Sunday, November 17, 2024

[Botany • 2020] Arisaema kayahense (Araceae) • A New Species from Kayah State [Contributions to the Flora of Myanmar VI]

 

Arisaema kayahense  J. Murata, 

in Murata, Aung et Tanaka, 2020. 
 
Abstract
A new species Arisaema kayahense J. Murata is described from Kayah State, eastern Myanmar. This species was growing sideway from crevices of steep limestone rock under evergreen forests at about 1400 m elevation.

Arisaema kayahense.
 A, B. Staminate inflorescence at early stage of anthesis, habit (A) and cut opened (B). C, D. Staminate inflorescence at later stage of anthesis than A, habit (C) and flattened (D). E, F. Manually opened pistillate inflorescence showing spadix appendix, pistils and neuter projections. G. Pistillate inflorescence with withered spathe. Scale bars: 2 cm.

Arisaema kayahense, habitat in Myanmar (Kayah State, Mt. Shin Phy Taung, Phruso Township, Loikaw District, 12 June 2019).
A. Staminate individuals in three different flowering stages. B. Pistillate individuals at early fruiting stage.

During field exploration to Kayah State, eastern Myanmar, in the early rainy season (June) in 2019, a strange Arisaema (Araceae) growing sideway from crevices of steep limestone rock was discovered. The species is characterized by having a leaf with verticillate leaflets with margins strongly revolute when opening and an inflorescence with a widely triangular ovate spathe blade and a small spadix appendix. Since it did not match any known species of the genus, it is here described as a new species Arisaema kayahense J. Murata. The leaf with verticillate leaflets and the spilodistichous leaf arrangement suggest that this species belongs to sect. Sinarisaema Nakai (Ohi-Toma et al. 2016, Murata et al. 2018).

Arisaema kayahense J. Murata, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the name of the state in eastern Myanmar where this species were discovered. Kayah State had been closed for a long time due to its local political situation, and opened only recently to outsiders including foreign nationals.


Jin Murata, Mu Mu Aung, Nobuyuki Tanaka. 2020. Contributions to the Flora of Myanmar VI: Arisaema kayahense (Araceae), A New Species from Kayah State. The Journal of Japanese Botany. 95(2); 85-88. DOI: doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.95_2_11001  


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[Herpetology • 2024] Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit • A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Surat Thani Province, Thailand Underscores This Group’s Remarkable Diversity on the Thai-Malay Peninsula


Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit
 Termprayoon, Rujirawan, Grismer & Aowphol, 2024
 
ตุ๊กกายกาญจนดิษฐ์  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14223226

Abstract
An integrative taxonomic study recognized a new species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus group from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov., that is closely related to C. lekaguli. The new species differs from its sister lineage by bearing mean genetic divergence of 4.53% and significant differences in both mensural and morphometric characters (p < 0.05). Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. can be differentiated from the remaining members of the C. pulchellus species group because of its genetic divergence of ≥7.99% and a combination of differences in body size: 11–15 supralabial and 10–12 infralabial scales, 29–35 paravertebral tubercles, 18–23 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles, 32–37 rows of ventral scales, 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, 32–37 femoroprecloacal pores in adult males, and four or five dark body bands; weak tuberculation on body; absence of tubercles in the ventral body fold, absence of precloacal pores in females, and absence of scattered pattern of white tubercles on dorsum; presence of precloacal groove depression; and maculated white caudal bands. Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. is currently known from its type locality.

Keywords: bent-toed gecko; genetic; Southeast Asia; taxonomy

 Live specimen of the adult male holotype of Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01091) from the type locality in Pa Ron Subdistrict, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand.

 Specimens of  Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. from the type locality show variation in coloration and body pattern.
(A) Adult male specimen (ZMKU R 01092) in preservative, (B) live adult female specimen (ZMKU R 01094),
(C) an individual from its habitat (not collected) showing four dark dorsal bands with an irregular pattern on the 3rd band, and (D) a juvenile (not collected) bearing four dark body bands and having light yellow color on the body with a white tail tip.

Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other species of the C. pulchellus group by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 92.5–101.1 mm in adult males (n = 4), 108.2–108.5 mm in adult females (n = 2); (2) 11–15 supralabial and 10–12 infralabial scales; (3) weak tuberculation on body; (4) no tubercles on ventral surfaces of forelimbs, gular region, or in ventrolateral body folds; (5) 29–35 paravertebral tubercles; (6) 18–23 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; (7) 32–37 rows of ventral scales; (8) 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; (9) 32–37 femoroprecloacal pores in adult males; (10) absence of precloacal pores in adult females; (11) deep precloacal groove in males; (12) absence of scattered pattern of white tubercles on dorsum; (13) four or five dark dorsal body bands; (14) light caudal bands in adults infused with dark pigmentation; and (15) posterior portion of tail in hatchlings and juveniles white.

Etymology: The specific epithet kanchanadit refers to the type locality in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand.
Suggested common name: Kanchanadit Bent-toed Gecko ตุ๊กกายกาญจนดิษฐ์.

Habitat of Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. at the type locality Phet Phanomwat Waterfall, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province. (A) Waterfall and (B) outcrop along the stream bank.
Photographs by Siriporn Yodthong.



 Korkhwan Termprayoon, Attapol Rujirawan, Larry Lee Grismer and Anchalee Aowphol. 2024. A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Surat Thani Province, Thailand Underscores This Group’s Remarkable Diversity on the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Animals. 14(22), 3226. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14223226

Simple Summary: This study discovered a new Cyrtodactylus population from Phet Phanomwat Waterfall in Southern Thailand. It has genetic divergences pertaining to mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene of ≥3.97% from its sister lineage, C. lekaguli, and bearing ≥ 7.99% genetic divergence from the congeners in the C. pulchellus group. This population can be separated from C. lekaguli by its morphologically significant differences. Based on the molecular and morphological evidence, this population is described as a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanadit sp. nov. The discovery of this new species increases the total number of Cyrtodactylus species to 377, of which 57 occur in Thailand.

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[Botany • 2024] Astragalus kanjuensis (Fabaceae: Galegeae) • A New Species of Astragalus Sect. Aegacantha from Swat, Pakistan

 

Astragalus kanjuensis  

in Ullah, Khan, Sultan, Ali et Mumtaz. 2024. 
 
Abstract
A new species Astragalus kanjuensis, is described and illustrated from Kanju Town, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. The new species is morphologically similar to A. vallis-astoris Podlech & Zarre, but is characterized by densely white pilose young branches, short stipules 3.5–7 mm long, with 1–3 longitudinal nerves, elongate 2.5–6.3 cm long peduncles, pilose with white hairs, two-flowered raceme, whitish-membranous pilose bracts with white hairs, pedicels 3.5–5.5 mm long, densely pubescent with white hairs, relatively long standard up to 32 mm, ovary short-stipitate, style glabrous in the middle, legumes elliptic to oblong, 14–21×4–6.5 mm, beak abruptly curved 2–4 mm densely pubescent with white spreading hairs.

Aegacantha, Astragalus, Eudicots


Astragalus kanjuensis sp. nov.


Zahid Ullah, Amjad Khan, Amir Sultan, Ahmad Ali and Abdul Samad Mumtaz. 2024. Astragalus kanjuensis, A New Species of Section Aegacantha (Galegeae-Fabaceae) from Swat, Pakistan.  Phytotaxa. 671(3);211-230. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.3.1

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[Botany • 2024] Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Namibia


  Petalidium namibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk,

in Swanepoel et van Wyk. 2024.  
 
Abstract
Petalidium namibense, hitherto confused with P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the southwest, west and northwest of Puros in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows at the base of rocky outcrops, on arid hillsides, and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. namibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, corky bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of relative long dendritic trichomes appearing lanate, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate. The flowers of P. namibense are distinctive in having the two upper corolla lobes discolorous, abaxially light brown, adaxially vermillion, without nectar guides, and connate towards the base for 25–40% of their length. The anterior lobe is adaxially magenta with two relative long, narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. The two lateral lobes are adaxially vermillion, or distally magenta, grading to vermillion towards the throat, and lack conspicuous nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. namibense from P. sesfonteinense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and P. variabile, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species. 

endemism, flora, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Namib Desert, Ruellieae, Puros, taxonomy, Eudicots

Petalidium namibense, habitat and habit. 
A. Mature plant (ca. 0.5 m high) with greyish appearance, growing among rocks. 
B. Multiple stems (thickest ca. 80 mm in diam.) from base of a relatively old plant, each covered with thick corky bark.  
Petalidium namibense, habitat and habit. 
A. Several plants (dark grey dwarf shrubs) growing in the bed of an ephemeral drainage line. 
B. Ancient windswept plant sprouting from persistent woody stems with corky bark. 
Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

