[Paleontology • 2026] Foskeia pelendonum • A New rhabdodontomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Salas de los Infantes (Burgos Province, Spain), and a new phylogeny of ornithischian dinosaurs

Foskeia pelendonum

Dieudonné, Becerra, Zanesco, Tortosa, Cruzado-Caballero, Stein & Fernández-Baldor, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70057 

 

Abstract

The Vegagete ornithopod is a diminutive bipedal iguanodont from the upper Barremian to lower Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) Castrillo de la Reina Formation of the Burgos Province (Spain). This dinosaur is principally known from disarticulated and fragmentary postcranial remains and was established as the earliest rhabdodontomorph. However, the nature of this material did not allow formal diagnosis of what still appeared to be a new taxon due to its particularly small body size. Recently, new cranial elements have been identified. These elements underwent micro-computed tomography scanning, segmentation and three-dimensional assembly. We herein name the Vegagete ornithopod Foskeia pelendonum gen. et sp. nov. It is diagnosed by a high number of unique features such as the possession of fused premaxillae, procumbent premaxillary teeth, one filiform first dentary tooth, and an elevated craniomandibular joint. Simultaneously, we observe a unique ventrolateral extension of the insertion of the muscle adductor mandibulae externus superficialis on the coronoid process of the dentary. Answering a number of phylogenetic controversies, we provide an updated, taxonomically augmented ornithischian phylogeny toward poorly sampled regions of the ornithischian tree. Rhabdodontia nov. is defined as a restricted clade of European rhabdodontomorphs, including F. pelendonum and rhabdodontids. Rhabdodontomorpha is nested to the base of Ankylopollexia. Thescelosauridae includes Tenontosaurus, and Dryosauridae includes Elasmaria. Agilisaurus louderbacki and Minimocursor phunoiensis are basal ornithopods. Heterodontosauridae remains at the base of Pachycephalosauria. Silesauridae and Sauropodomorpha are resolved in a position closer to Ornithischia than to Theropoda. This provisional result is pending the inclusion of more saurischian characters and taxa.

Keywords: Rhabdodontia, Rhabdodontomorpha, Ornithopoda, Ornithischia, phylogeny

Reconstruction of the skull of Foskeia pelendonum based on different elements.

Foskeia pelendonum.
PaleoArt reconstruction by Martina Charnell

Growth trajectory of Foskeia pelendonum, compared to an adult chicken.
This trajectory is based on differently sized bony elements and their histology.
Note the proportionally smaller forelimbs in the more mature individuals.  

Paul-Emile Dieudonné, Marcos Gabriel Becerra, Tábata Zanesco, Thierry Tortosa, Penélope Cruzado-Caballero, Koen Stein, Fidel Torcida Fernández-Baldor. 2026. Foskeia pelendonum, A New rhabdodontomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Salas de los Infantes (Burgos Province, Spain), and a new phylogeny of ornithischian dinosaurs. Papers in Palaeontology. 12(1); e70057. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70057 [01 February 2026]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops guangzhouensis • A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura: Ranidae) from central Guangdong, China

Amolops guangzhouensis  

Song, F.-X. Wang, Qi, H.-T. Wang, Lyu, Cai, Zhu, Zhong, Liu & Y.-Y. Wang, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.2.8

 

Abstract

In this study, a new species of the genus Amolops (Anura, Ranidae), Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov., is described based on six type specimens collected from Conghua District, Guangzhou City, and adjacent Longmen County, Huizhou City, in Guangdong Province, China. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on two mitochondrial DNA fragments (16S and COI), places the new species as an independent evolutionary lineage within the A. daiyunensis group. The morphometric statistical analysis and morphological comparison also distinguish the new species from all other congeners. This species can be differentiated from those close relatives by dorsal surface pattern, tiny translucent white spinules across skin, indistinct supernumerary tubercle below fingers, prominent tarsal gland and tarsal fold, and nuptial pad coloration. The discovery of this new species adds to the growing diversity of this genus and represents the westernmost distribution occurrence of the A. daiyunensis group, implying the species diversity of Amolops in southeastern China might still be underestimated.

