[Botany • 2026] Elaeocarpus pulneyensis (Elaeocarpaceae) • A New Species from Peninsular India, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

Elaeocarpus pulneyensis Gole, N.V.Page, Sardesai, 
  

in Gole, Page et Sardesai, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2092

Abstract

A new species of Elaeocarpus is described from the Kodaikanal region of Pulney Hills, India; it is morphologically allied to E. variabilis in having anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs and 3-locular pyrenes. It differs from the latter in having ovate, light-green sepals, and ellipsoid fruits enclosing ellipsoid pyrenes. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and trnL–F regions revealed that Elaeocarpus pulneyensis is distinct from E. variabilis and support the novelty of the taxon.

Keywords: endemic, Kodaikanal, Oxalidales, Pulney Hills, Rudraksha

Comparative floral morphology of Elaeocarpus variabilis and E. pulneyensis.
 A–D, Elaeocarpus variabilis: A, flowering branch; B, dorsal view of the raceme; C, ventral view of the raceme; D, close-up of flower.
E–H, Elaeocarpus pulneyensis: E, flowering branch; F, dorsal view of the raceme; G, ventral view of the raceme; H, close-up of flower.

Photographs: Navendu Page.

Elaeocarpus pulneyensis Gole, N.V.Page, Sardesai, sp. nov.

Elaeocarpus  pulneyensis can be distinguished from the majority of species of Elaeocarpus from South India and Sri Lanka in having anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs. It is morphologically most similar to Elaeocarpus variabilis, the only other species which exhibits anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs and 3-locular pyrenes. Elaeocarpus pulnyensis can be distinguished from E.variabilis based on light green sepals (vs green or reddish brown), ellipsoid fruits (vs obovoid), pyrenes which are rounded at both base and apex (vs pyrenes which are tapering towards the base and rounded towards the apex), and a pyrene circumference at widest point of 6.3–6.7 cm (vs 4.8–5.4 cm).

Etymology. The specific epithet pulneyensis is derived from the type locality, Pulney Hills, situated in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, peninsular India.

C. N. Gole, N. V. Page and  M. M. Sardesai. 2026. ELAEOCARPUS PULNEYENSIS, A New Species of Elaeocarpus (ELAEOCARPACEAE) from Peninsular India, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 83; 1-14. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2092 [2026-01-14]

[Botany • 2026] Phragmanthera bidaultii (Loranthaceae) • A New Species from the Sanaga River Basin, Cameroon

Phragmanthera bidaultii Libalah & O.Lachenaud,
 

in Simo-Droissart, Lachenaud, Libalah et Sonké. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.172526  

 Photos by Ehoarn Bidault & Murielle Simo-Droissart 

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Riverine habitats along the Sanaga River in Cameroon were until recently little-explored by botanists, although they are facing increasing threats, notably from the construction of hydroelectric dams. Recent botanical inventories in the area have led to the discovery of several taxonomical novelties, including a new species of Phragmanthera (Loranthaceae) that is described here.

Material and methods – This paper is based on field studies and examination of herbarium collections of the new species and its relatives. Classic practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied. The conservation status of the new species is assessed following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key results – Phragmanthera bidaultii sp. nov. is identified by its non-septate anthers (a unique character in the genus), by the patent to reflexed corolla lobes with the apex thickened into a conical appendage, and by its relatively narrow leaves, initially with sparse rufous barbellate hairs but soon becoming glabrescent on both sides. It has a very restricted distribution along the Sanaga River in Cameroon, where it grows in riparian forest, and it is assessed as Endangered (EN).

Keywords: hydroelectric dam, IUCN Red List assessment, mistletoes, riverine forests, Santalales, taxonomy, threatened species

Phragmanthera bidaultii.
A. Flowering branch. B. Detail of the corolla. C. Flowers. D. Branch with young fruits (green) and one mature fruit (orange). E. Apex of branch with young leaves (note rufous hairs) and one mature fruit.

A–C from Bidault et al. 6039; D from Sonké & Simo 7412; E from Sonké & Simo 7430. Photos by Ehoarn Bidault (A–C), Murielle Simo-Droissart (D, E).

