[Botany • 2025] Breynia enchengensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Areas of southwestern Guangxi, China

 

 Breynia enchengensis  

in Chang, Li, Liang, G.-L. Huang et Y.-S. Huang, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04635 

Abstract

Breynia enchengensis, a new species with a narrowly geographic distribution in limestone areas of southwestern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to B. poomae (Welzen & Chayam.) Welzen & Pruesapan in having creeping stems, ovate to oblong leaf blade, and reddish brown to dark purple flowers, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by the size of the leaf blade and flowers, the number of lateral veins, the habit of the inflorescence, and the shape of the ovary. It also resembles B. lithophila Welzen & Pruesapan in having alternate leaves and in the length/width ratio of leaf blade, but may be distinguished by the presence of hairs throughout the plant, number of lateral veins, length of the pedicle, the habit of the inflorescence, and calyx shape of female flowers. A table to distinguish the new species from B. poomae and B. lithophila, as well as color plates and photos of type specimens of the new species are also provided.

Keywords: Breynia, limestone flora, new species, Sauropus, taxonomy

 

 Shi-Li Chang, Wen-Hua Li, Jin-Hui Liang, Guo-Li Huang and Yu-Song Huang. 2025. Breynia enchengensis (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from Limestone Areas of southwestern Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04635 [17 April 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Vrydagzynea suddeei (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae) • A New Species from southeastern Thailand with field observations on its pollination biology

 

Vrydagzynea suddeei  Chuchuea & Seelanan

in Chuchuea et Seelanan, 2025.

เอื้องพรุสุดดี  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.1.2 

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural 

 Abstract

Vrydagzynea suddeei, a new species discovered at Trok Nong Nature Trail in Namtok Phlio National Park, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, is described. Vrydagzynea suddeei is distinct from V. deliana in having larger, greyish-green leaves with a central silver stripe, and a labellum with entire apical margins, a minutely bilobed apex, and papillae on the upper surface. A detailed morphological description, illustrations, distribution, habitat, phenology, and a comparison with similar species are provided, along with a key to all known Vrydagzynea species in Thailand. Vrydagzynea suddeei employs females of sweat bee Lipotriches (Maynenomia) sp. as its pollinators, offers nectar as a reward, and is not capable of autonomous self-pollination or agamospermy.

Monocots, Cranichideae, endemism, floral reward, Halictidae, Orchidoideae, plant taxonomy, reproductive success

Vrydagzynea suddeei Chuchuea & Seelanan

เอื้องพรุสุดดี, เอื้องพรุตรอกนอง

CHANACHON CHUCHUEA and TOSAK SEELANAN. 2025. A New Species of Vrydagzynea (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae) from southeastern Thailand with field observations on its pollination biology.  Phytotaxa. 698(1); 15-27. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.1.2 [2025-04-22]

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural/posts/9753444978045297

 

[Botany • 2025] Lagenandra rubra (Araceae) • A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka

 Lagenandra rubra  

in Madola, Jayasinghe, D. Yakandawala et K. Yakandawala. 2025.   

DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA

 

Abstract

During the revision of the genus Lagenandra in Sri Lanka we encountered a new species Lagenandra rubra from the Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve of Sri Lanka. The new species can be differentiated from all other described Lagenandra species by its glossy dark red-maroon twisted limb and the absence of warts on the spathe. With the newly described species, the number of endemic Sri Lankan species of Lagenandra rises to fourteen, and the global total rises to twenty-three. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered under Criterion CR B1ab (ii, iii, iv, v) +2ab (ii, iii, iv, v).

Biodiversity conservation, Critically endangered, flora of Sri Lanka, Ornamental aquatic plants, Taxonomy, Monocots 

Indrakeela MADOLA, Himesh JAYASINGHE, Deepthi YAKANDAWALA and Kapila YAKANDAWALA. 2025. Lagenandra rubra (Araceae), A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka.  Phytotaxa. 689(2); 233-242. DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 [2025-02-24] 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA/posts/2433646080318212

[Botany • 2025] Prunus luxurians (Rosaceae) • A new cherry species from south-western Ecuador

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán,  

  

in Pérez, Pérez-Zabala, Romoleroux, Espinel-Ortiz, Romoleroux et Albán-Vallejo. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.151041 

