[Botany • 2025] Habenaria diwata (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae) • A New Species from Mount Malinao, Albay Province, Luzon Island, Philippines

 

Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano,

in Altamirano, Collantes et Bustamante, 2025.

Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1);

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ABSTRACT

 A new species, Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano

(Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae), is described from Mount Malinao, Luzon Island, Philippines.

Habenaria diwata most closely resembles the Taiwanese species H. tsaiana T.P.Lin in having

bipartite petals with an entire posterior lobe and a tripartite labellum with an entire mid-lobe

and subdivided side lobes, but differs by its shorter lateral sepals (9–11 mm long vs 12.5–13.5

mm long in H. tsaiana), anterior petal lobes that are mostly entire, with the lower margin

lacerate or unequally bifid at the apex (vs subdivided into two segments), shorter labellum

base (1 mm vs 1.5–2 mm) and labellum side lobes subdivided into two filiform segments (vs

subdivided into three filiform segments). Differences of H. diwata from a similar Philippine

species, H. lingulosa Ames, are briefly discussed. This discovery raises the current number

of recognised Habenaria species in the Philippines to 22. Illustrations and information on its

distribution, habitat, phenology, and proposed conservation status are provided.

Keywords. Bicol Region, endemic, Habenaria sect. Medusaeformes, mossy forest, terrestrial

orchid

Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano.
A. Flowering plant, upper part. B. Basal part showing stem and roots. C. Ventral view of perianth and column. D. Lateral view of flower. E. Dissected perianth with ventral view of sepals, petals and labellum. F. Floral Bract. G. Lateral view of column and ovary. H. Lateral view of spur. I. Ventral view of column. J. Pollinaria.

From the holotype, PTI-SLP1 27. (Photos: J.P.R. Collantes)

   

Habenaria diwata R.Bustam., J.Collantes & M.R.B.Altamirano, sp. nov. 

Habenaria diwata most closely resembles the Taiwan endemic H. tsaiana T.P.Lin in its bipartite petals with an entire posterior lobe and a tripartite labellum with an entire midlobe and subdivided side lobes. Habenaria diwata differs by its shorter lateral sepals (9–11 mm long vs 12.5–13.5 mm long in H. tsaiana), anterior petal lobes that are mostly entire, lacerate or unequally bifid at the apex (vs subdivided into two segments), shorter labellum base (1 mm vs 1.5–2 mm), and labellum side lobes subdivided into two filiform segments (vs subdivided into three filiform segments). Detailed morphological differences between the species are presented in Table 1.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to Philippine mythology and folklore deities who guard the natural world (Landa, 1968). The pale, whitish green flowers are reminiscent of the ghostly white female representations of diwata in popular culture, while the dormancy in its life cycle in turn echoes the ephemeral nature of these spiritual beings. 

Altamirano, M.R.B., Collantes, J.P.R. & Bustamante, R.A.A. 2025. Habenaria diwata (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae), A New Species from Mount Malinao, Albay Province, Luzon Island, Philippines. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1); 101 - 112.

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[Funga • 2025] Ophiocordyceps floriformis, O. muscae, ... • Multi-locus Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis reveals Four New Species and A New Record of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) on dipteran hosts in Thailand

 Ophiocordyceps muscae 
 Ophiocordyceps tabani 
 Ophiocordyceps thilosuensis

Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard,

in Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana, Noisripoom, Tasanathai, Liangsiri, Jaiyen, Rungjindamai, Stadler et Luangsa-ard, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.119.155439

Abstract

During field surveys conducted in various regions of Thailand, several fungal specimens parasitising flies were discovered. These fungi exhibited morphological characteristics consistent with the broad concept of Ophiocordyceps dipterigena, including yellow to orange-brown cylindrical stromata bearing fertile ascomata at the tip. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2 sequences revealed that these specimens belong to a well-supported monophyletic clade, referred to as the 'O. dipterigena' complex, which forms a distinct subclade within the hymenostilboid clade. This complex comprises four newly described species with clearly defined host associations: O. floriformis, found on robber flies (Asilidae), particularly on Clephydroneura sp.; O. muscae, isolated from the housefly (Musca domestica); O. tabani, parasitising horse flies (Tabanus sp.); and O. thilosuensis, infecting fruit flies (Anastrepha obliqua) and soldier flies (Sarginae). Additionally, several strains clustered with the previously described O. philippinensis, which was also collected from Clephydroneura sp. This marks the first record of O. philippinensis in Thailand.