 Petalidium namibense, morphology of leaves and flowers.
 A. Flower, reduced shoots, and congested leaves; leaves with dense greyish indumentum. B. Flower in the process of fading as indicated by its pale colours. C. Newly opened flower with bracteoles in oblique lateral view; note brownish abaxial colour of posterior corolla lobes. D. Flower in front view. E. Flower with bracteoles in lateral view. F. Flower in dorsal view.
 Photographs: W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium namibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium sesfonteinense, differing by having the leaf lamina ovate, elliptic, suborbicular or orbicular (vs. ovate, elliptic or oblanceolate); bracteoles with trichomes dendritic, interspersed with glandular ones (vs. trichomes glandular with in addition appressed simple ones towards base); corolla shorter, 15.0–17.5 mm (vs. 20–24 mm long), upper lobes rectangular, smaller, 4.9–5.2 × 2.9–3.2 mm (vs. obovate, 5.8–8.2 × 3.5–4.3 mm), upper and lateral lobes differently coloured than anterior lobe with nectar guides absent or inconspicuous (vs. all lobes similarly coloured, nectar guides on upper and lateral lobes conspicuous).

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Namib Desert to which Petalidium namibense is endemic. The Namib Desert in its broadest definition, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean from Saõ Nicolau (Bentiaba) in Angola through Namibia to the Olifants River in South Africa (Seely 2004, Goudie & Viles 2015).

Petalidium sesfonteinense, morphology of leaves and flowers.
A. Flowers, shoots, and leaves; greyish leaves are still densely covered in trichomes; green leaves almost glabrous. B–E. Flowers in front view showing variation in corolla colour and lobe margins, with two yellow nectar guides.
Photographs: W. Swanepoel. 
Republished from Swanepoel & Manzitto-Tripp (2022).


Wessel Swanepoel and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2024. Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia.  Phytotaxa. 671(2); 128-138. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.2 

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[Ichthyology • 2024] Koima gen. n. • A New Genus of nemacheilid loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Western Ghats, India

 

Koima gen. nov. 
 Koima remadevii (Shaji, 2002), Koima monilis (Hora, 1921)

in Anoop, Dahanukar & Raghavan, 2024. 

Abstract
Koima, a new genus of nemacheilid loach, is described for Mesonoemacheilus remadevii Shaji 2002, and Nemacheilus monilis Hora 1921, both of which are endemic to the Western Ghats of southern peninsular India. Koima is distinguished from all other genera of family Nemacheilidae by its unique colour pattern comprising a yellowish-brown ground colour, single row of black spots on lateral line, all fins hyaline, and absence of a uniform banding pattern on dorsal side. Koima remadevii was initially identified as a species of Mesonoemacheilus Bănărescu & Nalbant 1982, from which it can be distinguished by the presence of a lower adipose crest, and an absence of a banding pattern on the dorsal side and on the caudal fin, while Koima monilis was initially identified as a species of Nemacheilus Bleeker 1863, from which it can be distinguished by the presence of a lower adipose crest, a narrow and deeply incised upper lip and having the fins hyaline. In the multi-gene phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, Koima remadevii and K. monilis were recovered in a monophyletic group, sister to the endemic peninsular Indian nemacheilid, Schistura denisoni. Resolution of the identity of Koima remadevii and K. monilis contributes to our understanding of the phylogenetics of family Nemacheilidae, which is widely considered to be a polyphyletic group.

Pisces, Mesonoemacheilus remadevii, Nemacheilus monilis, river-loach, systematics, taxonomy





 

V.K. Anoop, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan. 2024. Koima, A New Genus of nemacheilid loach from the Western Ghats, India (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae).  Zootaxa. 5538(2); 101-126. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5538.2.1 
  facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98/posts/10159886328610938

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Saturday, November 16, 2024

[Herpetology • 2024] Atelopus colomai • A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus) from Amazonian Ecuador


Atelopus colomai
Plewnia, Terán-Valdez, Culebras, Boistel, Paluh, Quezada Riera, Heine, Reyes-Puig, Salazar-Valenzuela, Guayasamin & Lötters, 2024 
 
 SALAMANDRA. 60(4) 