Abstract

Prunus luxurians, a new species from Buenaventura Reserve at El Oro province in Ecuador is described and illustrated. Additionally, notes on its geographical distribution, ecology, conservation status, and taxonomic affinities are documented. Prunus luxurians has some vegetative and floral similarities with other Andean species, but the unique combination of oblong-lanceolate leaves with prominent secondary and tertiary veins, densiflorous floriferous shoots less than 5 cm long, sepals with two marginal glands and flowers with turbinate hypanthium clearly differentiates it from the rest. This is the first species of Prunus described from the western flank at elevation below 1500 m, and particularly from a humid spot surrounded by dry areas (Tumbesian influence). Other taxonomic novelties of Prunus on this flank can be expected, so further botanical exploration is needed to better understand the diversity of the genus in the region.

Key words: Buenaventura Reserve, El Oro, Neotropics, plant taxonomy

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán 
A habit B branch with leaves and floriferous shoots C flowers.

 Photos by Á.J. Pérez.

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán 
A habit B floriferous shoot C leaf lower surface D, E leaf glands F flower G petal lower surface H petal upper surface I detail of petals and sepals (notice marginal glands).

 A–I based on Á.J. Pérez et al. 11743 (QCA). Illustrations by Natasha Albán.

 Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Prunus luxurians has a unique combination of leaves oblong lanceolate, cernuous in posture, around three times longer than wider, with prominent secondary and tertiary veins, secondary veins curved toward the margin and apparently eucamptodromous but becoming brochidodromous distally, base rounded to subcordate, floriferous shoots erect, densiflorous, less than 5 cm long, sepals with 2 marginal glands and flowers with turbinate hypanthium. Prunus integrifolia (Presl.) Walp. share with the new species the leaf shape and transverse posture, number of secondary veins, erect floriferous shoots and anthers of similar size; but, the new species has leaves shorter than 14 cm (vs. more than 15 cm.), chartaceous (vs. coriaceous), with conspicuous venation (vs. relatively obscure), glands submarginal and separated from the midrib (vs. attached to the midrib), turbinate hypanthium (vs. wide turbinate) and erect pedicels (vs. recurved) (Fig. 4).

 

 Álvaro J. Pérez, Jorge Andrés Pérez-Zabala, Katya Romoleroux, David A. Espinel-Ortiz, Chaquira Romoleroux, Natasha Albán-Vallejo. 2025. A new cherry species (Prunus, Rosaceae) from south-western Ecuador. PhytoKeys. 255: 23-34. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.151041 

Resumen: Se describe e ilustra Prunus luxurians, una nueva especie de la Reserva Buenaventura en la provincia de El Oro en Ecuador. Además, se documentan notas sobre su distribución geográfica, ecología, estado de conservación y afinidades taxonómicas. Prunus luxurians comparte algunas similitudes vegetativas y florales con otras especies andinas, pero la combinación única de hojas oblongo-lanceoladas con venas secundarias y terciarias prominentes, brotes floríferos densifloros de menos de 5 cm de largo, sépalos con dos glándulas marginales y flores con hipanto turbinado la diferencian fácilmente del resto. Esta es la primera especie de Prunus descrita del flanco occidental a una altitud inferior a 1500 m, y particularmente de un lugar húmedo rodeado de zonas secas (influencia tumbesina). Se espera que existan otras novedades taxonómicas de Prunus en este flanco, por lo que es necesaria una mayor exploración botánica para comprender mejor la diversidad del género en la región.

[Arachnida • 2025] Scorpiops bahunetra • In the Rocks: An Integrative Assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with A Description of A New Species

Scorpiops bahunetra 

Deshpande, Joshi, Ukale, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande, Monod & Sulakhe, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.02.004 

 

Abstract

The genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861 exhibits significant diversity, especially in Peninsular India. From our continued arachnological surveys in the Western Ghats and Peninsular India, we describe a new species based on molecular and morphological data. Furthermore, additional sampling revealed new species with distinct molecular signatures, but future investigation is warranted to gather additional data before species are formally described.

Keywords: 16S, COI, integrated taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, systematics

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov. male holotype (BNHS SC 401) in vivo habitus (A, B).