Key words: cryptic species, entomogenous fungi, Hymenostilbe, new taxa, phylogenetic analyses

 Ophiocordyceps floriformis Tasanathai, Noisripoom & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The name refers to the fungus’s outer appearance on the host, which resembles a small flower.

 Ophiocordyceps muscae Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Named after the host genus, Musca domestica.

 Ophiocordyceps tabani Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Named after the host genus, Tabanus.

 Ophiocordyceps thilosuensis Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refers to the locality where the type specimen was found, Thi Lo Su Waterfall.

 Suchada Mongkolsamrit, Donnaya Thanakitpipattana, Wasana Noisripoom, Kanoksri Tasanathai, Kanraya Liangsiri, Somruetai Jaiyen, Nattawut Rungjindamai, Marc Stadler and Jennifer Luangsa-ard. 2025. Multi-locus Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis reveals Four New Species and A New Record of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) on dipteran hosts in Thailand. MycoKeys. 119: 235-261. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.119.155439

[Paleontology • 2025] Pulaosaurus qinglong • A New neornithischian Dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation of northern China

Pulaosaurus qinglong

 Yang, King & Xu, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19664

Abstract

The Middle and Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota is different from other contemporaneous fossil assemblages in that it lacks neornithischian dinosaurs. Here, we report a new, early-diverging neornithischian, Pulaosaurus qinglong gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation of Qinglong, Hebei Province, of northern China. Diagnostic or noteworthy morphological characteristics of P. qinglong include: five premaxillary teeth; a small boss is present on the caudoventral corner of the dorsal ramus of the jugal; a nuchal crest is located along the parietal; the manus has five digits; a supra-acetabular crest is present on the ilium; the paired arytenoids are gracile and leaf-like in form; the obturator process along the ischium is located near the pubic peduncle; a notch-like shaped obturator opening is present within the pubis; a robust fibular condyle forms a dorsoventrally extending crest on the tibia; a subtriangular flange on the anterior surface of the astragalus extends dorsolaterally along three distal tarsals; three of the distal tarsals are unfused, including a small drop-shaped distal tarsal 3; distal tarsal 3 is pierced by a foramen. A phylogenetic analysis places P. qinglong as one of the earliest-diverging neornithischians yet described. Moreover, P. qinglong represents the second known dinosaur to preserve ossified laryngeal elements, thus suggesting that a bird-like vocalization evolved early in non-avian dinosaur evolution.

The photograph of the whole skeleton of Pulaosaurus qinglong in left lateral view (IVPP V30936).

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Ornithischia Seeley, 1887

Neornithischia Cooper, 1985

Pulaosaurus qinglong gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from Chinese Pinyin for “Pulao”, a mythical creature resembling the Chinese dragon. According to Chinese legends, the “Pulao” engages in loud shouting, thus referencing the possible bird-like vocalizations of this species. The specific name is derived from the Chinese Pinyin for “Qinglong”, which is the name of the county in Province Hebei, China, where the specimen was found.

 

Locality and horizon: Southern Shimen Gou, County Qinglong, Province Hebei, People’s Republic of China. Tiaojishan Formation, Callovian-Oxfordian (Middle-Upper Jurassic).

Diagnosis: A small-bodied neornthischian dinosaur characterized by the combination of the following characteristics (autapomorphies preceded by an asterisk): five premaxillary teeth; a small boss is located on the caudoventral corner of the dorsal ramus of the jugal; a nuchal crest that is located on the parietal the mani have five digits; a supra-acetabular crest is located on the ilium; a pair of gracile, leaf-like arytenoids are present; the obturator process is near the pubic peduncle; the opening of the obturator on the pubis is notch-shaped; *a robust fibular condyle forms a dorsoventrally extending crest on the tibia; a subtriangular flange extends dorsolaterally on four distal tarsals; *three distal tarsals are unfused with distal tarsal three that is drop-shaped; distal tarsal three is pierced by a foramen.  