Amphibia, Amolops daiyunensis group, Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov., Guangzhou, principal components analysis, torrent frog

  The holotype of Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov. (SYS a009405, male) in life:
(A) dorsolateral view; (B) opisthenar surface of left hand, showing the feature of the nuptial pad and nuptial spines; (C) dorsal view; (D) ventral view; (E) ventral surface of right hand; (F) ventral surface of left foot.

Photos by Shuo Qi.

Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov. in situ:
 (A) the male paratype CIB 119033; (B) uncaptured individuals at the type locality.

Photos by Han-Ming Song and Dan-Yang Zhou.

Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov.

HAN-MING SONG, FU-XUAN WANG, SHUO QI, HAO-TIAN WANG, ZHI-TONG LYU, YAO-YU CAI, YUN-SHENG ZHU, QI-FENG ZHONG, YANG LIU and YING-YONG WANG. 2026. A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura, Ranidae) from central Guangdong, China.  Zootaxa. 5750(2); 267-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.2.8 [2026-01-20]

Researchgate.net/publication/400040586_A_new_species_of_Amolops_from_central_Guangdong_China

[Botany • 2026] Dicliptera pakhalica (Acanthaceae: Justiciinae) • A New Species from Telangana, India

 

Dicliptera pakhalica  Rasingam, P. Harikrishna, Parthiban & V. Chandra Sekhara Rao,

in Rasingam, Harikrishna, Parthiban et Rao, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-025-09869-4 

Abstract

Dicliptera pakhalica (Acanthaceae) is described here as a new species from Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahabubabad District, Telangana, India. The species is closely related to D. parvibracteata, sharing a similar inflorescence structure and small bracts. However, it differs in several key morphological characters, including the presence of hairs on the stem, unkeeled secondary and tertiary bracts, the absence of glandular hairs on the calyx, corolla, and capsules, and echinate seeds. A detailed morphological description, notes on distribution and habitat, and photographic illustrations are provided to support the identification of this new species and stimulate further study.

 

Keywords: Deciduous forests, Justiciinae, Mahabubabad, Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary

A–D. Dicliptera pakhalica. A. Habit. B. Flowering twig. C. Flower. D. Fruits.
E–G. Dicliptera parvibracteata. E. Flowering twig. F. Flower. G. Fruit with glandular hairs.

 (Photos by L. Rasingam).

Dicliptera pakhalica Rasingam, P. Harikrishna, Parthiban & V. Chandra Sekhara Rao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Dicliptera pakhalica is morphologically similar to D. parvibracteata in its inflorescence architecture and the presence of small-sized bracts. However, it differs in several key diagnostic characters, including secondary and tertiary bracts that are eglandular and not keeled (vs. prominently keeled and bearing glandular hairs in D. parvibracteata); calyx, corolla, and capsules uniformly eglandular (vs. sparsely to densely covered with a mixture of glandular and simple hairs); capsule obovoid (vs. ellipsoid); and seeds echinate (vs. tuberculate) (Table 1).

...

Etymology. The specific epithet pakhalica refers to the type locality the Pakhal Lake, a famous man-made water body dating to the Kakatiya rule in Telangana state, which was later declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.

L. Rasingam, P. Harikrishna, A. Parthiban and V. Chandra Sekhara Rao. 2026. Dicliptera pakhalica (Acanthaceae) – A New Species from Telangana, India. Brittonia. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-025-09869-4 [29 January 2026] 

[Funga • 2025] Phaeoclavulina aurea & P. fulva (Agaricomycetes: Gomphaceae) • Two New Species from North China based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis

   

[A–C] Phaeoclavulina aurea; [D–F] P. fulva  

Y. Gao, X. Tong, & C.L. Hou, 

in Tong, Gao, Wang, Zhou et Hou, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.138950

Abstract

Two new species, Phaeoclavulina aurea and P. fulva, were discovered and described from North China. Identification was based on morphological observations combined with phylogenetic analysis of nrITS–nrLSU sequences. Phaeoclavulina aurea is characterized by its pale yellow to golden yellow basidiomata, brownish black coloration with dark tips at maturity, and basidiospores bearing truncate spines. Phaeoclavulina fulva is distinguished by its dirty orange basidiomata, pale yellow stipe surface, and basidiospores ornamented with rounded warts. This study enriches the species diversity of Phaeoclavulina in North China.