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov. male holotype (BNHS SC 401) under white light:
A, habitus, dorsal view; B, habitus, ventral view; C, sternopectinal area; D, metasomal segment V and telson, lateral view; E, chelicera, dorsal view <scale bars: 5 mm (A); 2 mm (C)>.

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis (♂♀). Total length 50.32-55.82 mm. Base color light brown. Median ocular islet morphology conforms to Type 2 (OI-2). Pectine morphology conforms to type P3; pectinal teeth number 7-8 in both sexes; fulcra reduced to absent. Pedipalp patella with 20-26 (5 eb, 2 esb, 2 em, 6-11 est, 5-6 et) external and 14-16 ventral trichobothria. Pedipalp chela with 4 ventral trichobothria. Chelal trichobothrium Eb3 located in proximal half of manus between trichobothria Dt and Db. Pedipalp movable finger margins strongly undulate in male and weakly undulate in female. Chela length-to-width ratio 3.0-3.2 in males. Total pedipalp length to total tergite length ratio 1.3-1.4 in males. Tarsomere II of legs with 4-6 stout ventromedian ventral spinules. Metasoma I–V with 10-10-10-10-7 carinae. Dorsal lateral carinae on metasoma III-IV ending posteriorly into a moderately developed spine. Telson elongate and smooth, length to depth ratio 2.8-3.2; annular ring weakly developed.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘bahunetra’, ‘bahu’ (=many) and ‘netra’ (=eyes). The word is an adjective reflecting the unique feature of scorpions having multiple ocelli.

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov. male holotype (BNHS SC 401) under UV light:
A, habitus, dorsal view; B, habitus, ventral view <scale bar: 5 mm>.

 

Shubhankar Deshpande, Mihir Joshi, Sajiri Ukale, Deshabhushan Bastawade, Victoria Tang, Gaurang Gowande, Lionel Monod and Shauri Sulakhe. 2025. In the Rocks: An Integrative Assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with A Description of A New Species. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.02.004  [8 March 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Saussurea degeensis (Asteraceae: Cardueae) • A New Species from southwestern China

 

 Saussurea degeensis   

in Xu, Du et Chen, 2025.

  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.2.4 

Abstract

Saussurea degeensis (Asteraceae, Cardueae), a new species from Hengduan Mountains is described and illustrated. The new species is referred to S. subg. Amphilaena based on its obvious purple bracts, uncolored phyllary apices, and simple inflorescence. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses further indicated that the new species is most related to S. acutisquama, S. iodostegia, S. nigrescens, S. superba, S. tatsienensis, S. veitchiana, and S. wenchengiae. Morphologically, the new species is similar to S. nigrescens in obvious purple bracts, but differs by bigger leaves with crisped margins, more numerous bracts, and not obtuse phyllary apex.

Lian-Sheng XU, Si-Yi DU, You-Sheng CHEN. 2025. Saussurea degeensis (Asteraceae, Cardueae), A New Species from southwestern China.  Phytotaxa. 697(2); 187-196. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.2.4 [2025-04-15] 

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Coloconger paucitubus • Species of the Eel Family Colocongridae (Order Anguilliformes), with Description of a New Species

Coloconger paucitubus, the holotype, MNHN 2006-0384. 

 

Ho, Smith & Pogonoski, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024034 

Drawn by Y.-K. Kiang.

 Abstract  

The short-tail eel family Colocongridae is a group of small to moderately large eels found in the mid- to upper-continental slope of all oceans except the eastern and central Pacific. The taxonomy of this group is still poorly known, and many diagnostic characteristics have never been tested and verified. Museum specimens were examined, and data were taken by following methods provided in previous studies, as well as some newly introduced. A total of seven species are recorded for the only genus, Coloconger, including a new species described herein from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The diagnostic characters distinguishing species of Coloconger are discussed, comments are made on previous records, and a key to all known species is provided. Morphology of the post-metamorphic stage and transforming leptocephalus is also provided.

Coloconger paucitubus, new species, from the holotype, MNHN 2006-0384.
(A) Lateral view. (B) Lateral view of head. (C) Dorsal view of head.

Drawn by Y.-K. Kiang.