...

Conclusions: 

Pulaosaurus qinglong gen. et sp. nov. is an early-diverging neornithischian species found in the Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation of Province Hebei, China. A phylogenetic analysis places Pulaosaurus at the base of Neornithischia close to Agilisaurus, which is the earliest-diverging neornithischian. Pulaosaurus represents the first neornithischian found in the Yanliao Biota, and helps to fill the temporal and geographical gap in the distribution of Neornithischia within China. A pair of arytenoids are preserved in the Pulaosaurus holotype and represents the second case of an ossified laryngeal apparatus among non-avian dinosaurs. The arytenoids of Pulaosaurus indicates that ossified laryngeal apparatuses were present in Neornithischia, thus suggesting that the ossified laryngeal apparatus could be widespread across Dinosauria. As the morphology of Pulaosaurus arytenoids resembles the arytenoids of extant birds, it is possible for Pulaosaurus to have an avian-like vocalization.

Yunfeng Yang, James L. King and Xing Xu. 2025. A New neornithischian Dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation of northern China. PeerJ. 13:e19664 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19664 [July 11, 2025]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Novaculadon mirabilis • A new multituberculate (Mammalia: Allotheria: Plagiaulacidae) from the Lulworth Formation (Cretaceous, Berriasian) of Dorset, England

 

Novaculadon mirabilis  

Weston, Sweetman, Kean, Wood, Martill & Smith, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101128

Abstract

A new genus and species of plagiaulacid multituberculate (Mammalia, Allotheria, Multituberculata) is described from the Cherty Freshwater Beds, Warbarrow Tout Member of the Lower Cretaceous Lulworth Formation of the Purbeck Group, Dorset, United Kingdom. The new taxon is represented by a complete, well preserved left dentary containing the incisor, p2–4, with alveoli for m1–2. This new specimen is the most complete multituberculate material yet recovered from the Purbeck Group. It is also the first mammal to be recovered from the so-called ‘Flint Bed’ (DB97).

Keywords: Mammalia, Multituberculata, Early Cretaceous, Purbeck Group, United Kingdom

 Holotype left dentary of Novaculadon mirabilis gen. et sp. nov. NHMUK PV M 119716 from the Lulworth Formation, Purbeck Group at Durlston Bay.
In: A, buccal view; and B, lingual view. Scale bar represents 5 mm.

 Images of 3D model generated from XCT scans of the holotype left dentary of Novaculadon mirabilis gen. et sp. nov. NHMUK PV M 119716 from the Lulworth Formation, Purbeck Group at Durlston Bay.
In: A, buccal view; B, lingual view; C, occlusal view; D, ventral view; E, anterior view; and F, posterior view. Scale bar represents 5 mm.

 Systematic palaeontology

Mammalia Linnaeus, 1758

Allotheria Marsh, 1880

Multituberculata Cope, 1884

Plagiaulacida Simpson, 1925 (nomen correctum McKenna, 1971 ex Plagiaulacoidea, Ameghino, 1889)

Plagiaulacoidea Hahn and Hahn, 2004

Plagiaulacidae Gill, 1872 (synonym: Bolodontidae Osborn, 1887)

Novaculadon gen. nov.

Etymology. From the Latin novācula, razor, and don, from the Greek οδóς (odós) meaning teeth. Pertaining to the sharp occlusal crest formed by the premolar series.

 

Novaculadon mirabilis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. From the Latin mīrābilis, miraculous. An allusion to the exceptional preservation of the holotype.

  Artist’s restoration of Novaculadon mirabilis gen. et sp. nov.

Artwork by Hamzah Imran.

