[Botany • 2026] Impatiens zayuensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Xizang, China

 

 Impatiens zayuensis  S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, 

in Yuan, T. Hu, Zhang, Cao, Du, Chen, Cong, G.-W. Hu, Peng et Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.751.2.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/403820090 

english.CAS.cn

Abstract

Impatiens zayuensis (Balsaminaceae), from Cibagou National Nature Reserve in southeastern Xizang, China, is described. Based on molecular evidence, I. zayuensis is assigned to I. sect. Racemosae. Morphologically, it is close to I. margaritifera and I. casseabriae in having spurless flowers, but differs in upper stem with glands, ovate lateral sepals, dentate margin of lateral sepals, sub-dolabriform or oblong lower petal, and oblique mouth of lower sepal. Phylogenetically, the new species does not cluster with the other two similar spurless species, indicating that the spurless character may have evolved several times within the I. sect. Racemosae.

Impatiens, New Species, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Xizang, Eudicots

 Impatiens zayuensis.
 A. habitat; B. inflorescence; C-D. front view of flower; E-F. lateral view of flower; G. dissected flower (a. dorsal petal; b. lateral sepals; c. lateral united petals; d. lower sepal; e. stamens and pedicel); H. capsule and fruit stalk. I. seeds; J. leaves; K. root (Image by YUAN Taohua)

Morphological comparison of Impatiens zayuensis (A1-I1) and I. margaritifera (A2-I2).
A. inflorescences; B. the upper part of the stems (showing glands); C. leaves (showing glands at the base of the leaf blade); D. front view of flowers; E. lateral view of flowers; F. lateral sepals; G. dorsal petals; H. lateral united petals; I. lower sepals

 (1-I1 photographed by YUAN Taohua; B2-E2 by HUANG Wen; F2-I2 by PENG Shuai)

Impatiens zayuensis S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang

TAO-HUA YUAN, TIAN HU, BEI ZHANG, MING CAO, ZHI DU, XIANG-YUN CHEN, YI-YAN CONG, GUANG-WAN HU, SHUAI PENG and QING-FENG WANG. 2026. A New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from southeastern Xizang, China.  Phytotaxa. 751(2); 163-175. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.751.2.7 [2026-04-15] 

Researchgate.net/publication/403820090_A_new_species_of_Impatiens_from_Tibet

 english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research-news/202605/t20260507_1158557.shtml

[Paleontology • 2026] New Fossil Material of Chelus colombiana (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru

 

Chelus colombiana MUSM-920
specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru.
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron. 

in Cadena, Salas-Gismondi, Zamora-Vega, ... et Pérez-García. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135

  Artistic reconstruction  by Juan Giraldo

Abstract

We describe two fossil turtle shells of Chelus colombiana from Middle Miocene vertebrate localities in the Fitzcarrald Arch and Iquitos regions of Peru. One specimen represents one of the most complete fossil shells of the genus, also one of the largest known, measuring 84.6 cm in carapace length and estimated to have weighed approximately 65 kg. Morphological comparisons confirm synchronous consistency with other C. colombiana specimens from Colombia and Brazil, with only minor variation in the gular and extragular scutes. These new records extend the known geographic distribution of C. colombiana to the southwestern margins of the Pebas wetland system and support a broader pattern of body size gigantism among Miocene South American turtles, likely driven by ecological connectivity rather than climatic factors. However, the absence of associated cranial material remains a major obstacle to fully resolving the taxonomy of fossil Chelus, a problem further explored in this study.

Keywords: South America; Neogene; Pebas Formation; Testudines; Pleurodira; paleobiogeography

Systematic paleontology

Order Testudines Batsch, 1788 sensu Joyce et al., 2020a

Suborder Pleurodira Cope, 1865 sensu Joyce et al., 2020b

Family Chelidae Gray, 1825 sensu Joyce et al., 2021

Genus Chelus Duméril, 1806

Chelus colombiana Wood, 1976

 Shell of Chelus colombiana MUSM-920 specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru. 
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron.
 (D) Artistic reconstruction of Chelus colombiana by Juan Giraldo.