Key words: Clavarioid fungi, new taxa, systematics, taxonomy

Morphology of Basidiomata.
A–C. Phaeoclavulina aurea (A, B. BJM 344955 holotype; C. BJTC L007);
D–F. Phaeoclavulina fulva (D. BJTC C274 holotype; E. BJTC ZH0015; F. BJTC ZH1138).

Scale bars: 1 cm.

 Phaeoclavulina aurea Y. Gao, X. Tong, & C.L. Hou, sp. nov.

Etymology. The epithet “aurea” refers to the yellow to golden yellow basidiomata.

 Phaeoclavulina fulva Y. Gao, X. Tong, & C.L. Hou, sp. nov.

Etymology. The epithet “fulvus” refers to the dirty orange to yellowish-brown basidiomata.

 Xin Tong, Yue Gao, Hai-Qi Wang, Hao Zhou and Cheng-Lin Hou. 2025. Two New Species of Phaeoclavulina (Gomphaceae, Gomphales) from North China based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. MycoKeys. 120: 157-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.138950 [29 Jul 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Balitora tiandengensis • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Guangxi, China

 

Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei,   

in Nong, Fang, Li, Q.-J. Wei, Xu et G.-Y. Wei, 2026. 

天等爬鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354

Abstract

Balitora tiandengensis (Teleostei, Balitoridae), a new species collected from a karst cave at Dukang Town, Tiandeng County, Guangxi, China is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on 70 sequences of two mitochondrial (COI and Cyt b) and three nuclear genes (RAG1, IRBP, and EGR2B) show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage. Morphologically, Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei, sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by its dorsal fin iii-9, anal fin i-6, pectoral fin v-12, and caudal-fin 19 branched rays. The lips exhibit no complex folding or thickening, maintaining a relatively thin and simple structure. Upper and lower lips connected at corner of mouth, upper lip with a row of inconspicuous papillae, and lower lip thin. Dorsal fin long, 16.7–19.4% of standard length (SL), anal fin short, 15.0–16.7% of SL, distal margin truncated, origin close to the anus and far from the caudal-fin base, pectoral fin 18.4–20.5% of SL, pelvic fin moderately developed, distal margin rounded, 15.1–16.7% of SL. Anus 72.5%–73.3% distance from posterior end of the pelvic fin base to the anal fin origin. The new species will help to define the new distribution of the genus Balitora in Guangxi, China.

Key words: Karst cave, loach, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Morphological characters of holotype (WGY2024121901) of Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. 
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Ventral side view of head; E. Dorsal side view of head; F. Close up photo of the mouth.

Habitat and photographs of Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. in life.

Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) two pairs of maxillary barbels; (2) dorsal fin rays iii, 9; (3) pectoral fin rays v, 12; (4) pelvic fin rays ii, 7; (5) anal fin rays i, 6; (6) lateral-line scales 69–75; and (7) 6–7 indistinctly separated transversely oval blotches on the dorsal side.

Etymology. The specific epithet tiandengensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: Duoru Village, Dukang Town, Tiandeng County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Tiandeng cave loach” and the Chinese name “tiān děng pá qiū (天等爬鳅)”.

 You Nong, Yuan Fang, Jin-Yue Li, Qiu-Jun Wei, Chuan-Gui Xu and Gui-Yuan Wei. 2026. Balitora tiandengensis (Teleostei, Balitoridae), A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1267: 373-390. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354 [30 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Trimeresurus lii • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China

 

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, 

in Cai, Gou, Wang, Liu, Liang, X. Gu, H. Gu, Fang, Liu, Li et Ding, 2026. 

华西竹叶青蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601

Abstract

The genus Trimeresurus Lacépède comprises over 57 species, with recent taxonomic revisions recognizing six subgenera. Despite extensive research, many regions in China remain understudied, particularly the biodiversity-rich West China Rain Zone. This study reports a new pitviper species from western Sichuan Province, China, based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. Specimens collected from the West China Rain Zone were examined using detailed morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of three mitochondrial genes (16S, cytb, and ND4). The results show that this population, together with T. loong, forms a distinct monophyletic clade within the subgenus Viridovipera Malhotra & Thorpe, with uncorrected genetic distances to its closest relatives exceeding 6.50% (cytb) and 5.77% (ND4). Diagnostic morphological differences, including smooth cephalic scales, a postocular streak extending beyond the 2nd supralabial in males, dorsal scale rows of 21–21–15, and a grass-green body color lacking bands or markings, further support its taxonomic distinctness. We propose the new species Trimeresurus lii sp. nov., which represents the second species of Viridovipera in Sichuan Province and the 58th species of Trimeresurus worldwide, and contributes to understanding biodiversity in the Giant Panda National Park region. This discovery highlights the importance of continued field surveys in biodiversity hotspots for documenting and conserving unique faunal assemblages.