Coloconger paucitubus, new species

English name: Solomon Short-tailed Conger

Diagnosis.—A species of Coloconger that differs from its congeners by having relatively few head sensory pores, total head pores usually 30–34, with 1 or 2 SO over posterior nostrils, IO usually 9 or 10, POM usually 11 or 12, and ST consistently 3; PDV 13–18, PAV 76–86, and TV 141–150; mouth cavity dark blue and gill chamber uniformly dark brown; rictus reaching vertical through posterior margin of pupil to posterior margin of eye; no anterior intermaxillary teeth; and body uniformly light brown to black, with lateral-line tubes darkened.

Etymology.—The specific name is a combination of Latin pauci (few) and tubus (tube), referring to the diagnostic low sensory tube (pore) count on the head in comparison to other species of the genus. A noun in apposition.

 Hsuan-Ching Ho, David G. Smith and John J. Pogonoski. 2025. Species of the Eel Family Colocongridae (Order Anguilliformes), with Description of a New Species. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(1); 154-178. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024034 (10 April 2025)  

x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1913275825081774130

[Botany • 2025] Begonia aristata (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines

 

 Begonia aristata Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite, 

in Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.7

Abstract 

Begonia aristata is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines. It grows on rocky slopes in semi-shaded coconut farm habitat along the coast of Matho, Cortes, Surigao del Sur. Begonia aristata resembles Begonia benitotanii Rubite, Tandang & C.W.Lin in having erect and branching stems, ovate-lanceolate leaves with a serrate margin, 2-tepaled staminate flowers and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers with 3 equal wings but differs in being shorter (ca. 45 cm tall vs. 2–4 m tall), having triangular stipules (vs. oblong), obtuse leaf base (vs. obliquely cordate), adaxially dark green and scabrid (vs. emerald green with white patches), and oblong ovary (vs. elliptic). Based on IUCN criteria we proposed data deficient (DD) since there is only one population currently known.

Eudicots, Begonia benitotanii, Begonia longistipula, Mindanao, Surigao provinces, taxonomy

  Begonia aristata Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite.
A & B. Habit and habitat.

All from Freddie A. Blasco 22-007.

 Begonia aristata Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite.
A. Stem, B. Young stipules, C. Mature stipule. D. Inflorescence. E. Bracts, F. Staminate Flower, G. Pistillate flower, H. Cross section of the ovary, I. Capsule. 

All from Freddie A. Blasco 22-007. 

Begonia aristata Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite sp. nov. 

sect. Petermannia 

Type: PHILIPPINES: Mindanao, Surigao del Sur, Matho, Cortes, Surigao del Sur elevation ca. 0–10 m. asl. on coconut farm near a coast, May 10, 2022, Freddie A. Blasco 22-007 (holo PNH). 

Diagnosis:— Begonia aristata resembles Begonia benitotanii Rubite, Tandang & C.W.Lin in having erect and branching stems, ovate-lanceolate leaves with a serrated margin, 2-tepaled staminate flowers, and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers with 3 equal wings on the ovary but differs in being 45 cm tall (vs. 200–400 cm), having smaller triangular stipules, 11–14 × 5–7 mm (vs. oblong, 25–30 × 4–10 mm) with aristate apex (vs. mucronate), smaller leaf blade 13–15 × 5–6 cm (vs. 8–21 × 6–12), adaxially brownish scabrid (vs. emerald green with white patches), base obtuse (vs. obliquely cordate), female flowers in pairs are of equal height with the branching staminate flowers (vs. female flowers basal to staminate flowers) and oblong capsule 15–16 × 19–20 mm (vs. elliptic 30–38 × 20–36 mm).

Etymology:—The epithet refers to the prominent aristate apex of the bracts and stipules. 

 

 Begonia aristata Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite.
A., B., C., & D. Different stages of the inflorescence.

All from Freddie A. Blasco 22-007.