Edwin-Alberto Cadena, Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi, Camila Zamora-Vega, John Flynn, Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Patrice Baby and Adán Pérez-García. 2026. New Fossil Material of Chelus (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru. Palaeoworld. 35(5); 201135. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135 [25 May 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Sphaenopolystichum) • A New cave fern from Guangxi, China

 

Polystichum oligodontum  Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, 

in Nong, Jiang, Xiong, Q.-J. Wei, G.-Y. Wei, Ji, Lai et  H.-J. Wei, 2025. 

稀齿耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701

Abstract

Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae), a new fern species in P. subg. Haplopolystichum from three karst caves in northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This species is unique in having pinnae with a shallow or nearly free lobe on the acroscopic base and coarsely toothed distal margins. It resembles P. membranifolium and P. kwangtungense in its reflexed and oblong pinnae with an obtuse or rounded apex, but can be easily distinguished by its remote pinnae bearing a lobe at the acroscopic base. The new species also somewhat resembles P. leveillei in the nearly free basal lobe, but differs by its toothed upper pinna margins. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 56 Polystichum species, based on the rbcL gene, supports the placement of P. oligodontum within P. sect. Sphaenopolystichum, with P. alcicorne as its closest relative. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assigned to the Critically Endangered (CR) category.

Key words: Cave ferns, coarse tooth, karst area, serration pattern

Polystichum oligodontum (from Bama county).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B. Lower portions of stipes showing scales; C, D. Habits; E. Portions of laminae (adaxially); F. Portions of laminae (abaxially); G. Pinna showing sori; H. Portion of pinna showing indusia.

Polystichum oligodontum (from Fengshan County).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B, C. Habit; D. Portions of laminae (adaxially); E. Scales from stipes base (bottom), pinna base (middle) and pinna surface (top); F. Portions of lamina (abaxially).

 Polystichum oligodontum Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Polystichum oligodontum is unique by the pinna acroscopic side with a shallow or nearly free lobe at the base and coarsely toothed along distal margins.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, oligodontum, meaning “few teeth”, and referring to the number of the teeth on pinna margins.

Chinese name. 稀齿耳蕨 (xī chǐ ěr jué).

 You Nong, Ri-Hong Jiang, Chi Xiong, Qiu-Jun Wei, Gui-Yuan Wei, Xing-Yun Ji, Ke-Dao Lai and Hong-Jin Wei. 2025. Polystichum oligodontum (subg. Haplopolystichum, Dryopteridaceae), A New cave fern from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 266: 297-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701 [25 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum ensiforme (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtomiopsis) • A New simple-lamina Species from Lingnan Region, China

 

[A-C] Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang;  
[D-F] P. basipinnatum (Baker) Ching

 [A & D] Habit, [B & E] Portion of frond, [C & F] Portion of lamina showing sori

in Shang, J.-L. Li, Z.-Y. Li, SHAO, F.-H. Li, D. Li, Liu et Jiang, 2025. 

剑叶鞭叶耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740

 (photos: Z. Y. Li; W. Q. Wang; X. L. Zhou & K. Ye). 

Abstract

Polystichum ensiforme, a new polystichoid fern species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species most closely resembles P. basipinnatum but differs in having a generally simple lamina, scattered sori, and leathery lamina texture. Phylogenetic analysis placed it as an isolated clade within P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis. A key to the species of P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis is also provided.

Cyrtomidictyum, fern, phylogeny, taxonomy, whip-like leaves, Pteridophytes

Morphological comparison between Polystichum ensiforme (top) and P. basipinnatum (bottom): A. & D. Habit, B. & E.Portion of frond, C. & F. Portion of lamina showing sori

 (photo credits: A & C by Z. Y. Li; B by W. Q. Wang; D by X. L. Zhou; E &F by K. Ye). 

Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The species epithet is derived from the Latin, ensiform (sword-shaped), referring to sword-shaped fronds of the new species.

Vernacular name:—剑叶鞭叶耳蕨(jiàn yè biān yè ěr jué)

HUI SHANG, JIAN-LING LI, ZHONG-YANG LI, WEN SHAO, FANG-HUA LI, DONG LI, HONG-MEI LIU and RI-HONG JIANG. 2025. A New simple-lamina Species of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) from Lingnan Region, China.  Phytotaxa. 704(2); 178-186. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5 [2025-06-06] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740_A_new_species_of_Polystichum_from_Lingnan_China

New sword-shaped fern species found in Guangxi

http://english.xtbg.cas.cn/rh/rp/202506/t20250616_1045654.html

[Botany • 2026] Primula octopoda (Primulaceae) • A stoloniferous New Species from western Sichuan, China

 

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang,  

in Q. Huang, X. Wang, W.-J. Huang, Yang, Pan, Ru, J.-P. Wang et Ju, 2026.

巴塘粉报春 | DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74088 

 

ABSTRACT

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang, a new species of Primula (Primulaceae) in sect. Aleuritia, is herein described and illustrated from Batang County, Sichuan Province, southwestern China. Morphologically, P. octopoda is most similar to P. stenocalyx, but it can be readily distinguished by its dwarf habit, the presence of stolons 2–7 cm in length ending in small rosettes occasionally bearing a single flower, elliptic to broadly obovate leaf blades, a very short or absent scape bearing one or two flowers, and a smaller, annulate corolla with a prominent yellow eye. The complete chloroplast genome of P. octopoda spans 154,164 bp with a GC content of 36.97% and contains 125 genes. Phylogenetic analyses using plastid and ITS data both place P. octopoda within sect. Aleuritia while supporting its distinct species status. Given the current lack of adequate information on its population size and geographic range, the species is provisionally assigned a status of Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: molecular phylogeny, morphology, new species, Primula, taxonomy

Habitat of the Primula octopoda.
 (A) Habitat; (B–D) Plants.

Morphology of Primula octopoda.
 (A) Plant; (B) roots; (C) leaves; (D) inflorescence; (E) corolla; (F) bracts; (G) calyx; (H) thrum flower and pin flower; (I) capsule.

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. The new species most closely resembles P. stenocalyx, sharing narrowly lanceolate bracts, a tubular calyx with similarly divided oblong or lanceolate lobes, stamens and style included within the corolla tube, and an oblong capsule. However, it differs in its shorter stature, the presence of 2–7 cm long stolons each ending in a small rosette and occasionally bearing a solitary flower, elliptic to broadly obovate leaves, a scape up to 2 cm long or absent with 1–2 flowers, and an annulate corolla with a yellow eye and smaller flowers (Figures 2 and 3).

Etymology. The specific epithet of the new species refers to its distinctive feature of producing multiple stout, fleshy stolons that resemble the tentacles of an octopus; hence the name octopoda, which vividly reflects the plant's numerous stolons extending like “eight legs.”

Vernacular Name. Chinese mandarin: “bā táng fĕn bào chūn” (巴塘粉报春), meaning “Batang Farinose Primrose” in English.

 

Qin Huang, Xin Wang, Wen-Jun Huang, Jie-Yi Yang, Hong-Li Pan, Jian Ru, Jiang-Ping Wang and Wen-Bin Ju. 2026. Primula octopoda, A stoloniferous New Species from Western Sichuan, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74088 [27 August 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum cretaceum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtogonellum) • A New fern from Guangxi, China

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu,  

 

in X.-H. Chen, Shu, Xu, Liu, L.-J. Chen, He, Zheng et Gu, 2025. 