Key Words: Bamboo pitviper, biodiversity hotspots, Giant Panda National Park, morphology, snakebite envenoming, Viridovipera, West China Rain Zone

Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in life:
paratype CIB CB2120, male (A, B);
allotype CIB 122872, female (C, D); and
paratype CIB CB249CD03, juvenile male (E, F).

Photographs by Bo CAI.

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (Table 2). This new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) dorsal scale rows 21-21-15; (2) ventrals 152–167 in males and 160–168 in females; (3) subcaudals 64–75 in males and 63–70 in females; (4) skin coloration is black to dark gray, and body coloration is grass green without bands or markings in both sexes; (5) eye color is amber in males and orange-yellow in females; (6) postocular stripe is red and white, extending to the 2nd supralabial in males, but yellow or faintly developed yellow in females; (7) ventrolateral stripe is white (above) and red (below) in males, but yellow in females; (8) temporal scales and occipital scales smooth, dorsal scales rhomboid, feebly keeled except the first row of scales, which are smooth in both sexes.

Etymology. The specific epithet lii is a Latinized genitive form honoring LI Er (c. 6th–5th century BCE), traditionally revered as Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasize harmonious coexistence between humans and nature—a principle that aligns closely with the conservation ethos of the Giant Panda National Park, where this species was discovered. The known distribution of Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in western Sichuan Province falls within the West China Rain Zone, a region historically associated with the early development of Daoist thought. In light of its geographic range and ecological context, we propose ‘Huaxi Green Pitviper’ as the English common name and ‘华西竹叶青蛇’ (Huáxī Zhúyèqīng Shé) as the Chinese name.

 Bo Cai, Yubo Gou, Gang Wang, Fengjing Liu, Dong Liang, Xiaodong Gu, Haijun Gu, Haolong Fang, Yuzhou Liu, Qiujie Li and Li Ding. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata, Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 285-302.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601 [30 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella xinshaoensis • Morphological and Molecular Evidence support A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from central China

Leptobrachella xinshaoensis  

Jiang, Liu, Huang Zhang & Wang, 2026

新邵掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175462

Abstract

Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Leptobrachella from Xinshao County, Hunan Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences support the new species as an independent lineage. The uncorrected p-distances of the 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congeners are 2.1% and 8.1%, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 27.8–31.4 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentarily webbed, with narrow lateral fringes; (3) tympanum distinct, surrounded by distinct tubercles; (4) dorsal surface shagreened, with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (5) ventral surface creamy white, with dark brown spots on the chest and margins; (6) distinct black spots present on the flanks; (7) heels not meeting when hindlimbs are flexed at right angles to the body axis; and (8) tibia–tarsal articulation reaching between the eye and the tympanum.

Key Words: Leptobrachella, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species

Photographs of the holotype CIB XS20240319001 of Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. in life. 

A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of head; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot. 

(Photos A–E by Jing Liu.)

Color variation in Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. 
 A. Dorsolateral view and B. Ventral view of the specimen CIB XS20240319002;
C. Dorsolateral view and D. Ventral view of the specimen CIB XS20240319003.

(Photos A–D by Jing Liu.)

Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 27.8–31.4 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentary webbed, lateral fringes on toes narrow; (3) tympanum distinct, surrounded by distinct tubercles; (4) dorsal surface shagreened with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (5) ventral surface creamy white with dark brown spots on chest and margins; (6) distinct black spots present on flanks; (7) heels not meeting when hindlimbs flexed at right angles to the axis of body; (8) tibia-tarsal articulation reaching between eye and tympanum.