 

Benjamin T. Weston, Steven C. Sweetman, Jake Kean, Charles Wood, David M. Martill and Roy E. Smith. 2025. A new multituberculate (Mammalia, Allotheria) from the Lulworth Formation (Cretaceous, Berriasian) of Dorset, England. Proceedings of the Geologists' Association. In Press, 101128. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101128 [9 July 2025]

 

[Botany • 2025] Dracula colombiana (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New orchid Species with a history of misidentification in trade and collections

Dracula colombiana Baquero, Est.Domínguez & E.Parra, 

in Baquero, Vargas, Mesa et Parra-Sanchez, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.1.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/392798308

 

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Dracula colombiana sp. nov. a new orchid species from the eastern Andes of Colombia, previously misidentified as D. benedictii in herbaria, private collections, and commercial trade. The new species resembles D. benedictii but can be distinguished by its solid pink lip with an ovate, glabrous epichile longer than the hypochile (vs. white, suborbicular epichile shorter than the hypochile) and sepals with brown-red papillae and pubescence (vs. purple black, verrucose sepals). Based on IUCN Red List criteria, we propose that the species be classified as Endangered (EN) under sub-criterion B2a, due to its restricted geographic distribution and the threats posed by potentially unsustainable harvesting. Conservation measures are urgently needed to protect natural populations, regulate its presence in the orchid trade, and address taxonomic misidentifications in global markets.

Endemism, epichilus, orchid trade, Western Colombian Andes, Monocots

Dracula colombiana Baquero, Est.Domínguez & E.Parra.
 A. Lateral view of column and lip in open and closed positions. B. ¾ view of the flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Adaxial view of a petal and column in different positions. E. Habit. F. Lip in different positions.  

 Figure by Esteban Dominguez Vargas 

from type specimen (EDV-2635, HUA).

Dracula colombiana Baquero, Est.Domínguez & E.Parra, sp. nov.

Luis E. BAQUERO R., Esteban Dominguez VARGAS, Santiago MESA and Edicson PARRA-SANCHEZ. 2025. Dracula colombiana (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae), A New orchid Species with a history of misidentification in trade and collections.  Phytotaxa. 706(1); 81-90. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.1.6 [2025-06-19]

 Researchgate.net/publication/392798308_Dracula_colombiana_a_new_orchid_species_from_Colombia

[Ichthyology • 2025] Sewellia pudens • A New Species of loach (Cypriniformes: Gastromyzontidae) from Dakchung Plateau, southern Laos

Sewellia pudens  

Kottelat, 2025

 

 Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 

Abstract

 Sewellia pudens, new species, is described from the Xe Kaman watershed on Dakchung Plateau, Sekong Province, southern Laos. It is distinguished from other species of the genus in having a yellowish brown body; no markings on the fins; in males, a patch of tubercles on the snout divided longitudinally by a deep groove; no modified pelvic-fin rays with dorsal bone extension. The mouth of Sewellia and the tubercles and ornamentation on the fins of several species are described; the ‘pelvic valve’ is figured. 

Key words. Cobitoidei, loach, pectoral fin, pelvic fin, tubercles, bony extensions

Sewellia pudens, MHNG 2799.022, holotype, 49.2 mm SL, male; Laos: Xe Kaman watershed, Dakchung Plateau. Tip of axillary pelvic lobe on left side damaged.

Sewellia pudens, new species

 

Diagnosis. Sewellia pudens is distinguished from all species of Sewellia by the poorly developed patterning of the body and fins. On the body, black pigments are present in a vague midlateral stripe and 3–8 small saddles on the back, especially on caudal peduncle. Some irregular markings are also present on the body of some specimens, but not forming a clear pattern. The fins of most specimens have no colour marks, except for thin black lining along rays in the dorsal, anal and caudal fins, and, rarely, 1 or 2 faint blotches along lower edge of the caudal fin. The pectoral and pelvic fins ...

Etymology. The Latin adjective ‘pudens’ means modest, humble, reserved, discreet. It refers to the absence of conspicuous pattern on the body and fins (compared to most other species of the genus) and the absence of ostentatious modification on pectoral- and pelvic-fin rays. Pudens is indeclinable.

MAURICE KOTTELAT. 2025. Sewellia pudens, A New Species of loach from Dakchung Plateau, southern Laos (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 304–317.

[Entomology • 2025] Cotesia ginginensis • A New Species of parasitoid wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae) from Queensland, Australia

 

Cotesia ginginensis Fagan-Jeffries & Davies,

in Fagan-Jeffries, Davies et Howe, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.11

Cotesia Cameron, 1891 is the third largest genus of the braconid subfamily Microgastrinae, both in terms of described species  (>320  worldwide)  and  estimated  true  diversity  (1500+  species)  (Fernández-Triana et  al.  2020).  The  genus  is cosmopolitan  and  has  a  broad  host  range,  with  30  different  families  of lepidoptera  recorded  as  hosts,  and  with  many species acting as important biological control agents of pest lepidopterans (Fernández-Triana et al. 2020). The Australian Cotesia fauna was recently reviewed; there are 22 species currently known from the country, including several species introduced for biological control (Fagan-Jeffries et al. 2024; Fagan-Jeffries & Austin 2020).