白垩柳叶耳蕨 | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725

Abstract

Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) is a cosmopolitan fern genus known for its rich species diversity, with its primary diversity center in eastern Asia. In this study, we describe a novel species, Polystichum cretaceum, discovered in Napo County, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This species is distinguished by its dwarf habit, fronds simple or 1-pinnate (pinnae 2–4 pairs), pilose or glabrous surface, and fenestrate perispores. This new species resembles P. fraxinellum but differs by having oval pinnae with entire margins and free veins, while P. fraxinellum has ovate-lanceolate pinnae with slightly recurved margins and anastomosing veins. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship between P. cretaceum and P. minimum. However, P. minimum differs in having obliquely ovate lateral pinnae with shallowly incised-toothed margins and acuminate apices.

new taxon, Cyrtogonellum, ferns, species diversity, Pteridophytes, rbcL gene, chloroplast genome

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “cretaceum” is derived from the habitat of this newly identified species, which thrives on moist, chalky soil slopes.

Vernacular name:—白垩柳叶耳蕨 (bai e liu ye er jue) 

 

XIAO-HUA CHEN, JIANG-PING SHU, YI-DA XU, HONG-MEI LIU, LI-JUN CHEN, JIAO HE, XI-LONG ZHENG and YU-FENG GU. 2025. Polystichum cretaceum (Polystichum sect. Cyrtogonellum, Dryopteridaceae), A New fern from Guangxi, China.  Phytotaxa. 690(2); 276-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8 [2025-02-28]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725_Polystichum_cretaceum_a_new_fern_from_Guangxi_China

[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria flavicollaris • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand

 

 Calamaria flavicollaris

 Aksornneam, Rujirawan, Yodthong, Pawangkhanant, Sung & Aowphol, 2026

 

Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake | งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Abstract

A new species of Calamaria is described from the Tenasserim Range, Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit and in contact with first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact with the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) dark collar followed by yellow ring at nuchal region. Genetically, the new species exhibits a pairwise distance of ≥17.56% from all other congeners based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene fragment. Furthermore, we provide cranial osteological description of the new species based on micro-CT scanning. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality and represents the fourth species of the genus recorded for Thailand. 

Keywords: cranial osteology; herpetofauna; Isthmus of Kra; molecular; reed snake; Southeast Asia

Holotype of Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131) in life. A small figure shows the yellow color on the ventral side of this species 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Head of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131).
A–B lateral view C–D dorsal view E–F ventral view

Holotype of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131)
in preservative. A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view at the midbody D dorsal view of tail E ventral view of tail

Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters (Tables 3, 4; Suppl. Table 1): 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit, and in contact first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding the paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) a dark nuchal collar followed by a yellow ring along neck.

Four Calamaria species in Thailand:
A Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. from Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province B C. lumbricoidea from Than To District, Yala Province
C C. schlegeli from Betong District, Yala Province D C. pavimentata from Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province 

Photos by Parinya Pawangkhanant (A–C) and Attapol Rujirawan (D)

Etymology. The specific epithet flavicollaris is derived from the Latin words “flavo” (yellow), “collare” (collar or neck), and the suffix “-aris”, which refers to the appearance of the yellow nuchal ring of this species. 

We suggested an English common name “Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake” and the Thai common name “งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ” (Ngu Phong O Buang Bat) for this species.

 Akrachai Aksornneam, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Yik-Hei Sung, and Anchalee Aowphol. 2026. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand.  Contributions to Zoology. 95(4); 366–410. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 [22 Sep 2026]

งูพงอ้อหัวแดง Calamaria schlegeli; 

งูพงอ้อหลากลาย Calamaria lumbricoidea; 

งูพงอ้อท้องเหลือง Calamaria pavimentata

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma koonmeeana (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Hitcheniopsis) • A New endemic Species from Central Thailand

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, 

in S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Boonma, Ruannakarn, Junsongduang et Setyawan. 2026.  

กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Abstract

Continued botanical exploration in previously insufficiently surveyed areas of Saraburi Province, Central Thailand, revealed an undescribed member of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis. This study aimed to formally describe the taxon, assess its morphological distinctiveness, evaluate its phenetic relationships, and provide a preliminary conservation assessment. Morphological observations were based on living and freshly collected material, herbarium specimens, protologues, and comparative taxonomic sources. Phenetic relationships among 11 taxa were assessed using 34 morphological characters, the Gower coefficient, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The new species, Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, is distinguished from morphologically allied taxa by a unique combination of fertile-bract architecture, poorly developed coma bracts, well-exserted flowers, labellum morphology and indumentum, yellow markings, and anther-crest configuration. Phenetic analyses summarized overall morphological relationships among the sampled taxa, with Curcuma charanii Boonma & Saensouk showing the greatest Gower similarity to C. koonmeeana. The species is currently known from two populations along the same limestone mountain range and is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1). Its recognition increases the known native diversity of subgen. Hitcheniopsis in Thailand to 31 taxa, comprising 30 species and one natural hybrid. The discovery highlights the continuing value of targeted botanical exploration and the need for habitat and population conservation.

Keywords: Curcuma; Hitcheniopsis; limestone; phenetic analysis; Phra Phutthabat; Saraburi; taxonomy

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.:
(a) Habit. (b) Thyrse with flowers. (c) Front view of flower. (d,e) Coma bracts. (f) Lateral view of fertile bract. (g) Fertile bract. (h) Front view of anther. (i) Lateral view of anther. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Dorsal corolla lobe. (l) Lateral corolla lobes. (m) Cincinnus with bracteole and flower. (n) Lateral staminodes. (o) Labellum. (p) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma koonmeeana is morphologically most similar to C. charanii in having short, non-creeping rhizome branches, glabrous laminae and fertile bracts, exserted flowers, and similarly coloured lateral staminodes, but differs in having an internally pale-yellow rhizome (vs. ivory), globose to subglobose tuberous roots (vs. fusiform), undulate lamina margins (vs. entire), fertile bracts with the lower ones obtrullate and the upper ones rhomboid to lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate), longer, well-exserted flowers (vs. exserted), narrower lateral staminodes with a broadly obtuse to occasionally acute apex (vs. broader, with a rounded apex), a larger, deeply bilobed labellum with a V-shaped sinus c. 8 mm deep (vs. emarginate, with a sinus 4–5 mm deep), and a white filament (vs. pale purple)  

Etymology: The specific epithet “koonmeeana” is named in honor of Mrs. Koonmee Saensouk, in recognition of her invaluable support and contributions behind the study of Zingiberaceae diversity in Thailand.   "กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี"

Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Prasert Ruannakarn, Auemporn Junsongduang and Ahmad Dwi Setyawan. 2026. Continued Botanical Exploration Uncovers A New endemic Species of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from Central Thailand. Life. 16(10), 1623. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623 [28 September 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Primula xideensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

 

 Primula xideensis W.B.Ju, Hu Ju & Bo Xu,   

in J.-T. Li, X. Li, Liu, Xu, Hu, Meng et Ju, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15121829

Abstract

We document and illustrate Primula xideensis, a new species collected from Xide County, Sichuan Province, China. Morphologically, it resembles P. stenocalyx, P. farinosa s.l., and P. pulchella, but differs by its roots densely covered with multicellular hairs; elliptic to obovate leaves with non-revolute, irregularly and deeply dentate margins, both surfaces efarinose, shortly hairy, and scabrous; tubular calyx parted to the middle; corolla mouth densely white-farinose; stamens positioned at mid-corolla tube in pin flowers and near the throat in thrum flowers; styles reciprocally placed; and an oblong capsule shorter than the persistent calyx. To clarify its phylogenetic placement, we constructed phylogenetic trees using two datasets: 63 complete chloroplast genome sequences and 75 nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequences. Both trees showed similar topologies, consistently placing the new species within a monophyletic group of Sect. Aleuritia, supporting its assignment to this section. For a deeper comparison between the new species and other members of Sect. Aleuritia, we incorporated chloroplast genomes of seven additional species from this section. The results revealed highly conserved chloroplast genomes among all eight species, with only minor differences between the new species and the others. Primula xideensis is currently known only from its type locality. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Keywords: Primula sect. Aleuritia; morphological taxonomy; chloroplast genomics; molecular phylogeny

 Habitat of Primula xideensis sp. nov.