Phragmanthera bidaultii Libalah & O.Lachenaud, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Phragmanthera bidaultii has patent to reflexed corolla lobes, a style with a distinct neck under the stigma and stamen filaments without an apical tooth, in which characters it resembles P. leonensis (Sprague) Balle, P. nigritana (Hook.f. ex Benth.) Balle, and P. vignei Balle, but differs from all of them by the apex of the corolla lobes being thickened into a conical appendage (vs not appendaged) and its smaller anthers, 0.7–1.0 mm long (vs 1.5–3.5 mm) that are not septate (all its congeners have septate anthers). It is further separated from the first two species by its soon glabrescent lower leaf surface (vs persistently hairy), from the last two by its non-foliaceous bracts not or scarcely exceeding calyx (vs foliaceous and long exceeding it) and its corolla with hairs barbellate for most of their length (vs at their base only).

Murielle Simo-Droissart, Olivier Lachenaud, Moses Libalah and Bonaventure Sonké. 2026. A New Species of Phragmanthera (Loranthaceae) from the Sanaga River Basin, Cameroon. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(1): 27-34. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.172526 

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens tainingensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from southeastern China

Impatiens tainingensis J.-D.Lin & P.Li, 

in Wang, Lin, B. Li, J. Li, Jin et P. Li, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173115 

Photos by Jie-Dong Lin

Drawn by Bo-Heng Li

Abstract

Impatiens tainingensis J.-D.Lin & P.Li, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It was collected from a moist valley of Mt. Zhuangyuanyan, Fujian Province, in Southeastern China. It resembles Impatiens platysepala Y.L. Chen, I. kuocangshanica (X.F. Jin & F.G. Zhang) X.F. Jin & Y.L. Xu and I. huangyanensis subsp. attenuata X.F. Jin & Z.H. Chen in the gross morphology of their pinkish purple flowers but differs in having smaller lateral sepals, subsaccate-funnel form lower sepals, shorter spurs, and capsules. The molecular phylogeny of Impatiens based on plastome and ITS sequences indicated that I. tainingensis is closely related to I. platysepala and I. wuyiensis J.S. Wang, Y.F. Lu & X.F. Jin, but morphology, phylogeny, and plastome structural variation comparison provide evidence for recognizing it as a distinct species.

Key words: Balsaminaceae, Impatiens kuocangshanica, I. tainingensis, I. wuyiensis, new species

Impatiens tainingensis.
A. Habitat; B. Whole plant; C. Flower, lateral view; D. Inflorescence; E. Flower, front view; F. Flower, lateral view; G. Flower structure and capsule.

(Photos by Jie-Dong Lin).

Painted illustration of Impatiens tainingensis.

(Drawn by Bo-Heng Li).

 Impatiens tainingensis J.-D.Lin & P.Li, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Impatiens tainingensis is similar to I. platysepala, I. kuocangshanica and I. huangyanensis subsp. attenuata in pinkish purple flowers. But I. tainingensis differs from I. platysepala by its bracts green, persistent, linear-lanceolate, 1–2 mm long; lower sepal subsaccate-funnelform, spur 1.5–1.8 cm long. I. tainingensis is distinct from I. kuocangshanica and I. huangyanensis subsp. attenuata in having lower sepal subsaccate-funnelform, spur 1.5–1.8 cm long; lateral sepals suborbicular, callous, 6–8 × 5–8 mm; capsules fusiform, 1.5–2.0 cm long and seeds 2.0 × 1.0 mm.

 Meizhen Wang, Jiedong Lin, Boheng Li, Junlong Li, Xinjie Jin and Pan Li. 2026. Impatiens tainingensis (Balsaminaceae), A New Species from southeastern China. PhytoKeys. 269: 235-252. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173115 

[Botany • 2026] Myrica tristigma (Myricaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Myrica tristigma N.T.Cuong, T.D.Binh & D.V.Hai, 

in Cuong, Binh et Hai, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.04 

Myrica tristigma (Myricaceae), a new species found only in Vietnam, is described here. A morphological comparison with resembling species and a key to the Myrica species in Vietnam are provided. Details about the distribution and habitat are supplemented with photographic illustrations.