 

Whilst there are likely to be many undescribed species of Cotesia in Australia and surrounding regions, we take the opportunity to add a single new species to the list of named biodiversity that was collected as part of a citizen science project, Insect Investigators. This citizen science project (insectinvestigators.com.au) ran in 2022 and involved 50 regional schools in Queensland, South Australia, and western Australia (Howe et al. 2025; insectinvestigators.com.au). Students and teachers ran Malaise traps on or near their school property, the samples were sorted and DNA barcoded, and a selection of specimens were sent to taxonomists to identify or include in current taxonomic projects. Two Queensland schools, gin gin State High School and Prospect Creek State School, each caught a single female specimen of a species in the genus Cotesia. Students and teachers at gin gin State High School collaborated with the authors to name the new species in 2023, and we here formally describe the species and raise the number of Cotesia from Australia to twenty-three.

...

Cotesia ginginensis; holotype.
A. lateral habitus B. fore wing C. dorsal head D. dorsal habitus E. anterior head F. T1 g. metanotum and propodeum.

BRACONIDAE Latreille, 1829

MICROGASTRINAE Foerster, 1862

Cotesia ginginensis Fagan-Jeffries & Davies, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. Cotesia ginginensis can be separated from all other species of Cotesia currently described from Australia and Papua New guinea by the following combination of characters: mesosoma not dorsal-ventrally flattened (i.e., not as in Cotesia nonagriae (olliff, 1893)); fore wing r vein clearly longer than 2rS (r length >1.4 × length of 2rS); centre of the medial band of the mesoscutellar disc smooth; propodeum strongly sculptured with the medial carina clearly distinct for the whole length; T1 slightly broadening posteriorly but not strongly wedge-shaped (i.e., not as in C. ruficrus (Haliday, 1834)); T2 not strongly sculptured and T3 not densely setose (i.e., not as in C. rubecula (Marshall, 1885)).

Eeinn P. FAGAN-JEFFRIES, Emily DAVIES and Andy G. HOWE. 2025. Cotesia ginginensis sp. nov., A New Species of parasitoid wasp (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) from Queensland, Australia.  Zootaxa. 5660(2); 293-296. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.11 [2025-07-09]

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys daxuemontis • A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Southwest China

Boulenophrys daxuemontis Liu, Li, Cheng, Wei, Wang & Cheng,  

in Liu, Li, Y. Cheng, Wei, Wang et G. Cheng, 2025. 

Daxueshan horned toad | 大雪山角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e153987  

Abstract

Background: The Asian horned toad subfamily Megophryinae (Bonaparte, 1850) currently comprises more than 140 species and is widely distributed in southern China, as well as in Tropical Asia from India and Bhutan to the Philippines. During amphibian surveys conducted at Mt.Daxue Nature Reserve on June 28-30, 2023, we collected specimens of within the genus Boulenophrys. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons, we describe this taxon as a new species from southwestern China.

New information: Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA strongly support the new species as a sister species of B. jiangi. The uncorrected genetic distances between the 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congener were 9.3% and 8.1%, respectively. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) adult males have a moderate body size (SVL 37.1–40.6 mm), differing from B. jiangi in having longer hindlimbs when adpressed anteriorly—the tibiotarsal articulation reaches the mid-level of the eye when extended (vs. only reaching the area between the tympanum and the eye in B. jiangi); (2) vomerine ridge present and vomerine teeth absent; (3) tongue not notched behind; (4) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, rounded; (6) toes lacking lateral fringes and webbing; (7) Distinct relative finger lengths: II < I < V < III in the new species (vs. I < II < V < III in B. jiangi); (8) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of the middle of the eye when leg is stretched forward; (10) an internal single subgular vocal sac in male; (11) dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males;(12) Eye diameter (ED) significantly smaller than that of B. jiangi (ED: 4.00±0.28 in the new species vs. 5.00±0.38 in B. jiangi, P < 0.05).