Etymology. The specific epithet “xinshaoensis” refers to the name of the type locality, Xinshao County, Hunan, China. We suggest the English name “Xinshao Leaf-litter Toad” and the Chinese name “Xin Shao Zhang Tu Chan (新邵掌突蟾)”.

 Liming Jiang, Jing Liu, Yun Huang, Hongyan Zhang and Bin Wang. 2026. Morphological and Molecular Evidence support A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from central China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 253-269. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175462

[Paleontology • 2026] Nabia civiscientrix • New albanerpetontid Species (Lissamphibia) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal

 

Nabia civiscientrix 

Guillaume, Evans, Jones, Puértolas-Pascual & Moreno-Azanza, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2580623

Illustration by Eva Carret

Abstract

The Albanerpetontidae are a group of small extinct lissamphibians ranging from the Bathonian to the early Pleistocene. The Upper Jurassic of Portugal is known to yield a large collection of albanerpetontid remains, ascribed to the genus Celtedens. However, recent studies have shown that the frontal bones used for species diagnosis display important intraspecific variation. Here, we describe 468 bones from the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian Lourinhã Formation, together with thousands of remains from the Guimarota beds of the Kimmeridgian Alcobaça Formation. They support the erection of a new genus and species, Nabia civiscientrix gen. et sp. nov., characterized by a unique combination of five synapomorphies: a bulbous/flabellate outline of the internasal process of the frontal in dorsal or ventral view; no sculpture on the postorbital wing of the parietals; the dorsal condyle of the axis with a recurved edge; the long axis of the iliac shaft strongly tilted posteriorly; and a limited pubic/ischial articulation flaring. This material represents the oldest albanerpetontid species from the Iberian Peninsula and potentially the third described from the Jurassic, during which time it played a major palaeobiogeographical role in relation to Europe, north-western Africa and North America. Our results further confirm the need to revise Celtedens. The material from the Lourinhã Formation suggests that other multi-specific microfossil vertebrate bonebeds should contain a greater variety of elements than is reported. We stress the need to review unpicked and unidentified material to look for postcranial bones rather than focusing only on cranial elements, as in combination they aid a better characterisation of this group.

 

Keywords: Albanerpetontidae, Kimmeridgian–Tithonian, Lourinhã Formation, Guimarota, systematics

Nabia civiscientrix gen. et sp. nov.

Alexandre R. D. Guillaume, Susan E. Evans, Marc E. H. Jones, Eduardo Puértolas-Pascual and Miguel Moreno-Azanza. 2026. New albanerpetontid Species (Lissamphibia) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(1); 2580623. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2580623 [23 Jan 2026]

  

[Botany • 2026] Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu  

in She, Huang, Zhang, Yao, Zhu, Zhou et Xu. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024

 

Abstract

In this paper, Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular analyses, and its taxonomic relationships are discussed. Morphological analysis indicates that S. zhenghaianum should be classified in the genus Sedum sect. Sedum and is distinct from the related species S. tosaense in morphology, e.g. by lacking sterile stems, rosulate leaves 4-whorled, leaf blade and sepal apices retuse or obtuse, flowers pedicellate, ventral suture of follicles with a wing-like membranous structure, and seeds with auricled protrusions. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) further demonstrates that S. tosaense is the closest extant relative of the new species.

Keywords: ITS, morphological characters, new species, phylogenetic analysis, Sedum zhenghaianum

Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov.
(A) General view , (B) flower, (C) petals and stamens, (D) sepals, (E) mature follicle.

Drawn by Xin Zhou, based on the holotype.

Morphology of Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. 
 (A) Habitat, (B) rosulate plant in winter, (C) plant in early spring, (D) plant in flowering stage, (E) plant in fruiting stage, (F) rosulate leaves (4-whorled and spurless), (G) upper leaves (alternate and shortly spurred), (H) inflorescence, (I) flower, (J) sepals, (K) peduncle, (L) follicle.

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘zhenghaianum' is derived from the name of Zhenghai Chen (Professor Senior Engineer of Zhejiang Forest Resources Monitoring Center), to honor his contributions to the discovery of this new species.