Abstract
 For nearly four decades, harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, have sufered unparalleled population declines. While this also results in limited understanding of alphataxonomic relationships, these toads face an urgent need for advances in systematics to inform conservation eforts. However, high intraspecifc variation and cryptic diversity have hindered a comprehensive understanding of Atelopus diversity. Tis is particularly exemplifed among Amazonian populations related to A. spumarius, where decades of taxonomic work have not been able yet to unravel relationships between the many forms, while the names coined so far have led to taxonomic confusion leaving numerous lineages unnamed. A recent comprehensive phylogenetic study has revealed new insights into the systematics of harlequin toads with an emphasis on Amazonian forms, identifying several unnamed lineages. We here describe one of these evolutionary lineages as a new species, restricted to the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in an integrative taxonomic approach using molecular, morphological, bioacoustic and larval information. With this, we contribute to a better understanding of Atelopus diversity as the baseline of conservation action.

 Key words. Amphibia, Anura, amphibian crisis, bioacoustics, cryptic diversity, Neotropics, osteology, integrative taxonomy

  Ontogenetic change in an individual of Atelopus colomai sp. n. from tadpole to subadult, reared under laboratory conditions at CJ from parental stock collected at the type locality (specimens not preserved).
Upper lef: CJ (sc 10997), Stage 25, lateral, dorsal and ventral views, total length = 8.3 mm; upper right: Stage 41, total length = 14.5 mm; Stage 42, total length = 14.1 mm; Stage 46, 71 days afer Stage 25, 6.8 mm SVL; bottom: subadult 244 days afer Stage 46, 18 mm SVL.
Scale bar 10 mm. Photos by Steven Guevara Salvador, CJ.

Atelopus colomai sp. n.

Diagnosis: Atelopus colomai sp. n. (Figs 1–2, S1) can be readily distinguished from all other Atelopus species (as far known) by molecular genetics (monophyly in a concatenated (12S, 16S, CytB) mitochondrial phylogeny, support by molecular species delimitation and lack of haplotype sharing in POMC, Lötters et al. in press). It can be morphologically distinguished from all congeners by the combination of small size, dorsal and lateral skin covered with dense well-defned minute spiculae, ventral skin smooth to slightly areolate, presence of a columella and dorsal ...


Etymology: We dedicate this species to our friend and colleague Luis A. Coloma, who has continuously contributed to the study and protection of harlequin toads for decades. Te specifc name colomai is an eponym (i.e. a noun in genitive case). As English common name, we propose ‘Coloma’s harlequin toad’

 
Amadeus Plewnia, Andrea Terán-Valdez, Jaime Culebras, Renaud Boistel, Daniel J. Paluh, Amanda B. Quezada Riera, Christopher H. Heine, Juan P. Reyes-Puig, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Juan Manuel Guayasamin and Stefan Lötters. 2024. A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae: Atelopus) from Amazonian Ecuador. SALAMANDRA. 60(4); 237–253. 

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[Botany • 2022] Kaempferia sipraiana (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Thailand and a new record of Kaempferia pseudoparviflora for Myanmar

 

Kaempferia sipraiana Boonma & Saensouk,  

in Boonma, S. Saensouk et P. Saensouk, 2022.

Abstract
Kaempferia sipraiana Boonma & Saensouk, a new species of Kaempferia subgenus Protanthium (Zingiberaceae) from northern Thailand and K. pseudoparviflora Saensouk P. & Saensouk, a new record species of Kaempferia subgenus Kaempferia for Myanmar are described, illustrated, and photographed. The dominant characters of Kaempferia sipraiana were leaves narrowly elliptic, green with short white stripes arranged parallel along the leaf edges, between the midrib and both sides of the edges, apex acuminate with slightly mucronate, base attenuate-oblique; peduncle glabrous; bracts apex mucronate, glabrous, red with dark red veins; bracteoles glabrous; floral tube shorter than calyx; calyx glabrous; staminodes oblanceolate, apex 3-lobes like curly brackets; labellum white at the base with pinkish purple in the middle gradually fade to pale pink and to reach to white tip and edge respectively, apex 3-lobes like curly brackets, each lobe 3.0–3.3 cm long; apex 4 lobes, outer lobes acute, inner lobes obtuse rarely combined to truncate; stigma with pink lips. The dominant characters of K. pseudoparviflora were one leaf and dark green with light grey markings, the inflorescence looks like inflorescence of K. parviflora. The information on vernacular name, distribution, phenology, ecology, conservation status, specimens examined, and an identification key to both species of Kaempferia in Thailand is revised and presented.



