[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 and Jian He, 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] 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] 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)  

[Ichthyology • 2026] Chromis veneta • Resolving Cryptic Diversity in the Chromis viridis species complex (Blenniiformes: Pomacentridae): a multilocus phylogenetic and morphometric reassessment of species boundaries

 

Chromis veneta 

Rekha, Jayakumar, Abhilash, Ahamed Rasheeq, Saikrishnan, Vallarasu, Gladston, Chakraborty & Ajithkumar, 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1922804

Abstract

The blue-green damselfish, Chromis viridis (Cuvier, 1830), is widely distributed across Indo-Pacific coral reefs and is among the most heavily traded marine ornamental fishes. Recent molecular studies have suggested the presence of cryptic diversity within the C. viridis complex, but species boundaries remain unresolved. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses incorporating three mitochondrial markers—cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), cytochrome b (cytb), and the mitochondrial control region (D-loop)—and two nuclear markers, recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) and recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2), were performed to assess lineage diversification within the Chromis viridis species complex. Specimens collected from the Lakshadweep Archipelago and the Gulf of Mannar, India, formed a distinct and well-supported lineage that was clearly separated from C. viridis sensu stricto and other congeners in phylogenetic reconstructions and genetic distance analyses. Multiple species-delimitation approaches consistently supported the recognition of this lineage as an independently evolving taxon, and morphometric analyses revealed corresponding differences in body proportions and meristic characters. Based on the concordance of molecular and morphological evidence, a new species, Chromis veneta sp. nov., is herein described from the Indian Ocean. The new species differs from C. viridis in having a relatively elongate body, narrower caudal peduncle, distinctive body pigmentation, yellowish to orangish distal fin margins, and a deeply forked caudal fin with elongate lobe tips. Additional diagnostic features include differences in dentition, gill-raker counts and sagittal otolith morphology. The discovery of C. veneta sp. nov. highlights underestimated diversity within the C. viridis complex and underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy in revealing cryptic reef-fish diversity.

Keywords: Chromis veneta sp. nov., Chromis viridis complex, cryptic species diversity, species delimitation, multilocus phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy, morphometric analysis, Pomacentridae

 

Chromis veneta sp. nov., freshly collected holotype, NBFGR/POMCVEN, 52.0 mm SL, Agatti Island.

Caption Male of Chromis veneta sp. nov. (64.51 mm SL) in live breeding coloration.

Chromis veneta sp. nov. in its natural coral reef habitat at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, associated with branching Acropora corals and occurring sympatrically with Chromis viridis, Pomacentrus pavo, and Dascyllus aruanus.

Chromis veneta sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: Chromis veneta sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XII, 9–10 (usually 10); anal-fin rays II, 9–10 (usually 10); pectoral-fin rays 16–17 (usually 17); pelvic-fin rays I, 5; principal caudal-fin rays 8 + 7; spiniform caudal rays 3; tubed lateral-line scales 15–16; gill rakers 9–10 + 23–26 (usually 9 + 24), total 33–35 (usually 33); body depth 2.27–2.56 in SL; caudal-peduncle depth 0.63–0.77 in head length; and caudal-peduncle length 0.51–0.73 in head length. In life, the body is bright aquamarine-green with a subtle iridescent blue-green sheen. Each scale on the upper and middle flanks is narrowly edged with yellow-green, forming a fine reticulate pattern that becomes more conspicuous under illumination. The ventral surface is pale silvery white. A diffuse black patch is present at the upper base of the pectoral fin and is more conspicuous in live specimens. A fine, continuous blue-green stripe extends from the tip of the snout to the anterior margin of the orbit. Reproductively active individuals further exhibit distinct yellowish to amber pigmentation along the distal margins of the dorsal and anal fins.

Etymology: The specific epithet, veneta is derived from the Latin venetus, meaning “sea-blue” or “azure,” referring to the characteristic of blue green to turquoise coloration exhibited by the species in live condition. The name is treated as an adjective in agreement with the generic name Chromis.