Freddie A. BLASCO, Grecebio Jonathan D. ALEJANDRO, Rosario R. RUBITE. 2025. Begonia aristata (Section Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Surigao del Sur, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 697(3); 282-287. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.7 [2025-04-17]

[Botany • 2025] Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen, 

in Docot, Haevermans, Sule et Poulsen. 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291 

 x.com/AxelGinger 

Researchgate.net/publication/390905548

Abstract

During explorations of the ginger flora of the Bismarck Archipelago in 2013 and 2023, we made collections of the ginger genus Alpinia sensu lato, some of which had unusually elongated cincinni composed of distichously arranged bracteoles and in the present paper we conclude that these collections document a distinct species new to science, Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen. The choice of epithet refers to the spider-like appearance of the inflorescence. Similar morphology of the cincinni is found in other lineages of Alpinia, but our molecular analysis using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) marker established a close relationship with A. oceanica from which the new species differs by having cincinni with more flowers and linear labellum. An ink drawing and colour plates, information on distribution and habitat, and provisional conservation status are provided for the new species as well as a key to species of Alpinia in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinia oceanica, Alpinia vittata, Bismarck Archipelago, ITS, Zingiberaceae

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen
A. Pseudostem showing the sheaths and ligules. B. Inflorescences in different stages. C. Cincinnus with supporting bract. D. Flower (front view). E. Fruits.

Based from A.D. Poulsen et al. 2893 (type). Photos: A.D. Poulsen.

 Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: Similar to Alpinia oceanica Burkill in the vegetative characters but differs by the erect inflorescence (vs mostly pendulous); exposed distal peduncle (vs hidden within sheaths); cincinni laxly arranged (5–8 mm apart) along the rachis, 3–11 cm long with 2 mm long stalk at base and composed of up to 15 flowers (vs congested, 3–7 cm long, sessile, up to 7); and linear labellum with a retuse apex (vs narrowly triangular, apex truncate).

Etymology: The elongated cincinni suggest a spider-like resemblance.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Thomas Haevermans, Bernard Sule and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2025. Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 51-65. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1913203038895907107

 Researchgate.net/publication/390905548_Alpinia_arachniformis_a_new_species_from_New_Ireland_Papua_New_Guinea

[Botany • 2025] Begonia gigang (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

Begonia gigang Mazo & Rubite, 

in Mazo et Rubite, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17444

Abstract

A new species of Begonia from Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines, is described. Begonia gigang is morphologically similar to Begonia corazoniae but can be distinguished by having smaller leaves which are hirsute on both surfaces, longer panicles and peduncles, shorter pedicels for both staminate and pistillate flowers, and trigonous-ellipsoid ovary. Begonia gigang is assessed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. A detailed description, photographs, and ecological notes, and are provided.

Keywords: Begonia corazoniae, Begonia tinuyopensis, endangered, endemic, taxonomy

Begonia gigang Mazo & Rubite.
A. Habit; B. Leaf adaxial surface; C. Leaf abaxial surface showing leaf margin; D. Stem and stipules; E. Staminate and pistillate flowers, inset 3-tepaled staminate flower; F. Cross-section of the ovary; G. Capsules.

All from K. R. F. Mazo 112.

Begonia gigang Mazo & Rubite, sp. nov.  

Section Petermannia

Diagnosis: A species similar to Begonia corazoniae Naive (Naive et al. 2024) in having lamina with greenish to yellowish spots and variegations on the veins but differs in having smaller leaves (10.0–14.5 × 5–7 cm vs. up to 21 × 10.0–13.3 cm) which are hirsute on both surfaces (vs. glabrous), longer panicles and peduncles (15–23 cm vs. 8–13 cm; 9–12 cm vs. up to 4 cm), shorter pedicels for both staminate and pistillate flowers, and trigonous-ellipsoid ovary (vs. trapezoid to obovoid).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Subanen dialect refers to the rock formations where the new species was found.

 

 

Kean Roe F. Mazo and Rosario R. Rubite. 2025. Begonia gigang (section Petermannia: Begoniaceae), A New Species from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 89-94. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17444 [2025-04-17]

[Botany • 2025] Bellevalia iranica (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) • A New Species from Iran

 

Bellevalia iranica Alipour, Eker & Majidi,

in Alipour, Majidi et Eker, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.2.7

facebook.com: Sajad Alipour

Abstract

A new species, Bellevalia iranica Alipour, Eker, & Majidi (Asparagaceae) from Iran, is described and illustrated. It is superficially similar to B. cyanopoda, but differs from it mainly in: shape and size of the flowers, the length of the pedicels, and the non-elongating scape in fruit, shape and size of the capsules, the length of leaves, and the shape of raceme as well as altitude and flowering period characteristics. Also, it is partly similar to B. shiraziana, but differs from it mainly in: color of outer tunic, number of leaves, number of flowers in the raceme and raceme size, short pedicels, the shape, color and size of flowers, size and color of lobes. A comprehensive description, diagnostic characters, original photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, and taxonomic comments on the new species are presented.