Keywords: Taxonomy, new species, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology

Photos of the adult male holotype CIB JL20230630024 of Boulenophrys daxuemontis sp. nov. in life.
A dorsal view; B ventral view; C dorsal view of hand showing nuptial pads on the first and second fingers (1); D ventral view of hand; E ventral view of foot.

 

Color variation in Boulenophrys daxuemontis sp. nov.
 Dorsal and ventral views of male specimen CIB WX20230630007 (A, B);
dorsal and ventral views of male specimen CIB JL20230630025 (C, D);
dorsal and ventral views of male specimen CIB JL20230630026 (E, F).

Boulenophrys daxuemontis Liu, Li, Cheng, Wei, Wang & Cheng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The specific name daxuemontis refers to the distribution of this species, Daxue Mountain. We propose the common name “Daxueshan horned toad” (English) and 大雪山角蟾 (Chinese).

Nomenclature: The specific name daxuemontis refers to the distribution of this species, Daxue Mountain, Sichuan province, China.

 Jing Liu, Shize Li, Yanlin Cheng, Gang Wei, Bin Wang and Gang Cheng. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from Southwest China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e153987. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e153987  

[Botany • 2025] A Synopsis of the Genus Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in the Indo-Pacific with the Description of One New Species, Jacquemontia mohotaniensis

 Jacquemontia mohotaniensis Staples & Butaud,

in Staples, Butaud et Halford, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.2984/78.2.3 

Abstract 

Examination of specimens from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, disclosed the presence of an undescribed species of Jacquemontia Choisy from the uninhabited island of Mohotani: the new species Jacquemontia mohotaniensis is described here and its conservation status is proposed as critically endangered. To place this novelty in context, a review of the native and naturalized Indo-Pacific taxa of Jacquemontia is provided; 14 names are accounted for and some taxonomic problems are highlighted for future study. New combinations are made for two Australian species, J. distigma (Benth.) Halford and J. flexuosa (Spreng.) Halford; a second step typification is provided for the latter name to stabilize the nomenclature.

KEYWORDS: biodiversity, Oceania, Marquesas, French Polynesia, Australia

 Jacquemontia mohotaniensis growth habit and plant parts.
(A) Habit showing flowers with fully reflexed corolla lobes and exserted genitalia; (B) flower with erect corolla lobes; (C) fruits, lateral view; (D) fruits, apical view, note 8 valves; (E) seeds in adaxial and abaxial views, note palisade of stiff hairs along margins and ventral keel, scale = 2 mm.

Photos A–D, J.-F. Butaud from living plants in DIREN; 

photo E, G. Staples, voucher: Butaud 4587 (A).

Jacquemontia mohotaniensis Staples & Butaud, sp. nov.

 TYPE: French Polynesia. Society Islands: ...

 DIAGNOSIS: Jacquemontia mohotaniensis resembles most closely J. paniculata but differs from that species in the larger flowers, 1.5–1.8 cm long and up to 1.9 cm in diameter, the corolla subsalverform, 5-lobed, pure white, with exserted stamens and stigmas (Figure 1). The unequal sepals, the outer 2 larger and covering the inner, narrowly ovate-elliptic and 6–8 mm long 2–2.5 mm broad (Figure 2) serve to distinguish this new species from all other known Jacquemontia.

G. Staples, Jean-François Butaud and David A. Halford. 2025. A Synopsis of the Genus Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in the Indo-Pacific with the Description of One New Species. Pacific Science 78 (2), 153-163. DOI: doi.org/10.2984/78.2.3 (6 January 2025) 

[Botany • 2024] Rhododendron mulyaniae & R. engelbertii (Ericaceae) • Two New Species of Vireya Rhododendron from Tambrauw, Papua, Indonesia

Rhododendron mulyaniae Mambrasar,

in Mambrasar, Elliott et Cameron, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04545 

  Researchgate.net/publication/384379726 

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Abstract

Two new species of Vireya Rhododendron, Rhododendron mulyaniae sp. nov. and R. engelbertii sp. nov. were discovered in Tambrauw, Papua, Indonesia. Rhododendron mulyaniae resembles R. angiense in that the scales under the leaf are dendroid, but differs in having elliptic to narrowly elliptic leaves, lacking hairs on petiole, having a tubular funnel shaped corolla. Rhododendron engelbertii resembles to R. carstensense in leaf shape but differs by having narrowly tapering leaf base, scales present on the petiole, and a corolla densely scaly on the outside. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and provisional conservation threat status of these newly described species are provided.

