichiro Tagane.

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “khammouanense” refers to the name of the province containing the type locality, in Laos.

Vernacular name. ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ (Wa Khammouane, suggested here). “Wa” is the common Lao name for the genus Syzygium, and “khammouanense” represents the province’s name where the type material was collected.

 

Van-Son Dang, Phetlasy Souladeth, Quoc-Trong Pham, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Anousone Sengthong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Takenori Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kotaro T. Takahashi and Shuichiro Tagane. 2026. A New Species of Syzygium P.Browne ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae), S. khammouanense, from central Laos.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3 [21 May 2026] 

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH/posts/26753325944295239 

[Botany • 2026] Dioon nuusaviorum (Zamiaceae) • A striking New Species from pine and pine-oak forest of Guerrero, Mexico

Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev.,   

in Martínez-Domínguez, Nicolalde-Morejón, Stevenson, Lorea-Hernández et Vergara-Silva, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907 

Abstract

Taxonomic studies in cycad genera using multiple approaches have refined the delimitation of many species. In the case of Dioon Lindl., a Mesoamerican genus, a reliable classification has been achieved through taxonomic work carried out since the description of the genus and pioneering studies in Mexico during the 1980–90s. Here, we describe a new species from Guerrero based on evidence collected from populations encountered during fieldwork carried out in 2019. These populations had previously been considered morphologically similar to Dioon holmgrenii De Luca, Sabato & Vázq. Torres, which has a markedly disjunct distribution in Oaxaca. After studying herbarium specimens and making extensive observations on vegetative and reproductive structures from different populations in Oaxaca, we have concluded that the disjunct populations analysed in 2019 represent a distinct and new species of Dioon, separate from the two most phenotypically similar species—namely, D. stevensonii Nic.-Mor. & Vovides and D. holmgrenii. A key to geographically proximal and morphologically similar species as well as to the other species occurring in Guerrero and Oaxaca States is also presented. The proposed new species, Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., is endemic to Guerrero and inhabits pine and pine-oak forest. Its conservation status, assessed on the based IUCN guidelines and criteria, qualifies as Endangered.

Key words: Cycadales, cycads, Mesoamerica, Neotropics, Sierra Madre del Sur

Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.
A. Ovulate strobilus; B. Megasporophyll; C. Basal scale of megasporophyll; D. Microsporophyll; E. Leaflets variation; F. Cataphylls; G. Seeds variation; H. New leaves; I. Leaves at emergence; J. Leaf at maturity.

Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov., in habitat.
 A. Ovuliferous plant in habitat; B. Eumaeus sp; C. Population in La Trinidad; D. Vegetation view; E. Ovulate strobilus at maturity in habitat. 

Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov. differs from D. holmgrenii by having leaflets imbricate to strongly imbricate, each with three to six long marginal teeth (0.26–0.37 cm long), a margin of the leaflets curved acroscopically, microsporophylls with an acuminate apex and megasporophylls with an apiculate apex. In contrast, D. holmgrenii has non-imbricate leaflets (generally a 0.2–1.0 cm between leaflets) with two to five short teeth on the distal margin (0.15–0.29 cm long), a margin of the leaflets straight, microsporophylls with an acute apex and megasporophylls with an acuminate apex. In comparison to D. stevensonii, this new species differs by its light green leaflets at emergence (vs golden), leaflet imbricate to strongly imbricate (vs not imbricate), acuminate apex of microsporophylls (vs acute), tomentose indument and narrowly-triangular megasporophylls at maturity (vs pubescent at base or scarcely pubescent and triangular).

Comparison of leaflets of Dioon holmgrenii, D. stevensonii and Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.
A. D. stevensonii; B. D. holmgrenii; C. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.;
D. D. stevensonii (F. Nicolalde-Morejón et al. 1554, CIB); E. D. holmgrenii (Brigada T. Walters s/n [3997], XAL); F. D. holmgrenii (F. Nicolalde-Morejón et al. 1468, XAL); G. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov. (L. Martínez-Domínguez et al. 1745, CIB).

 Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón, Dennis Wm. Stevenson, Francisco G. Lorea-Hernández and Francisco Vergara-Silva. 2026. A striking New Species of Dioon (Zamiaceae) from pine and pine-oak forest of Guerrero, Mexico. PhytoKeys. 274: 229-245. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907 [11 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila roxburghii (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India

 

Sonerila roxburghii  Resmi, Nampy & Karthig., 

in Resmi, Nampy, Francis, Mohan et Karthigeyan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0119

Abstract

Sonerila roxburghii Resmi, Nampy & Karthig. (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from the Mankulam Reserve forest in the southern Western Ghats, India. It is morphologically similar to S. grandiflora and S. sadasivanii but differs from them by having terete stems, lanceolate to elliptic leaves with a cuneate and attenuate base, 3–10-flowered cymes, obscurely 6-ribbed hypanthia, acuminate to rostrate anthers, and 6-ribbed capsules.

Sonerila roxburghii. — A–E: Plants in natural habitats (A–C from Nallathanni, near Kurumalai bridge on 9 December 2025; D and E from Mankulam Reserve forest, near Lakshmi Tea estate on 20 December 2019).