Monocots, Bellevalia cyanopoda, B. shiraziana, new taxon, taxonomy, Zagros Mountains

  

 Bellevalia iranica Alipour, Eker, & Majidi

Sajad ALİPOUR, Ramiar MAJİDİ and İsmail EKER. 2025. Bellevalia iranica (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), A New Species from Iran. Phytotaxa. 697(2); 213-218. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.2.7 [2025-04-15]

  facebook.com/100022442722283/posts/1859906844767388

[Botany • 2025] Piper hongheense (Piperaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, 

in Fan, Zhao, F. Su, Li, Ji, B.-F. Su, Xia et Hao, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao, Illustration by F. Su

Abstract

Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), a new species from Yunnan Province of China, is here described and illustrated. Morphologically it is similar to Piper boehmeriifolium and Piper boehmeriifolium var. glabricaule, from which it can be easily distinguished by the combination of characters: height 0.7–1 m, leaves oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, infructescences ±0.6 cm in diam., berries and bracts white when mature. The description of the new species includes photographs, a detailed description, notes on etymology, distribution and habitat, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species.

Magnoliids, Asia, Honghe Prefecture, morphology, taxonomy, tropical flora

Line drawing of Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia.
A branch with female infructescence; B adaxial surface of monopodial leaf on the left, and abaxial surface of sympodial leaf on the right; C detail of the leaf base and the prophyll; D magnified view of male inflorescence; E magnified view of the longitudinal section of male inflorescence; F stamen; G magnified view of female inflorescence; H magnified view of infructescence.

Illustration by F. Su based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov.
 A habit; B adaxial surface of leaf; C abaxial surface of leaf; D adaxial surface of leaf base and petiole; E abaxial surface of leaf base and petiole;
F male spike; G female spike; H mature infructescence; I close-up of portion of the male spike; J close-up of portion of the female spike (some bracts were removed); K close-up of portion of the mature infructescence.

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov. 

Erect subshrub, 0.7–1 m high, aromatic, dioecious. Stem greenish, terete, 3–4 mm in diameter, young branchlet sparsely puberulent, glabrescent, finely striate when dry, swollen at node. Leaf dimorphism present, prophyll 1–2 cm long. Sympodial leaf membranous to chartaceous, finely glandular, oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, base subequilaterally truncate to oblique, one side rounded, the other tapered and acute; apex acutely acuminate to long acuminate, adaxially green and glabrous, abaxially pale greenish and sparsely puberulent on veins; petioles glabrous, 5–7 mm long; venation plinerved, veins 5–9, reticulate, uppermost distal pair of secondary veins alternate, arising 1–3 cm above base, reaching leaf apex, others basal. Monopodial leaf exhibits morphological similarities to sympodial leaf, with the primary distinction being that the base of monopodial leaf is predominantly ...

Rui FAN, Wen-Jing ZHAO, Fan SU, Yang LI, Xun-Zhi JI, Bao-Fen SU, Nian-He XIA and Chao-Yun HAO. 2025. Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 697(1); 129-137. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9 [2025-04-10]

[Herpetology • 2025] Dendrelaphis thasuni • A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Reptilia: Colubridae) from an isolated misty mountain in the South Eastern intermediate zone of Sri Lanka

Dendrelaphis thasuni 

(A) Dorsal aspect of D. thasuni sp. nov. female holotype; 

(B) dorsal aspect of uncollected D. caudolineolatus female.

Atthanagoda, Silva, Vogel, Udayanga, Bandara, Madawala, Grismer & Karunarathna, 2025

Thasun’s Bronzeback  ||  https://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/issues.php  

Researchgate.net/publication/390564322

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Dendrelaphis that is morphologically close to D. caudolineolatus, however the new species is readily distinguished from it by having an undivided anal plate, as well as other characters. This species is only known from a single female collected from Maragala Mountain in Monaragala District, Uva Province of Sri Lanka. The new species is likely adapted to an arboreal lifestyle and its color is similar to that of the tree branches it inhabits. Currently, eight species of Dendrelaphis inhabit Sri Lanka (including the new species), six of which are endemic, and most of them are threatened. The Maragala Mountain is a biodiversity rich area in Sri Lanka because of its habitat heterogeneity and favorable climatic conditions. Currently, 67 species of reptiles (30 endemics), and 18 amphibians (five endemics) are known to inhabit this mountain. Various habitats on Maragala Mountain have been heavily influenced and modified by humans. Therefore, urgent conservation measures are needed to conserve this isolated forest and its resident species. 