Keywords: Gunung Botak, new species, Tambrauw, Vireya Rhododendron

 

Rhododendron mulyaniae Mambrasar sp. nov.  

Rhododendron engelbertii Mambrasar sp. nov.  

Yasper M. Mambrasar, Alan C. Elliott and Kennet M. Cameron. 2024. Two New Species of Vireya Rhododendron (Ericaceae), from Tambrauw, Papua, Indonesia. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04545 [26 September 2024]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/384379726_Two_new_species_of_Vireya_Rhododendron_from_Tambrauw_Papua_Indonesia

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[Funga • 2025] Lentinus saisamorniae (Polyporales: Polyporaceae) • A New edible macrofungus from northern Thailand

Lentinus saisamorniae  Kumla & N. Suwannar.,

in Kumla, Kaewnunta et Suwannarach, 2025. 

เห็ดขอนขาวสายสมร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.705.2.2 

 

Abstract

A new edible Lentinus species, described herein as L. saisamorniae, was collected from local markets and natural habitats in northern Thailand between 2019 and 2021. This species is characterized by its small to medium-sized basidiomata, white to yellowish-white pileus, broadly ellipsoid to elongate-shaped basidiospores, dimitic hyphal system, and hyphal pegs. Nonetheless, its longer basidia and smaller basidiospores make it distinguishable from L. cladopus. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS) large subunit (nrLSU) of nuclear ribosomal DNA, and RNA polymerase II large subunit (rpb1) sequences supported the monophyly of L. saisamorniae as a distinct lineage within the genus Lentinus. Therefore, this new species was introduced based on both morphological characteristics and molecular phylogeny. A full description, illustrations, color photographs, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of L. saisamorniae are provided. Comparisons between the new species and morphologically similar and related species are discussed.

Edible fungus, lentinoid fungus, phylogeny, saprotrophic fungus, taxonomy, tropical area, Fungi

Jaturong KUMLA, Atsadawat KAEWNUNTA and Nakarin SUWANNARACH. 2025. Lentinus saisamorniae (Polyporaceae, Polyporales), A New edible macrofungus from northern Thailand. Phytotaxa. 705(2); 149-161. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.705.2.2 [2025-06-13]

[Botany • 2024] Passiflora pitalensis (Passifloraceae) • A New Species of Passiflora Subgenus Passiflora in the Flora of Colombia discovered in uncharted Andean territory

Passiflora pitalensis  Arrigui-Torres, J.Ocampo & Rosero-Toro, 

in Arrigui-Torres, Ocampo et Rosero-Toro, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.642.2.4 

Abstract

A new species of Passiflora belonging to the subgenus Passiflora (supersection Stipulata, section Kermesinae) is described and illustrated from living material and herbarium specimens. Passiflora pitalensis is similar to P. lehmannii, and it can be recognized primarily by its petiole green, leaves with broader lobes, peduncle green, bract lanceolate, corona filaments in 5 series with outer filaments in 2 series, fruit ovoid, and seed margin dentate. This species is rare and endemic to Colombia in the Andean region at elevations ranging from 1,749–2,027 m and should be considered Endangered (EN) due to its restricted occurrence with a small population size of no more than 90 individuals.

 Eudicots, Andes, Endemic species, Huila, Macizo Colombiano, new taxon, passionflower  

 Passiflora pitalensis.
Lankester composite dissection plant style sheet from holotype (E. Arrigui-Torres, J. Ocampo & J.H. Rosero-Toro 221; SURCO!).
A mature plant of Passiflora pitalensis. A. Lateral view of the flower. B. Alternate view of the flower. C. Flower bud. D. Front view of the flower. E. Cross section of the flower. F. View of the leaf with stipule. G. Detail of marginal petiolar stipitate glands. H. Abaxial surface of the leaf. I. Detail of ocelli on the abaxial surface of the leaf. J. Ripe fruit. K. Cross section of mature fruit. L. Detail of dry seed.  