Keywords: Endemism; Myrica tristigma; Myricaceae; Vietnam

Myrica tristigma N.T.Cuong, T.D.Binh & D.V.Hai.
 a. Branches bearing leaves and infructescences; b. Branch bearing leaves and bud; c. Leaf with detail of adaxial surface; d. Leaf with detail of abaxial surface; e. Staminate spike with flowers; f. Stamen; g. Pistillate spike; h. Pistillate flower; i Fruit.

 (a–d: photos by N.T. Cuong from isotype in HN, e–i: photos by T.D. Binh from holotype in HN).

Myrica tristigma N.T.Cuong, T.D.Binh & D.V.Hai, sp. nov.  

Shrubs, monoecious, 1–2,5 m tall. Ovary glabrous, stigma sessile, divided into 3 branches. Drupe usually 1 per infructescence, globose, 0.8–1 cm diam.

Etymology. The species epithet is based on the character of the stigma divided into three relatively long branches.

 Cuong, N.T.; Binh, T.D. and Hai, D.V. 2026. Myrica tristigma (Myricaceae), A New Species from Vietnam.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.04 [January 13, 2026]

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea

[Botany • 2026] Costus maasiorum (Costaceae) • A New Species from western Ecuador

Costus maasiorum D.Skinner, J.L.Clark, & C.D.Specht, 

in Skinner, Valderrama, Clark, Landis, Harden et Specht, C.D. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.01.02

 Abstract 

We here describe Costus maasiorum, a new species from western Ecuador. This new species shares morphological similarities with Costus macrostrobilus, but differs in having plicate leaves, erect and triangular bract appendages, and semi-tubular elongate flowers. A phylogeny based on 5.9+ million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly supports a sister relationship between C. maasiorum and C. macrostrobilus. Additional taxonomic sampling in subsequent analyses indicates a close relationship with C. gibbosus and C. antioquiensis. A comprehensive taxonomic description, including detailed photographs and information about the habitat and ecology of the new species are provided. A preliminary conservation status is recommended as Least Concern (LC).

Keywords: COSTACEAE; Costus; Genome resequencing, Neotropics, SNP-based phylogeny, Zingiberales 

Costus maasiorum sp. nov.:
 A. Stem from D.Skinner 3071 (BH) showing red striations; B. Close-up of lower side of leaf showing pubescence; C. Red lower side of leaf from a plant observed in Buenaventura in southern Ecuador; D. Close-up of upper side of leaf showing pubescence; E. Plant in habitat, Bilsa, Ecuador; F. Inflorescence from Bilsa, Ecuador.

Photos A-F by Dave Skinner.

Costus maasiorum sp. nov. specimen D.Skinner 3202:
A. Stem and ligule with red striations. B. Flower with attached immature fruit and bracteole. C. Inflorescence close-up of same plant showing appendaged bracts. D-E. Upper (D) and lower (E) side of leaves showing variation in indument and red coloration as compared with Fig. 3. F. Plant in habitat at Siete Cataratas, Ecuador. G. Close up of young inflorescence showing sequential flowering with spiromonistichous phyllotaxy.

Photos A-G by Dave Skinner.

Costus maasiorum D.Skinner, J.L.Clark, & C.D.Specht, sp. nov.

 Costus maasiorum sp. nov. can be recognized by its plicate leaves, often dark purple underneath, the presence of appendaged bracts with the appendages being erect and triangular in shape, and the primarily yellow flower with the labellum presenting as a narrow, elongate floral tube. The overall morphology of the plant is similar to that of Costus macrostrobilus, but the species differs in having a more tubular labellum, plicate leaves (non-plicate or flat leaves in C. macrostrobilus) and in the shape of the bract appendages that are concave and somewhat pungent (ending in a stiff, sharp point in C. macrostrobilus). 