 

M. U. Rekha, Teena Jayakumar T. K., Abhilash C. P. Ahamed Rasheeq A., Saikrishnan K. R., Vallarasu R., Gladston Y., Kajal Chakraborty and Ajithkumar T. T. 2026. Resolving Cryptic Diversity in the Chromis viridis species complex (Pomacentridae): a multilocus phylogenetic and morphometric reassessment of species boundaries. Front. Mar. Sci. 13; 1922804. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1922804 [04 September 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] 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] 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）

 

[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]

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[Botany • 2026] Primulina huichangensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Jiangxi Province, China

 Primulina huichangensis  G. L. Xu & L. B. Ji, 

in Xu, Wang, Ji, Zhou, Zeng, Yi, Gan et Xiong, 2026.

会昌报春苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.05.014 

 

Abstract

Primulina huichangensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the Danxia landform of Huichang County, Jiangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated here. This species resembles Primulina longnanensis, P. jiulianshanensis, and P. wenii morphologically, but differs by its funnel-form corolla tube with a slightly swollen middle portion, the number of bracts and bracteoles, and the presence of glandular hairs on the peduncle, pedicel, both surfaces of petiole and leaf blades, and the abaxial surfaces of the bracts and calyxes. The conservation status of this new species should be assessed as data deficient based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Danxia landform, Gesneriaceae, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Primulina huichangensis sp. nov.
A, habitat; B, population; C, plants; D, inflorescence; E, adaxial surface of basal leaves; F, abaxial surface of basal leaves; G, front view of the corolla; H, lateral view of the corolla; I, abaxial surfaces of the calyx lobes; J, adaxial surfaces of the calyx lobes; K, abaxial surfaces of the bracts; L, adaxial surfaces of the bracts; M, opened corolla; N, stamen; O, lateral staminode; P, indumentum inside of the corolla; Q, pistil; R, stigma; S, transverse sections of the capsule; and T, immature capsule.

Primulina huichangensis G. L. Xu and L. B. Ji, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. It resembles Primulina longnanensis. However, this species can be distinguished from the latter by funnel-form corolla tube, with the middle portion slightly swollen (vs. slender-tubular or curved-tubular, not swollen); lateral bracts entire, central bracts persistent (vs. with 1–3 teeth at apex, caducous); lateral staminodes glandular-puberulent (vs. glabrous).

Etymology: The species epithet "huichangensis" is derived from the type locality, Hanxianyan Scenic Spot, Junmenling Town, Huichang County, Jiangxi Province, China.

Vernacular name: 会昌报春苣苔 (Chinese name); Hùi Chāng Bào Chūn Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation).

Guo-Liang Xu, Chui-Xiang Wang, Ling-Bo Ji, Xiao-Hui Zhou, Xiao-Hui Zeng, Pei-Qi Yi, Xin-Jun Gan and Chi Xiong. 2026. Primulina huichangensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Jiangxi Province, China. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.05.014 [18 July 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Breynia aberrans (Phyllanthaceae: Phyllantheae) • A New and exceptional Species from southwestern Thailand

 

 Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane, 

in Bouman, R.W.; van Welzen, P.C. et Tagane, S. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.03

 

Abstract

Based on molecular and morphological data a new species of Breynia, Breynia aberrans, is described from Kaeng Krachan National Park (SW Thailand), along the Thai border with Myanmar. An earlier published phylogenetic reconstruction of two nuclear (ITS, PHYC) and three chloroplast markers (matK, accD-psaI, trnS-trnG) placed the new species in Breynia subgenus Sauropus. Typical are the asperities along the branches on one side, the shape of the leaf blades and the pistillate flowers with a long-ovoid ovary ending in a sturdy style and three upright stigmas. This type of pistillate flower is rather unique within Breynia and almost certainly not pollinated by Epicephala moths.

Keywords: Asperities; Breynia; New species; Phyllantheae; Pistillate flowers; Pollination

Drawing of  Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane. 
a. Habit. b. Young staminate inflorescence. c. Pistillate inflorescence, note the single row of asperities. d. Fruit columella (D.J. Middleton, C. Hemrat, S. Lindsay, S. Suddee & S. Suwanachat 1715, L).