 Kaempferia sipraiana Boonma & Saensouk sp. nov.
 (A) inflorescence with flowers-side view, (B) flowers-oblique top view, (C) flower-top view, (D) plant in natural habitat.
Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma

Kaempferia sipraiana Boonma & Saensouk, sp.nov.


Thawatphong Boonma, Surapon Saensouk and Piyaporn Saensouk. 2022. Kaempferia sipraiana (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand and a new record of Kaempferia pseudoparviflora for Myanmar. Biodiversitas. 23: 2203-2211.  smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/10728 
  Researchgate.net/publication/360728699_Kaempferia_sipraiana_a_new_species_from_Thailand

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[Entomology • 2024] Evolution of Leafcutter Ant Myrmecophiles: Hamotus heidiae, A New symbiont of Acromyrmex Colonies with undetectable hydrocarbons (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)


  Hamotus heidiae Parker,

in Parker, Maruyama, Okamoto, Schultz et Alvarado, 2024. 

Abstract
Colonies of Atta and Acromyrmex leafcutter ants provide niches for diverse insect species, but few such organisms have evolved obligate myrmecophilous associations inside host colonies. We report a remarkable pselaphine rove beetle myrmecophile, Hamotus heidiae sp. nov., discovered in galleries of Acromyrmex histrix Latreille in lowland tropical rainforest within Tambopata National Reserve, Peruvian Amazonia. Presence of adults and putative larvae inhabiting the central nest implies an obligate relationship, with development of the beetle likely occurring inside the colony environment. Phylogenetic analysis of four genomic loci confirms that H. heidiae is a morphologically derived member of the New World Hamotus-generic complex and is tentatively placed into Hamotus Aubé on morphological grounds. The new species is phylogenetically distant to the genus Attapsenius Bruch—previously, the only pselaphine taxon known with certainty to be an obligate myrmecophile of leafcutter ants. Both H. heidiae and Attapsenius emerge from a newly recognized “Tyrine-group” within Pselaphinae—a major radiation that includes multiple independent origins of myrmecophily and termitophily. We were unable to detect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) on the body surface of H. heidiae adults. Chemical insignificance may form part of the strategy that this myrmecophile, and possibly other pselaphines, employ to infiltrate host colonies.

Keywords: Pselaphinae, Myrmecophily, Cuticular hydrocarbons, Leafcutter ants, Chemical ecology, Evolution




Hamotus heidiae Parker, new species

Etymology: The new species is named in honor of Dr Heidi Kay Parker, for her scientific intuition, expertise, and accomplishments, her passion for and deep knowledge of the biological world, and for her love, support, and encouragement of the first author’s interest in beetles.


 
J. Parker, M. Maruyama, T. Okamoto, T. R. Schultz and M. Alvarado. 2024. Evolution of Leafcutter Ant Myrmecophiles: Hamotus heidiae, A New symbiont of Acromyrmex Colonies with undetectable hydrocarbons (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae). Insectes Sociaux. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00040-024-01005-x

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Friday, November 15, 2024

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Parutaetus oliveirai • Revealing the Diversity of Paleogene Cingulates from Brazil: A New Species of Parutaetus (Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae: Euphractinae) in the Guabirotuba Formation (middle–late Eocene)


Parutaetus oliveirai
 Klimeck, Ciancio, Sedor & Kerber, 2024

Art by Márcio L. Castro.

ABSTRACT
Parutaetus is an early-diverging Euphractinae cingulate that inhabited South America during the middle Eocene–early Oligocene. Four species are known: P. chicoensis, P. clusus, P. chilensis, and P. punaensis. Here, we describe a new species of this genus from Guabirotuba Formation (middle-upper Eocene of Brazil). The osteoderms differ from other species of the genus by presenting: (i) more surface glandular and piliferous foramina; (ii) the articulation surface of the area between the osteoderms is flat and full of pronounced, round, and anastomosed projections forming serrated external and medial edges with a median projection (indentations); and (iii) larger size than other species of the genus. In combination, this suite of traits is not present in other species of the genus. The increase in the number of surface glandular and piliferous foramina may be associated with the global cooling that occurred during the middle–late Eocene that affected the South American fauna. Finally, the new species expands the knowledge about the diversity of taxa that inhabited southeast South America during the Paleogene.