Sonerila roxburghii (holotype material). — A and B: Habit. — C and D: Flowering shoots. — E: Leaves, adaxial view. — F: Leaves, abaxial view. — G: Stem. — H: Leaf base.

Sonerila roxburghii (holotype material). — A: Flowering shoot with inflorescences. — B: Base of stem. — C and D: Inflorescence. — E: Flower. — F: Hypanthium. — G: Petals, adaxial view. — H: Petals, abaxial view. — I: Hypanthium with stamens and pistil. — J: Hypanthium with pistil. — K: Style and stigma. — L: Stamens. — M: Immature capsule.

Sonerila roxburghii Resmi, Nampy & Karthig., sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet roxburghii honours William Roxburgh (1751–1815) for his valuable contributions to the taxonomy of the genus Sonerila.

Comparison of morphological characters among
Sonerila roxburghii (A1, B1 and C1; holotype material),
S. grandiflora (A2, B2 and C2; Resmi S., Krishnapriya M.P. & Santhosh Nampy 164464, CALI) and
S. sadasivanii (A3, B3 and C3; from Resmi S. & Santhosh Nampy 168287, CALI).
 A1–A3: Habit. — B1–B3: Inflorescence. — C1–C3: Leaves, adaxial view.

 

Resmi S., Nampy S., Francis D., Mohan V. & Karthigeyan K. 2026. Sonerila roxburghii (Melastomataceae), A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India.  Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 125–134, DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0119 (7 May 2026) 

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron jiucaipingensis (Ericaceae, subgen. Hymenanthes) • A New Species from Guizhou, China

Rhododendron jiucaipingensis Jian Xu & M. T. An, 

in Hu, Xu, An, Yu et Lu, 2026. 

韭菜坪杜鹃  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.183519

Abstract

Rhododendron jiucaipingensis Jian Xu & M. T. An, sp. nov. (Ericaceae), a new species of R. subgen. Hymenanthes, subsect. Argyrophylla, from northwestern Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated. It is an evergreen shrub 1.5–3.0 m tall, characterized by green, densely white-tomentose current-year branchlets, leaves crowded at branch apices (5.5–9.5 × 2.5–4.0 cm) with 8–11 pairs of lateral veins, 10 stamens, and cylindric capsules 1.2–2.0 cm long. The new species is morphologically most similar to R. hypoglaucum and R. argyrophyllum, but it is readily distinguished by having densely white-tomentose current-year branchlets, fewer lateral veins (8–11 pairs), a double-layered white indumentum on the abaxial surfaces of young leaves, and 10 stamens. Phylogenetic analysis based on a whole-genome SNP dataset robustly resolves R. jiucaipingensis as a distinct lineage within subsect. Argyrophylla, positioned as sister to the monophyletic clade of five congeneric species with high support (SH-aLRT = 100%, UFBoot = 100%). This molecular evidence, congruent with diagnostic morphological characters, supports the recognition of R. jiucaipingensis as a species new to science.

Key words: Ericaceae, Flora of China, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Rhododendron jiucaipingensis Jian Xu & M. T. An, sp. nov.
 A. Cliff habitat; B. Older branches; C. Current-year branchlet and its dense white tomentum (inset); D. Mature leaf and its short, brown tomentum on the abaxial surface (inset); E. Adaxial surface of young leaf; F. Abaxial surface of young leaf and long white glandular hairs of it (inset); G. Flowering plant; H. Anatomical diagram of the flower and leaf; I. Stamens and their white stiff hairs at the filament base (inset); J. Calyx; K. Ovary; L. Capsule and its colorless stellate hairs (inset); M. Capsule in longitudinal section (Photographs by Jian Xu)

Diagnosis. Rhododendron jiucaipingensis belongs to subgen. Hymenanthes and is similar in morphology to R. hypoglaucum and R. argyrophyllum, but can be distinguished from R. hypoglaucum by its current-year branchlets and young petioles being densely covered with indumentum (vs. glabrous), and its pedicels being densely white-villous (vs. glabrous). It further differs from R. hypoglaucum in having fewer lateral veins (8–11 pairs vs. 10–14 pairs), an ovary sparsely covered with colorless stellate hairs (vs. glabrous), and typically 7-loculed capsules (vs. 6-loculed). Compared to R. argyrophyllum, the new species is distinguished by its acuminate leaf apex (vs. obtuse), fewer stamens (10 vs. 12–15), and the presence of colorless stellate hairs on the ovary (vs. white short tomentum). Additionally, R. jiucaipingensis is characterized by its restricted cliff habitat at higher elevations (2,400–2,700 m).

Etymology. The specific epithet jiucaipingensis refers to the type locality, Xingfa Township (Jiucaiping), Hezhang County, Bijie City, Guizhou, China.

Vernacular name. The Chinese name is jiǔ cài píng dù juān (韭菜坪杜鹃).

Hong-Fen Hu, Jian Xu, Ming-Tai An, Jiang-Hong Yu, Xing Lu. 2026. Rhododendron jiucaipingensis (Ericaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China. PhytoKeys 275: 15-26. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.183519 [19 May 2026]