Etymology — Costus maasiorum is named in honour of the botanical couple Professor Paul J.M. Maas and Hiltje Maas-van de Kamer and the contribution of this couple to systematic and taxonomic work within the Costaceae. It was Dr. Paul Maas who visited Bilsa in 1997 and first noted this species as undescribed. Paul began working on Costaceae during his PhD in which he completed two monographs on New World Costoideae for Flora Neotropica, establishing himself as the expert on this and other families of Neotropical Zingiberales. The two Flora Neotropica volumes, which included revisions of the Costoideae, provided species level descriptions and detailed understanding of taxonomic limits, biogeographic distributions, morphological variation, and relationships among species of Costaceae that still stand today, often being confirmed by subsequent DNA-based phylogenetic studies. Paul’s observations of differences between closely related species and awareness of variation noted in living plants and in herbarium specimens enabled and inspired decades of research on this interesting and charismatic tropical family. ...

 

 Skinner, D.; Valderrama, E.; Clark, J.L.; Landis, J.B.; Harden, J.J. and Specht, C.D. 2026. Costus maasiorum: A New Species of Neotropical Costaceae from western Ecuador. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 70(1);116-124(9).DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.01.02 [January 1, 2026]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Apolithabatis seioma • Insights into Stem Batomorphii: A New holomorphic Ray (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii) from the upper Jurassic of Germany

 

Apolithabatis seioma   

Türtscher, Jambura, Spindler & Kriwet, 2025 

     

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310174 

 facebook.com: Frederik Spindler

Abstract

The Late Jurassic fossil deposits of southern Germany, collectively known as the ’Solnhofen Archipelago’, are one of the world’s most important sources of Mesozoic vertebrates. Complete skeletons of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes), whose skeletal remains are rare in the fossil record and therefore all the more valuable, are represented, among others, by exceptionally well-preserved rays (superorder Batomorphii). Despite their potential for research in several areas, including taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and phylogeny, the number of studies on these chondrichthyans is still very limited. Here, we identify a previously unknown ray, †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov., which represents the first record of a ray species from the upper Kimmeridgian of Painten, Germany, and thus the oldest Late Jurassic ray taxon from Germany based on skeletal remains. This new batomorph is characterised by a unique body shape and a combination of skeletal features that distinguish it readily from all other known Late Jurassic rays. Two different morphometric approaches confirm differences in body shape and proportions to all known Late Jurassic conspecifics. We thus extend the recent taxonomic revision of these rays and include all described holomorphic specimens in a phylogenetic framework using strict cladistic principles. The phylogenetic analysis reveals all Late Jurassic batomorphs to represent a monophyletic group, for which we introduce the new order Apolithabatiformes, which is sister to all other batomorphs representing a stem group. While the phylogenetic relationships within Apolithabatiformes ord. nov. remain largely unresolved, †Apolithabatis gen. nov. is placed as the sister to †Aellopobatis. This highlights that, despite considerable progress in our understanding of the diversity and phylogeny of early rays, difficulties remain in establishing robust relationships within batomorphs. We therefore emphasise the importance of comprehensive studies of completely preserved fossil cartilaginous fishes to obtain a better understanding of chondrichthyan evolution and their systematics in deep time. 

Systematic palaeontology

Class CHONDRICHTHYES Huxley, 1880 

Subclass ELASMOBRANCHII Bonaparte, 1838  

Cohort EUSELACHII Hay, 1902 

Subcohort NEOSELACHII Compagno, 1977 

Superorder BATOMORPHII Cappetta, 1980 

†APOLITHABATIFORMES ord. nov.

We consequently propose a new order, †Apolithabatiformes ord. nov., which includes the single family, †Spathobatidae with the genera †Aellopobatis, †Apolithabatis gen. nov., †Asterodermus, †Belemnobatis, †Kimmerobatis, and †Spathobatis. This order represents the most plesiomorphic clade within Batomorphii being placed on the stem of the total group Batomorphii. It is possible that the hitherto undescribed Late Jurassic batomorph from Argentina, previously considered merely as Batomorphii indet. by Cione (1999) [14], also belongs to this order, which, however, can only be clarified by a detailed examination of the specimen.

Type species. †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov.

Included taxa: †Aellopobatis bavarica, †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov., †Asterodermus platypterus, †Belemnobatis spp., †Kimmerobatis etchesi, †Spathobatis spp.

Etymology: The name ’Apolithabatiformes’ is composed of two Greek words, i.e., ’aπολίθωμα’ (apolíthoma) meaning ’fossil’ and ’βατίς’ (batís) meaning ’ray’ or ’skate’.