 

Shi-Qi She, Shi-Guo Huang, Yang Zhang, Shen-Hao Yao, Zong-Wei Zhu, Xin Zhou and Yue-Liang Xu. 2026. Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024 [27 January 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Petalidium engoense (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Angola and Namibia, with notes on phenotypic plasticity in the genus

 

Petalidium engoense

in Swanepoel, Becker Van Wyk, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.2

Abstract 

Petalidium engoense, first collected in May 2025, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the western edge of the escarpment zone (Great Escarpment of southern Africa), in the hilly area bordering the Engo Valley (northwestern Namibia), and to the north of Espinheira (southwestern Angola), in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism. It grows amongst boulders on arid hillsides, and along an ephemeral riverbed. Diagnostic characters for P. engoense include the pale greyish green appearance of the plants, ashy-grey to white fissured bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of very small stellate (stellulate) and dendritic trichomes appearing tomentose, semi-succulent leaves, burgundy flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia with inflorescence axis becoming spiny with age, and narrowly ovate, attenuate to acute, prominently reticulate bracteoles. The flowers of P. engoense are distinctive in having all lobes coloured burgundy, and the anterior lobe with two yellow ensiform nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. engoense from P. namibense, its closest relative in appearance, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Critically Endangered (CR) is recommended for the new species. The paper also summarises current knowledge of phenotypic plasticity within Petalidium in response to environmental variation. This contribution forms part of ongoing taxonomic studies on the genus.

endemism, Engo River, Engo Valley, flora, Hartmann Valley, Iona National Park, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Namib Desert, Namibe Province, Ruellieae, taxonomy, variation, Eudicots

Petalidium engoense. Habit, vegetative and reproductive features.   
A. Woody stem with fissured bark at the base of a mature plant. B. Flowering shoot with semi-succulent leaves, which are covered in matted, greyish white indumentum and typically ca. folded upward along the midrib for their full length. C. Portion of a plant showing an open flower along with several old inflorescences; the inflorescence axes usually persist and have become spiny with age.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium engoense. Morphology of inflorescences and flowers.
A. Distal part of a shoot showing both an open flower and a faded, brownish one, along with several bracteoles. B. Old inflorescences with dried, shriveled bracteoles and persistent axes that have become spiny (indicated by arrows). C, E. Frontal view of a flower showing uniformly coloured corolla lobes; the anterior lobe with two yellow, ensiform nectar guides. Visiting ants were feeding on scale insect larvae. D, G. Flower and bracteoles in lateral view. F. Flower with bracteoles, viewed from above. Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium engoense. Habitat and habit.
A. Several plants growing among rocks along a seasonal drainage line in the Engo Valley, Kunene Region, Namibia. B. A mature plant (ca. 800 mm tall) displaying a densely branched structure with greyish green foliage. Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Wessel SWANEPOEL, Rolf W. BECKER and Abraham E. VAN WYK. 2025. Petalidium engoense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Angola and Namibia, with notes on phenotypic plasticity in the genus.  Phytotaxa. 734(1); 9-19. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.734.1.2 [2025-12-16]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Tylototriton wufengensis • A New Species of the Asian Newt Genus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871 (Urodela: Salamandridae) from central China

 Tylototriton wufengensis

Li, Shi, Liu, Luo, J. Wang, Liao, Y. Wang, Gong, Wu & B. Wang, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173283 

Abstract

Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Tylototriton from Wufeng County, Hubei Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and ND2 gene sequences supported the new species as an independent clade, sister to a clade containing Tylototriton dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis. The uncorrected p-distances of the 16S rRNA and ND2 genes between the new species and its closest congeners were 0.7% and 1.7%, respectively. Divergence time estimates indicated separation from T. dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis at 2.53 million years ago (Mya; 95% highest posterior density [HPD]: 1.53–3.72 Mya). Bayesian species delimitation (BFD and bPTP analyses) strongly supported the new taxon as a distinct species. Morphologically, it is distinguished by: (1) moderate body size (SVL 63.7–77.2 mm in males, 74.9–88.1 mm in females); (2) head width exceeding head length; (3) presence of a gular fold; (4) tail shorter than snout–vent length; (5) orange distal digits, cloacal periphery, and tail margin; (6) limb tips meeting when fore- and hindlimbs are pressed along the trunk; (7) fingertips extending beyond the snout when forelimbs are stretched forward; and (8) continuous, indistinct, nodule-like warts on the body sides.