Illustration by Hilde Orye, 2026.

 Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane.
a. Habit showing the regularly spaced leaves along the branchlets. b. Detail of the underside of leaves. c. Pistillate flowers hanging under the branchlets. Photos by Shuichiro Tagane.

Breynia aberrans R.W.Bouman, Welzen & Tagane, sp. nov. 

 Shrub, monoecious, with phyllanthoid branching. Staminate flowers (young): tepals 6, 3 inner slightly infolded, scales lacking, stamens 3, filaments likely united into androphore, anthers large, along androphore, overtopping latter. Pistillate flowers: tepals 6, disc lacking, ovary ovoid spindle-shaped, style distinct, stigmas 3, upright, spreading, bifid in upper part, apices somewhat recurved and flattened

Etymology — The epithet refers to the aberrant ovary shape, so far unknown within Breynia. 

Vernacular name — ใต้ใบ (tai bai).  

Bouman, R.W.; van Welzen, P.C. and Tagane, S. 2026. A New and exceptional Species of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae, Phyllantheae) from southwestern Thailand. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.03 [September 1, 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Petulanos jasteri • A New Species of Petulanos (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Rio Araguari, Amapá State, Brazil

 

Petulanos jasteri

Birindelli, Lima & Gama, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025080

Abstract

The Neotropical family Anostomidae comprises over 150 valid species, though its true diversity remains underestimated. The genus Petulanos currently includes four species distributed across northern South America, all characterized by upturned mouths, compressed multicuspid dentition, and distinctive color patterns. In this study, we describe Petulanos jasteri, a new species apparently endemic to the rio Araguari, Amapá state, Brazil. Despite hosting extensive protected areas, Amapá remains poorly surveyed, and its ichthyofauna is still insufficiently documented. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners by its color pattern, consisting of three vertically elongated dark blotches on the posterior half of the trunk (without pale margins) combined with eight to ten dark vertical bars. It lacks the horizontal stripes that characterize P. brevior, as well as the rounded blotch above the pectoral fin present in P. intermedius, P. plicatus, and P. spiloclistron, and has 38 or 39 lateral-line scales (vs. 40 to 42 in P. spiloclistron). Osteological characters confirm its assignment to Petulanos, sharing synapomorphies such as four branchiostegal rays, bicuspid symphyseal premaxillary tooth, symplectic with a distinctive triangular ventral lamina, and open cranial fontanel. Petulanos jasteri, new species, is the first species of the genus reported from the rio Araguari. Its discovery emphasizes the underestimated diversity of the Anostomidae and highlights the need for further surveys and integrative studies in poorly explored basins of northern Brazil.

Petulanos jasteri.
(A) Holotype, IEPA 6078, 72.9 mm SL, Amapá, Ferreira Gomes, rio Mutum, tributary to rio Araguari, at Parque Nacional Montanhas do Tumucumaque.
(B) Paratype, ZUEC 14774, 83.7 mm SL, Amapá, Ferreira Gomes, rio Araguari.
(C) Paratype, ANSP 211099 (ex. IEPA 6079), 64.1 mm SL, rio Mutum, tributary to rio Araguari, at Parque Nacional Montanhas do Tumucumaque, photographed alive.

Scale bar = 10 mm. 

Petulanos jasteri, a new species 

Etymology.—The specific name jasteri honors Dr. Christoph Bernhard Jaster, formerly chief of the Tumucumaque National Park and the Amapá National Forest, for having made possible many field expeditions in these Conservation Units for the IEPA Ichthyology team, being a great supporter of basic science and biological surveys at Amapá State.

José L. O. Birindelli, Flávio C. T. Lima, Cecile S. Gama. 2026. New Species of Petulanos (Characiformes, Anostomidae) from the Rio Araguari, Amapá State, Brazil. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3):451-460. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025080 [28 August 2026]