Diagnostic characters. Elongated mesopterygium contiguous with propterygium and similar in shape; lateral articulation of antorbital cartilages (if present) to nasal capsules; two true fin spines anterior to dorsal fins (absent in some taxa);

Family †SPATHOBATIDAE Dames, 1888 

†APOLITHABATIS gen. nov.

Type species. †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov.

 Etymology: Identical to that of the order †Apolithabatiformes (see above): the genus name ’Apolithabatis’ is composed of two Greek words, i.e., ’Απολίθωμα’ (apolíthoma) meaning ’fossil’, and ’βατίς’ (batís) meaning ’ray’ or ’skate’.

Stratigraphic and geographic distribution: Only known from the upper Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) of the ’Solnhofen Archipelago’ (Painten), Bavaria, Germany.

Diagnosis: A guitarfish-like batomorph unique in having the following combination of characters: heart-shaped disc that is wider than long; pointed snout; antorbital cartilages present but reaching less than halfway between the nasal capsules and the propterygium; vertebral centra extending less than half of the synarcual length; large mesopterygium tangent to the propterygium; 40 pectoral radials (9 propterygial, 11 mesopterygial, 20 metapterygial); no pectoral radials articulate directly with the scapulocoracoid between the meso- and metapterygium; pectoral radials segmented in up to five segments; at least 16 pairs of ribs; 19 basipterygial radials (including one compound radial); puboischiadic bar curved anteriorly; no postpelvic processes present; broad and triangular lateral prepelvic processes; well-developed and plate-like haemal and supraneural spines; conspicuous bulge-like structure formed by the supraneural spines in front of each dorsal fin; no fin spines present.

†APOLITHABATIS SEIOMA gen. et sp. nov.

Environmental reconstruction showing †Apolithabatis seioma gen. et sp. nov. in association with a juvenile pleurosaurid.

     Julia Türtscher, Patrick L. Jambura, Frederik Spindler and Jürgen Kriwet. 2025. Insights into Stem Batomorphii: A New holomorphic Ray (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from the upper Jurassic of Germany. PLoS ONE. 20(1): e0310174. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310174

  facebook.com/FrederikSpindler7/posts/9011371638932562

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius ngoclinhensis • A New Snake of the Genus Hebius (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Ngoc Linh Mountain Range, Vietnam

 Hebius ngoclinhensis 

Le, Phan, T. L. Nguyen, Murphy, Lam, S. N. Nguyen & Che, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/399775730

 

Abstract

We describe a new keelback snake of the genus Hebius from the Ngoc Linh Mountain Range, Central Highlands, Vietnam, based on morphological characters and molecular evidence (Cytb). Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov. is diagnosed by the following combination of morphological features: dorsal scale rows 19-19-17; first dorsal scale row smooth; ventrals 143–148; subcaudals 95–97, paired; two preoculars; two or three postoculars; one loreal; eight or nine supralabials; ten infralabials; cloacal plate divided; maxillary teeth 24–26, gradually enlarged, with two distinctly enlarged teeth posteriorly; 17 keeled dorsal scale rows at midbody; dorsal surface of body and tail dark brown with numerous irregular dark yellow spots; a distinct reddish-brown dorsolateral stripe on the 4th–7th dorsal scale rows on each side; ventral surface of body and tail reddish-orange to orange; and lateral margins of ventrals and subcaudals dark brown. In addition, the new species differs from its congeners by an uncorrected p-distance in Cytb sequences of at least 9.3%.

Reptilia, Central highlands of Vietnam, Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov., keelback snakes, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy

Holotype of  Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov. (ILS h.20386) in life.
A, whole body in dorsolateral view; B, whole body in ventral view;
C–F, dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of head, respectively (scale bar 5 mm);
 G & H, sulcal and asulcal views of hemipenis, respectively.

  Paratypes of  Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov. in life.
 ILS h.20756, adult female: A & B, dorsal and ventral views of whole body, respectively; C–F, dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of head, respectively. ILS h.20765, subadult male: G–H, dorsolateral and ventral views of whole body; I & K, dorsal and lateral views of head, respectively; L, sulcal view of hemipenis. Scale bars 5 mm.