External views of the fixed osteoderms of Parutaetus oliveirai.

 Hypothetical artistic reconstruction of Parutaetus oliveirai in the middle-late Eocene of Brazil.
Art by Márcio L. Castro.

 Parutaetus oliveirai


Tabata D. F. Klimeck, Martín R. Ciancio, Fernando A. Sedor and Leonardo Kerber. 2024. Revealing the Diversity of Paleogene Cingulates from Brazil: A New Species of Parutaetus (Euphractinae) in the Guabirotuba Formation (middle–late Eocene). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 44(1);  e2403581. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2403581  
  Researchgate.net/publication/384656990_Revealing_the_diversity_of_Paleogene_cingulates_from_Brazil_a_new_species_of_Parutaetus_in_the_Guabirotuba_Formation
 x.com/KerberLeonardo/status/1844710941260173615

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[Botany • 2024] Pitcairnia asmussii (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnioideae) • A New Species from Caracas, Venezuela


Pitcairnia asmussii Gouda, 

in Gouda, 2024.   
 
Abstract
A new species of Pitcairnia similar to P. xanthocalyx Mart. is described, compared with this species and illustrated. The flowers of this new species has shorter pedicel, but larger sepals and petals, and it has dimorphic, non-petiolate leaves. The species was discovered by Matthias Asmuss from Caracas, Venezuela and cultivated at the Utrecht Botanical Gardens.

Bromeliaceae, Pitcairnioideae, Taxonomy, Venezuela, Monocots

Pitcairnia asmussii at the type locality:
A. Saxicolous growing plants in habitat; B. flowering specimen, showing the slightly secund leaf-blades; C. flowering specimen on rocky soil with radial symmetric rosettes.

Pitcairnia asmussii Gouda spec. nov. 

Type:—Venezuela, Aragua, entre Cata y Cuyagua, Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, ... 4 (holotype VEN!). 

Diagnosis:—A Pitcairnia xanthocalyx Mart. like species that differs from it by dimorphic leaves in the new shoots (starting with short narrow triangular coarsely serrate and pungent leaves vs. leaves all alike), leaves not (sub-)petiolate (vs. subpetiolate), the sheath spinose serrulate in upper half and glabrous (vs. entire and covered with a membrane of scales), the blade entire (except the base sometimes vs. laxly serrulate), flower pedicel shorter (0.8–0.9 vs. 1.5–2 cm), sepals longer ( [2–]2.5–2.8 vs. 1.5–2 cm) and petals longer (7–8.4 vs. 4.5–5 cm).

Etymology:—This species is named after Matthias Asmuss from Caracas who is dedicated to study Bromeliaceae from Venezuela and who collected this new species.


Eric J. GOUDA. 2024. Pitcairnia asmussii (Bromeliaceae), A New Species from Venezuela, close to P. xanthocalyx Mart.  Phytotaxa. 671(2); 139-143. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.3
 

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[Botany • 2024] Typhonium karsticola & T. pallescens • Two New Species and Three New Records for the Genus Typhonium [Taxonomic Studies of Araceae in Myanmar VIII]


Typhonium karsticola
T. pallescens  
K.Z.Hein, Saensouk & Naive,  

 in Hein, Saensouk et Naive, 2024. 

Abstract
As part of our ongoing research to revise and reveal the true diversity of the family Araceae in Myanmar, we describe two new Typhonium species, T. karsticola and T. pallescens, from Mon State and the Sagaing Region. Additionally, we report for the first time the occurrence of T. albidinervium, T. laoticum, and T. roxburghii in Myanmar. A detailed taxonomic account of the two new species including morphological comparison with closely similar species and relevant information on the newly recorded species are provided below. With the addition of these two new species and three newly recorded species, Myanmar now has a total of 17 Typhonium with 47% endemicity.

Keyword: Aroideae, Areae, Indochina, Karst limestone, paddy fields, Typhonium karsticola, Typhonium pallescens

Detail of spadices of Burmese Typhonium species (nearside spathe artificially removed).
A. Typhonium flagelliforme, B. T. trilobatum, C. T. neogracile, D. T. roxburghii, E. T. praecox, F. T. inopinatum,
G. T. edule, H. T. albidinervium, I. T. aungmyintwinii, J. T. sagaingense, K. T. laoticum. L. T. cordifolium.
 Photos by: K. Z. Hein.