 Primula xideensis sp. nov.
 (A) fresh plants; (B) plant base, showing the roots and withered old leaves. (C) leaves; (D) Leaf abaxial surface and indumentum; (E) Corolla; (F) Bracts and calyx; (G) pin flower; (H) capsule; (I) seed; (J) thrum flower.

 Primula xideensis sp. nov.
  (A) habit; (B) leaves; (C) Leaf indumentum; (D) Bracts and calyx; (E) flowers: pin flower, thrum flower; (F) front of the flower; (G) capsule.

Primula xideensis W.B.Ju, Hu Ju, Bo Xu sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: Primula xideensis is most similar to P. stenocalyx, P. farinosa s.l. and P. pulchella, but differs by its roots densely covered with multicellular hairs, leaves with dentate to irregularly deeply dentate margins, both surfaces efarinose, densely short-hairy and scabrous, corolla mouth densely white-farinose, pin flowers with stamens inserted about the middle of the corolla tube and styles adjacent to the corolla throat, thrum flowers with stamens positioned near the corolla throat and styles inserted about the middle of the corolla tube, and an oblong capsule shorter than the persistent calyx.

 Jiang-Tao Li, Xiong Li, Cheng-Wu Liu, Bo Xu, Jun Hu, Fan-Juan Meng and Wen-Bin Ju. 2026. Primula xideensis (Primulaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China, Based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence. Plants. 15(12), 1829. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15121829   [12 June 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Hypomasticus rectangulatus • A New Species of Hypomasticus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Vila Nova River, State of Amapá, Brazil

Hypomasticus rectangulatus

Ito, Gama, Sabaj & Birindelli, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025102 

 Abstract  

A new species of Hypomasticus is described from the Vila Nova River, a left-bank tributary to the lower Amazon in the state of Amapá, Brazil. The new taxon belongs to the Hypomasticus granti group, a clade recently corroborated by molecular phylogenetics, and is diagnosed by a color pattern distinctive among anostomids: midlateral side with dusky rectangular blotch extending from the opercle to near vertical through dorsal-fin origin and followed by three dark oblong (vertically elongated) blotches well separated on posterior half of body, and (in adults) scales in anterior portion of lateral line and flanking rows with a dark spot at their base, forming three longitudinal rows within the dusky rectangular blotch. It further differs from congeners by having 32–34 perforated lateral-line scales and 12 circumpeduncular scale rows. Osteological examination revealed polymorphism in the number of dentary teeth regarding the presence of a fifth tooth, a condition previously observed in other members of the H. granti group. Sexual dimorphism was recorded with males exhibiting hypertrophy of the first pair of ribs, a condition previously unknown within this clade.

Hypomasticus rectangulatus.
(A) IEPA 5637, holotype, 213.3 mm SL and (B) IEPA 5417, paratype, 89.84 mm SL. Brazil, Amapa´ state, municipality of Mazaga˜o, rio Vila Nova. Photos by M. Sabaj. Scale = 1 cm.

Hypomasticus rectangulatus sp. nov. 

Etymology.—The specific epithet rectangulatus is derived from the Latin word meaning rectangular or right-angled, in reference to the distinctive rectangular blotch present on the anterior midlateral region of the body. An adjective.