Distribution and habitat of Hebius ngoclinhensis sp. nov.
A, sampling sites: 1–3, Dak Glei District, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam; 4, Tra My District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam).
B & C, macro- and microhabitat of the new species in the type locality, respectively

MANH VAN LE, KHANH DUY PHAN, THANH LUAN NGUYEN, ROBERT W. MURPHY, NGON QUANG LAM, SANG NGOC NGUYEN and JING CHE. 2026. A New Snake of the Genus Hebius (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Ngoc Linh Mountain Range, Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5748(4); 480-498. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.2 [2026-01-15]

 Researchgate.net/publication/399775730_A_new_snake_of_the_genus_Hebius_from_the_Ngoc_Linh_Mountain_Range_Vietnam

facebook.com/luongcubosatVietnam/posts/1634906191227204

[Ichthyology • 2026] Sternopygus embera • Towards Deconstruction of the Sternopygus macrurus species complex (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae): Description of A New Species from the Pacific Coast of Colombia

 

Sternopygus embera 

Torgersen, Galindo-Cuervo, Ortega-Lara, Lujan, Reis & Albert, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/399770371

Abstract

A new species of longtail electric knifefish, Sternopygus embera sp. nov., is described from the trans-Andean Río Baudó and Río San Juan basins of the Pacific coast of northwestern Colombia. The new species is diagnosed from all congeners by a unique combination of characters, including the complete lack of a humeral spot, morphology of the Weberian apparatus, lack of pigment bars or saddles, possession of endopterygoid teeth, vertically-oriented ascending endopterygoid process, a short snout, convex dorsal margin of neurocranium in adults, and 22–23 precaudal vertebrae. Despite sharing more external morphological similarities with species of the S. macrurus complex, the new species is phylogenetically nested within the larger-bodied and longer-snouted trans-Andean S. aequilabiatus species group, based on phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial barcode gene. Alternative hypotheses for these contrasting results, including mitochondrial introgression, incomplete lineage sorting, and paedomorphosis, are discussed. The description of this species is a step towards deconstructing the S. macrurus complex ahead of a future systematic revision.

Pisces, río Baudó, Chocó, freshwater, knifefish, río San Juan, taxonomy, Trans-Andean region

Holotype of Sternopygus embera, CZUT-IC 28654, 326 mm TL, 264 mm LEA. Scale bars = 1 cm.

Live Sternopygus embera CZUT-IC 28654, holotype, from the Río Baudó basin immediately after capture.

Sternopygus embera Torgersen, Galindo-Cuervo, Ortega-Lara, Lujan, Reis, & Albert, new species

Etymology. The specific epithet honors the Emberá, an Indigenous people native to the Chocó region of westernColombia, where the new species occurs. The name acknowledges the deep connection of the Emberá people withthe region’s rivers and ecosystems. A noun in apposition.

 

Kevin T. TORGERSEN, Aleidy M. GALINDO-CUERVO, Armando ORTEGA-LARA, Nathan K. LUJAN, Roberto E. REIS and James S. ALBERT. 2026. Towards Deconstruction of the Sternopygus macrurus species complex (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae): Description of A New Species from the Pacific Coast of Colombia.  Zootaxa. 5748(4); 539-560. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.4.5 [2026-01-15]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/399770371_Towards_deconstruction_of_the_Sternopygus_macrurus_species_complex_Description_of_a_new_species_from_the_Pacific_Coast_of_Colombia

[Entomology • 2022] Metapocyrtus baulorum & M. malindangensis • Two New Species of the Genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Northern Mindanao Philippines

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum 

Cabras, Pajota, Rivera & Medina, 2022

  du.lv/en/research/institutes

Abstract

 Two new species of the genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, subgenus Dolichocephalocyrtus Schultze 1925 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Northern Mindanao, Philippines are described and illustrated. The novel species are Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov. and Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov. from Mt. Malindang, Misamis Occidental and Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao. Photographs of habitus and male genitalia are presented with a brief ecologic note of their habitats. 

Keywords: archipelago, beetles, endemic, novel species, taxonomy, weevils

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.
A–C, Holotype male; A. dorsal view, B. lateral view, C rostrum (dorsal view).
D–F, Paratype female; D. dorsal view, E. lateral view, and F. rostrum (dorsal view).