Typhonium karsticola sp. nov.
A. Excavated plant, B. Leaf, C. Excavated flowering plants (nearside spathe artificially removed in the right photo), D. Front and side views of side views of inflorescence, E. Detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, staminate zone and basal part of appendix (nearside spathe artificially removed). F. Cataphyll.
Scale bars: A.=5 cm, B.=2 cm, C.=1 cm, D. & E.=5 mm, F.=2 mm. 
Photos by: S. C. S. Paing.

Typhonium karsticola K.Z.Hein, Saensouk & Naive, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Typhonium karsticola is most similar to Typhonium orbifolium Hett. & Sookch. from Thailand (Hetterscheid et al., 2001), but it differs in having a hysteranthous habit (vs. synanthous in T. orbifolium), clavate staminodes with a red or reddish-white slender base and a white globose head (vs. white clavate staminodes in T. orbifolium), a shorter staminate zone (ca. 4 mm vs. 9–10 mm in T. orbifolium), yellow stamens (vs. white stamens in T. orbifolium), and a spreading declinate appendix (vs. erect in T. orbifolium). The shape of the staminodes in Typhonium karsticola resembles those of Typhonium praelongum Serebryanyi & Hett. from Vietnam (Serebryanyi et al., 2023), but it differs significantly by having a depressed-globose tuber (vs. conic tuber in T. praelongum), a much shorter peduncle (0.3–0.4 cm vs. 6–7 cm in T. praelongum), a spathe limb 3–4 times longer than the spathe tube (vs. spathe limb 7– 9 times longer than the spathe tube in T. praelongum), and a shorter spadix (ca. 7 cm vs. ca. 35 cm in T. praelongum).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘karsticola’ is derived from the German noun ‘karst’ (referring to a limestone landscape), and the Latin suffix ‘-cola’, (meaning inhabitant of or dwelling in), with reference to the species’ habitat preference being crevices of limestone within karst landscapes.


Typhonium pallescens sp. nov. 
A. Cultivated flowering plant, B. Leaf, C. Front and side views of inflorescence at early pistillate anthesis with emerging young inflorescence, D. Side view of inflorescence at late pistillate anthesis E. Detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, staminate zone and basal part of appendix (nearside spathe artificially removed).
Scale bars: A.=5 cm, B.=3 cm, C. & D.=2 cm, E.=1 cm. 
Photos by: K. Z. Hein. 

Typhonium pallescens K.Z.Hein, Saensouk & Naive, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Typhonium pallescens is unique within the genus by the pedatisect leaf blade with up to 11 linear lobes, the simultaneous development of 2 or 3 inflorescences, and the adaxial surface of the spathe limb which is dark purple during early pistillate anthesis and gradually becomes pale purplish-brown at late pistillate anthesis. The pedatisect leaf blade of T. pallescens closely resembles that of T. pedatisectum Gage from Magway Region, Myanmar (Gage, 1903) with up to 11 linear lobes, but it differs by having a lanceolate spathe limb (vs. ovate spathe limb in T. pedatisectum), a white sterile interstice (vs. pink or red in T. pedatisectum), and an ivory or pale orange appendix (vs. purplish-black in T. pedatisectum).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘pallescens’ (becoming pale), referring to the adaxial surface of the spathe limb, which is dark purple during early pistillate anthesis and gradually becomes pale purplish brown at late pistillate anthesis.  

   

Khant Zaw Hein, Surapon Saensouk and Mark Arcebal K. Naive. 2024. Taxonomic Studies of Araceae in Myanmar VIII: Two New Species and Three New Records for the Genus Typhonium. Taiwania. 69(4); 537-544. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.537  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2033

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[Botany • 2024] Crinum andhricum (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India

 

Crinum andhricum  

in Rasingam, Susmitha, Ranjana, Ranjithkumar et Arikrishnan. 2024. 
 
Abstract
Crinum andhricum (Amaryllidaceae), a new species from the Northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh is described and illustrated. It is closely related to Crinum amoenum and C. stracheyi, but differs in its number of flowers per inflorescence, shape of the perianth lobes and filament length.

Dry deciduous forest, Eastern Ghats, Flora, Novelty, Monocots


Ladan Rasingam, Goparaju Susmitha, Jamuda Ranjana, Pasupula Ranjithkumar and Parthiban Arikrishnan. 2024. A New Species of Crinum (Amaryllidaceae) from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India.  Phytotaxa. 671(2); 205-210. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.10

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