 

Ian Solon Bortoloci Ito, Cecile de Souza Gama, Mark Henry Sabaj and José Luís Olivan Birindelli. 2026. A New Species of Hypomasticus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Vila Nova River, State of Amapá, Brazil. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3); 507-519. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025102 (22 September 2026)

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens yakandawalarum (Balsaminaceae) • A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka

 

 Impatiens yakandawalarum  Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, 

in Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi, Jayathissa, Gunarathna et Karunarathna, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118  

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Abstract

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov., a new ecalcarate species from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence. The species was discovered on a wet rocky slope at Manna Kathi Ella, Kitulgala, Kegalle District, and represents the first Sri Lankan Impatiens characterized by a consistently ecalcarate lower sepal across the examined population and material. It is distinguished by a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal, a fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ, and glabrous leaves. The flowers superficially resemble those of Impatiens thwaitesii Hook.f. ex Grey-Wilson, while the habit shows similarities to Impatiens janthina Thwaites. A description, illustrations, comparisons, and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Keywords: ecalcarate, endemic species, Kitulgala, lithophyte, fleshy subterranean storage organ

Floral and vegetative morphology of Impatiens yakandawalarum sp. nov.
  A. Flower, frontal view. B. Dissected floral parts showing dorsal petal, lateral petals, lateral sepals. C. Androecium. D. Fruiting capsule. E. Dehisced capsule and seeds. F. Cross section of seed capsule. G. Lower sepal, inner and lateral views. H. Flower, lateral view. I. Flower, rear view. J. Floral bracts. K. Flower buds, lateral and dorsal views. L. Leaf variation, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. M. Leaf margin. N. Habit. O. Basal stem and fibrous roots. P. Longitudinal section of fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ. Q. Fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ with fibrous roots. Scale bars as indicated

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Impatiens yakandawalarum differs from I. thwaitesii in possessing a globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ (vs absent), glabrous leaves (vs pubescent adaxially), terminal 2 – 3-flowered, umbel-like racemes (vs 6- to many-flowered subumbellate racemes), and a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal with a linear series of purplish-pink internal spots (vs a spurred lower sepal without such a linear series). It differs from I. janthina in its branched, 4 – 6 mm thick stem, terminal 2 – 3-flowered racemes with peduncles 5 – 16 cm long, completely ecalcarate lower sepal, and elongate-fusiform capsules.

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Professor Deepthi Yakandawala and Professor Kapila Yakandawala for their contributions to plant taxonomy, systematics, forestry, conservation and botanical research in Sri Lanka. As the epithet commemorates two people sharing the surname Yakandawala, yakandawalarum is formed as a genitive plural by adding -rum to a personal name ending in -a, in accordance with Art. 60.8 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al., 2025). 

Proposed common names E. Kitulgala Balsam,
S. කිතුල්ගල කූඩලු

Bhathiya Gopallawa, S. I. Hapuarachchi, Chathura Jayathissa, S. S. Gunarathna and Peshala Pasan Karunarathna. 2026. A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science. 55(4); 1424-1433. DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118 [Sep 30, 2026] 

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[Paleontology • 2026] Norellraptor barsboldi • Independent Assembly of the Flight Apparatus in A Non-avian Dinosaur Clade

  

 Norellraptor barsboldi 

Wang, Ji, Cau, Kundrát, Liu, Wang & Ji, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77804-6

Abstract

The discovery of feathered dinosaurs revolutionized the studies on the origin of birds and the evolution of their flight. Among paravians (birds and their closest relatives), the microraptorine dromaeosaurids are unique in bearing several flight-related adaptations with a controversial evolutionary interpretation, supporting, alternatively, flight as ancestral to Paraves or having evolved multiple times among the latter. Here, we introduce an exquisitely-preserved member of Microraptorinae, Norellraptor barsboldi gen. et sp. nov., and describe in detail forelimb osteohistological features for that clade. Norellraptor nests among late-diverging microraptorines and supports step-wise assembly of aerial adaptations in that clade. About 30% of the microraptorine synapomorphies are convergently acquired by the bird lineage (Avialae). Yet, the sequences of flight-related novelties reconstructed along the two lineages differ consistently; combined with histological evidence which might indicate a peculiar limb growth model in Microraptorinae, these results dismiss a shared developmental pattern driving the evolution of the flying dinosaurs and support multiple and independent selective regimes at the origin of the winged taxa in Paraves.