Species of plants associated with Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.:
A– Philippine oak tree, Lithocarpus sulithi (Soepadmo 1970); B– leaves of a Philippine oak tree with visible chew marks; C– M. (D.) baulorum sp. nov. perching on its natural habitat.

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov. 
 A–C, Holotype male; A. dorsal view, B. lateral view, C rostrum (dorsal view).
D–F, Paratype female; D. dorsal view, E. lateral view, and F. rostrum (dorsal view).

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov.  

Analyn Cabras, Efrhain Loidge Pajota, Rodrin Rivera and Milton Norman Medina. 2022. Two New Species of the Genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, subgenus Dolichocephalocyrtus Schultze 1925 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Northern Mindanao Philippines. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp. 22(1); 113 – 123.  

 du.lv/en/research/institutes/institute-of-life-sciences-and-technologies/issued-journal/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis-archives/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis-volume-22-no-1-2022

  twitter.com/imEfrhainLoidge/status/1602873163905654784

[Diplopoda • 2025] Apterourus palomar • A third species of the rare Millipede Genus Apterourus Loomis, 1966 (Chordeumatida: Striarioidea: Apterouridae) from California, USA

Apterourus palomar Shear, Richart and Marek, 2025

 

journals.flvc.org/mundi

Abstract

The millipede genus Apterourus Loomis, 1966, the only genus of the family Apterouridae Loomis, 1966 (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Striarioidea), contains two species and is rarely collected. We add a third species from Mt. Palomar, San Diego County, California, USA, Apterourus palomar Shear, Richart and Marek, new species.

Keywords: New Species, Mt. Palomar, California

Apterourus palomar Shear, Richart and Marek, new species.

 William A. Shear, Casey H. Richart, Paul E. Marek. 2025. A third species of the rare Millipede Genus Apterourus Loomis, 1966 (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Striarioidea: Apterouridae) Insecta Mundi. 1159: 1–7. [November 28, 2025] 

https://journals.flvc.org/mundi/article/view/140680

https://www.facebook.com/groups/205802113162102/posts/1957847614624201/

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma fibrifera (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Tuan, Sy, Taesuk, Nguyen, Phimpha et Boonma, 2026.  

Taiwania. 71(1);  

Nghệ Sợi Trắng  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2149 

Abstract

Knowledge of the diversity of Curcuma species in mainland Southeast Asia remains incomplete, and Vietnam is no exception. To address this gap, we conducted extensive field surveys throughout the country to document native taxa and clarify previously uncertain records. As a result of these efforts, we described and illustrated a new species, Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, Saensouk & P.Saensouk. In addition, we confirm the presence of three further species, C. comosa Roxb., C. petiolata Roxb., and C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, in Vietnam for the first time, and we correct the prior misidentifications. To complement the taxonomic findings, we applied species distribution modeling to evaluate both current and future suitable habitats for these taxa under low- and high-emission climate scenarios. The inclusion of these species raises the total number of Curcuma subgenus Curcuma in Vietnam to 16, though actual diversity may still be underestimated. Full taxonomic accounts are provided for the new species and newly verified records, covering morphological descriptions, distribution, habitat preferences, phenology, taxonomic affinities, traditional uses, and conservation status. This study contributes a more comprehensive account of Curcuma diversity in Vietnam, supports conservation planning, and identifies priorities for further taxonomic and ecological investigations.

Keyword: Conservation, Curcuma comosa, Curcuma fibrifera, Curcuma petiolate, Curcuma phrayawan, Indochina, Zingibereae

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk.
 A. Front view of flower. B. Side view of anther with floral tube. C. Front view of anther with dissected floral tube to show the epigynous glands. D. Dorsal corolla lobe E. Lateral corolla lobes. F. Lateral staminodes. G. Labellum. H. Dissected calyx. I. Side view of flower. J. Fertile bract. K. Habit. L. Cincinnus with flower and young buds. Photos by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk.
A. Dissection of branches rhizome, and fibrous threads visible when broken apart of branches rhizome. B. Habits. C. Semi-top view of inflorescences. D. Side view of inflorescence with flowers. E. Dorsal corolla lobe. F. Lateral corolla lobes. G. Cincinnus with flower and young buds. H. Side view of flower. I. Lateral staminodes. J. Labellum. K. Side view of anther with floral tube. L. Front view of anther with dissected floral tube to show the epigynous glands. M. Front view of flower.