Photographs by Edwin Arrigui-Torres.

 Passiflora pitalensis Arrigui-Torres, J.Ocampo & Rosero-Toro

Etymology:—The specific epithet is in honor of the municipality El Pital where the new species was observed for the first time. El Pital is located in the southwest of the department of Huila, on the upper valley plain of the Magdalena River in the foothills of the central mountain range of Colombia (Cordillera Central) in the region known as Macizo Colombiano.

Edwin ARRIGUI-TORRES, John A. OCAMPO and Jeison Herley ROSERO-TORO. 2024. A New Species of Passiflora (Passifloraceae, subgenus Passiflora) in the Flora of Colombia discovered in uncharted Andean territory. Phytotaxa. 642(2); 156-168. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.642.2.4  [2024-03-28]

https://x.com/Edwin_Arrigui/status/1773326825990570196

Researchgate.net/publication/379504612_A_new_species_of_Passiflora_in_the_Flora_of_Colombia

https://www.behance.net/gallery/194995083/Passiflora-pitalensis

[Botany • 2025] Crawfurdia minuticalyx (Gentianaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Crawfurdia minuticalyx R.Maity, Debta & S.S.Dash,

in Maity, Debta et Dash, 2025. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2093

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Abstract

Crawfurdia minuticalyx, a new species of Crawfurdia (Gentianaceae) is described here from Arunachal Pradesh, situated in Eastern part of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). This new species is unique in its very small calyx from its allied taxa. Morphologically, it shows close affinity towards C. speciosa Wall.; however, it can be differentiated by its much smaller leaves with entire margin; minute, non-splitted, calyx; relatively shorter corolla; stamens inserted below the middle of the corolla-tube, oblong anthers; short gynophore, and very short style. A detailed description and illustration are provided here along with comparative table of morphological characters, for easy identification.

Keyword: Arunachal Pradesh, Crawfurdia minuticalyx, Crawfurdia speciosa, Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), novel species

 Illustration of Crawfurdia minuticalyx R.Maity, Debta & S.S.Dash.
 A. portion of twig, B. calyx, C. corolla (split open), D. stamen, E. gynoecium, F. fruit.

Scale bar: A = 1 cm; B = 1.5 mm; C = 1 cm; D = 2 mm; E = 5 mm; F = 1 cm. 

(Drawn by R.Maity from M. R. Debta 44017)

Field photograph of Crawfurdia minuticalyx R.Maity, Debta & S.S.Dash.
A. Habit, B. Flowers. C. Distribution map.

A, photographed by Manas Ranjan Debta; B photographed by Bipankar Hajong

Crawfurdia minuticalyx R.Maity, Debta & S.S.Dash, sp.nov. 

Diagnosis: Crawfurdia minuticalyx show close morphological affinity to C. speciosa Wall., but it can be differentiated by its much smaller habit; leaves with entire margin, and slightly flattened, 0.3–0.5 cm long petiole (vs crenulate leaf margin, and terete, 0.5–0.7 cm long petiole,); single bracteate flower (vs 2-bracteate flowers); 0.4–1.0 cm long pedicels (vs 1.0–6.0 cm long pedicels); 1–2 mm long, linear to narrow lanceolate bracts (vs 7–10 mm long, lanceolate bract); 0.2–0.5 cm long, ridged, campanulate, non-splitted calyx with 0.1–0.2 cm long, ovate to narrow ovate or lanceolate lobes (1.0–1.2 cm long, smooth, tubular calyx with split on one side, with 0.2–0.3 cm long, triangular lobes); 2.0–2.5 cm long, ...

Etymology: The specific epithet “minuticalyx” denotes very small or minute size of calyx which has been observed in the specimen during study and makes this species unique from other allied taxa

Rohan Maity, Manas Ranjan Debta and Sudhansu Sekhar Dash. 2025. A New Species of Crawfurdia (Gentianaceae) from India. Taiwania. 70(3); 445-448. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.445 [07 July 2025]  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2093

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