 Norellraptor barsboldi 130108-MHGU-F4281
a Whole specimen. b Skull in lateral view. c Close up of the rostrum. d Close up of the posterior part of skull. e Pectoral region. f Distal end of tail.

aof, antorbital fossa; arm, ascending ramus of maxilla; at, anterior tympanic recess; bt, basal tuber; bp, basypterygoid process; cf, coracoid fenestra; ct, caudal tympanic recess; cnV, 5th cranial nerve opening; cnVII, 7th cranial nerve opening; cv, cervical vertebra; d1, first dorsal vertebra; de, dentary; dt, dorsal tympanic recess; fo, foramen; fr, frontal; fu, furcula; gl, glenoid; h, humerus; la, lacrimal; lat, laterosphenoid; lcv, last caudal vertebra; lp, lateral pneumatic recess; mc, metacarpus; mxf, maxillary fenestra; na, nasal; oc, otosphenoid crest; or, otic region; pa, parietal; paw, postantral wall; pmx, premaxilla; pp, paroccipital process; ppd, posterior processes of dentary; pt, pterygoid; pxf, promaxillary fenestra; r, radius; rp, retroarticular process; sa, surangular; sc, scapula; so, supraoccipital; sp, sternal plate; sr, sclerotic ring; u, ulna; up, uncinate process; vor, ventral otic recess. 

Arrow indicates point of histological sampling. 

Scale bar = 50 mm (a); 10 mm (b–f).

 Norellraptor barsboldi 130108-MHGU-F4281, appendicular elements.
a Right hand. b Pubis. c Feet.

am, acetabular margin; ap, apron; cs, claw soft tissue; gi, gastral impression; mcI-III, metacarpals I to III; mtI-V, metatarsals I to V; p, phalanx; pf, pubic foot; r, radius; sc, semilunate carpal; t, tibiotarsus; u, ulna; uI-III, unguals 1 to 3. 

Scale bar = 10 mm.

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842 

Theropoda Marsh, 1881 

Dromaeosauridae Matthew and Brown, 1922  

Microraptorinae Senter et al., 2004 

Microraptorini (Senter et al., 2004) 

Norellraptor barsboldi gen. et sp. nov.

Locality and horizon: Lamadong Town, Jianchang County, western Liaoning, China. Jiufotang Formation, Lower Cretaceous. China.

Diagnosis: Microraptorine dromaeosaurid with the unique combination of features (autapomorphies marked by asterisk; Supplementary Fig. 2): premaxilla with length of prenarial part half the depth of the subnarial body; large promaxillary fenestra occupying the whole rostral third of the antorbital fossa*, and with long axis inclined 35° caudodorsally; pila promaxillaris narrower than the pila interfenestralis and both less than half the diameter of the maxillary fenestra*; pubis gently curved caudoventrally with small foot having the posterior projection less than the diameter of the pubic shaft*. Differential diagnosis: Norellraptor differs from Changyuraptor in having basally-constricted dentary crowns and in the semilunate carpal barely

 

Etymology: The genus name refers to the American palaeontologist Mark Allen Norell (1957-2025), with Latin word “raptor” (“robber”), a frequently used suffix in dromaeosaurid taxonomy. The species name refers to the Mongolian palaeontologist Rinchen Barsbold (1935-2025). The new taxon name remarks and honours the exceptional contributions by R. Barsbold and M. A. Norell to the study of the bird-like dinosaurs.

 

Xuri Wang, Yannan Ji, Andrea Cau, Martin Kundrát, Yichuan Liu, Yang Wang and Qiang Ji. 2026. Independent Assembly of the Flight Apparatus in A Non-avian Dinosaur Clade. Nature Communications. 17: 10074. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-77804-6 [29 September 2026]