Photos by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Curcuma fibrifera is similar to C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma (Saensouk et al., 2021c, 2025b) in having terminal inflorescences, coma bracts, epigynous glands, spurred anthers, and flowers of the gullet type, but differs in having rhizomes ovoid to subglobose, 3–4 × 3–4 cm, ivory to cream (vs. ovoid, 5–9 × 3–5 cm, yellow); branches rhizome internal ivory with cream core, fibrous threads visible when broken (vs. yellow with darker yellow core, no fibrous threads when broken); leafy shoot 60–85 cm tall (vs. 100–150 cm); leaf sheaths 15–32 cm long (vs. 10–60 cm); petiole 5–13 cm long, green (vs. 15– 35 cm long, green with reddish tinge); lamina lanceolate to elliptic, 28–45 × 8–14 cm, base cuneate to rounded, midrib green (vs. narrowly lanceolate, 50–70 × 15–18 cm, base attenuate, midrib reddish-purple, fading with age); peduncle 20–24 cm long (vs. 30–40 cm); lateral staminodes asymmetrical ovate, apex obtuse to acute, 1.4–1.6 × 1.0 cm (vs. irregularly obovate, apex rounded, 1.3–1.4 × 0.7–0.8 cm); filament 3.2–3.5 mm long (vs. ca. 4 mm); anther spurs narrowly conical, ca. 1.5 mm, curved inward (vs. ca. 4 mm, pointing downward); and ovary oblate, 3–4 × 2 mm (vs. subglobose, ca. 3 × 3 mm).

Etymology: The specific epithet “fibrifera” is derived from the Latin words fibra meaning “fiber” and fero, ferre meaning “to bear, to produce, to carry.” Thus, fibrifera means “bearing fibers” or “producing fibers,” in reference to the characteristic fibrous threads that appear when the branches rhizome is broken, resembling the breaking of the petioles of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Vo Van Sy, Nonthiwat Taesuk, Danh Duc Nguyen, Suriya Phimpha and Thawatphong Boonma. 2026. A New Species and three new records of Curcuma subgenus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) for Vietnam with notes on their traditional utilization and conservation status.  Taiwania. 71(1); 83-100 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.83 [2026 January 12]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2149 

[Botany • 2026] Parakaempferia alba (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Parakaempferia alba Tatum, D.Koch, B.Hajong & P.Bharali,

in Mibang, Hajong, Koch et Bharali. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030

Abstract

Parakaempferia alba, a new species of Zingiberaceae from East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India is herein described. A detailed taxonomic description, diagnosis, color photoplate, distribution map, notes on habitat and ecology, conservation status, and a table of comparisons with the closely related species Parakaempferai synantha Rao & Verma are provided. This new species differs, inter alia, from P. synantha by its leaf characters, number of spikes, length of peduncle, number of bracts as well as their shape and size, bracteole shape and size, staminode shape and color, labellum shape and color of apical margin, anther size and color, filament size, style size, ovary shape, and by presence of two linear shaped glands attached to the ovary.

Keywords: Eastern Himalaya, new taxon, Parakaempferia, Siang Valley

Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. habit to the right.
To the left, the red dot indicate the type location of Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. in Miglung area of East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Black dots indicate the distribution of P. synantha in type location (North Lakhimpur, Assam) as well as in Murlen National Park, Champhai, Mizoram (Kumaret al. 2013).

Parakaempferia alba sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) base of stem with immature inflorescence, (C) inflorescence, (D) flower, (E) side view of a flower with bract (bt), bracteole (bl) and calyx (cx), (F) petal (md- medial, lt- lateral), (G) labellum with stamen (st), (H) staminode, (I) pistil with 2 glands (gn).

Parakaempferia alba Tatum, D.Koch, B.Hajong, P.Bharali sp. nov. 

Tatum Mibang, Bipankar Hajong, Devpratim Koch and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030 [14 January 2026]