Keywords. Asia, Isolated hill forest, reptile hotspot, snake diversity, speciation, systematics

Holotype of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. in life (above) and uncollected D. caudolineolatus (below) together to compare scalation, color pattern, and eye size.

Morphological characters of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. female holotype. 

(A) Dorsal aspect of head, (B) ventral aspect of head, (C) lateral aspect of head on left side with narrow temporal stripe, (D)lateral aspect of head on right side, (E) dorsal aspect of trunk with slightly enlarged vertebral scales, (F) dorsal aspect of tail base with large scales, (G) ventral side of trunk with narrow ventral scales, (H)ventral side of tail base with undivided anal plate, (I) lateral aspect of trunk with narrow blackish transverse dorsolateral bars, (J) lateral aspect of tail base with dorsolateral black line.

Morphological characters of an uncollected Dendrelaphis caudolineolatus female. 

(A) Dorsal aspect of head, (B) ventral aspect of head, (C) lateral aspect of head on left side with broad temporal stripe, (D) lateral aspect of head on right side, (E) dorsal aspect of trunk with enlarged vertebral scales, (F) dorsal aspect of tail base with extra-large scales, (G) ventral side of trunk with broad ventral scales, (H) ventral side of tail base with divided anal plate, (I) lateral aspect of trunk with broad blackish transverse dorsolateral bars, (J) lateral aspect of tail base with dorsolateral black line.

(A) Dorsal aspect of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. female holotype in life 

with narrow blackish transverse dorsolateral bars, 

(B) dorsal aspect of uncollected D. caudolineolatus female 

with  broad blackish transverse dorsolateral bars.

(A) Ventral aspect of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. female holotype in life with narrow ventrals, 

(B) ventral aspect of uncollected  D. caudolineolatus female with broad ventrals.

Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov.

Thasun’s Bronzeback

 Diagnosis. The head is distinct from the slender body; two internasals, snout broad and flat, equal to eye diameter; large eye with round pupil; one preocular and one loreal; two postoculars; 1+2 temporal scales bearing a very narrow black stripe (Figs. 4 and 5); V-shaped blackish transverse dorsolateral bars on anterior half of body; distance between transverse bars in forebody is equal to the eye diameter, with 2–3 lateral scales between two transverse dorsolateral bars; 151 enlarged vertebral scales and no vertebral stripe; dorsal scale rows one head length behind neck (~20 mm) 13, at midbody 13, one head length anterior to vent (~20 mm) 9; apical pits 1–3 on dorsal scales; 153 ventral scales, very narrow between lateral keels of both sides compared to D. caudolineolatus; anal plate undivided, large; tail long with 117 or 118 divided subcaudals; a thin blackish line between subcaudals; subcaudals with strong lateral keels. Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. is most similar to D. caudolineolatus in Sri Lanka, which is its presumed closest relative. It can be easily distinguished from all species of Sri Lankan Dendrelaphis by having an undivided anal plate (Fig. 6).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latinized eponym in the masculine genitive singular, honoring Dr. Amarasinghe Achchige Thasun Amarasinghe—a renowned systematic biologist, ecologist, and conservationist—for his remarkable contributions to the field of taxonomy and systematic herpetology in Asia, especially in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India, and for his friendship. He has also helped to popularize wildlife conservation and management in Sri Lanka through science-based education awareness programs.

Anusha Atthanagoda, Anslem de Silva, Gernot Vogel, Sithara Udayanga, Champika Bandara, Majintha Madawala, L. Lee Grismer and Suranjan Karunarathna. 2025. A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Reptilia: Colubridae) from an isolated misty mountain in the South Eastern intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 19(1): 28–47 (e340). April 2025

  https://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/issues.php

 Researchgate.net/publication/390564322_A_new_species_of_Dendrelaphis_from_an_isolated_misty_mountain_in_the_SE_intermediate_zone_of_Sri_Lanka