Key Words: morphology, molecular phylogenetic analysis, new species, Tylototriton

Photographs of the holotype CIB WF20240502001 of Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. in life.
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Tail; E. Lateral view of the head; F. Dorsal view of the head; G. Ventral view of the hand; H. Ventral view of the foot; I. Cloaca.

(Photos A–I by Shengchao Shi.)

Color variation in  Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. of the female specimen CIB WF20240502004.
A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsal view of the head; C. Ventral view; D. Cloaca.

 (Photos A–D by Shengchao Shi.)

 

Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis.

Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Tylototriton based upon molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following morphological characters: presence of dorsal granules, dorsolateral bony ridges on the head, knob-like warts on dorsolateral body, and the absence of a quadrate spine.

Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following characters: (1) body size moderate (SVL 63.7–77.2 mm in males and 74.9–88.1 mm in females); (2) head width larger than head length; (3) gular fold present; (4) the tail length shorter than the snout-vent length; (5) the distal ends and ventral surfaces of digits, peripheral area of cloaca, and the lower margin of tail orange; (6) the distal tips of the limbs just meeting when the fore and hindlimbs being pressed along the trunk; (7) fingertips reaching to the level beyond the snout when the forelimbs being stretched forward; (8) nodule-like warts on body sides that are continuous and not obvious.

 Shize Li, Shengchao Shi, Jing Liu, Zhonghao Luo, Jiajun Wang, Linhong Liao, Yeqing Wang, Renhu Gong, Jun Wu and Bin Wang. 2026. Description of A New Species of the Asian Newt Genus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871 (Urodela, Salamandridae) from central China. Zoosystematics and Evolution 102(1): 181-197. doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173283 

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens longcanggouensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Impatiens longcanggouensis Q.Luo,   

in Luo, Chen, Yuan, Yang, Liu, Song et Ma, 2026. 

龙苍沟凤仙花  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.174879

Abstract

Impatiens longcanggouensis Q.Luo (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Yingjing County, Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. Its morphology, including pollen and seed characters observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is documented in detail. The new species is morphologically similar to I. recurvicornis, but is readily distinguished by the following combination of characters: leaf margin shallowly arcuate-serrate (vs. serrulate); abaxial leaf surface usually purplish-red (vs. pale green); inflorescence commonly two-flowered (vs. one-flowered); bracts lanceolate, 2–2.5 mm long (vs. ovate, 3–4 mm long); flowers 1.2–1.8 cm long (vs. 3–4 cm long); dorsal petal 6–8 mm in diameter, with two erect, stout rostella along the abaxial mid-vein (vs. dorsal petal ca. 13 mm in diameter with a beaked apex); lower sepal narrowly funnel-form with a spreading mouth (vs. navicular with an oblique mouth); and capsule clavate (vs. linear).

Key words: Balsaminaceae, China, Impatiens longcanggouensis sp. nov., Sichuan

Impatiens longcanggouensis sp. nov.
A. Upper plant; B. Lower plant; C. Flower, lateral view; D. Flower, frontal view; E. Bract; F. Lateral sepals; G. Dorsal petal; H. Lateral united petals; I. Lower sepal; J. Anther.

 Drawn by Wang Ling from Q. Luo (holotype: PE).

Impatiens longcanggouensis sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Plant; C. Leaves; D. Adaxial scabrous hairs; E. Capsules; F. Flower anatomy; G–K. Flowers from different angles.

Impatiens longcanggouensis Q.Luo, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Impatiens longcanggouensis is morphologically similar to I. recurvicornis, but is readily distinguished by the following combination of characters: leaf margin shallowly arcuate-serrate (vs. serrulate); abaxial leaf surface usually purplish-red (vs. pale green); inflorescence commonly two-flowered (vs. one-flowered); bracts lanceolate, 2–2.5 mm long (vs. ovate, 3–4 mm long); flowers 1.2–1.8 cm long (vs. 3–4 cm long); dorsal petal 6–8 mm in diameter, with two erect, stout rostella along the abaxial mid-vein (vs. dorsal petal ca. 13 mm in diameter with a beaked apex); lower sepal narrowly funnel-form with a spreading mouth (vs. navicular with an oblique mouth); and capsule clavate (vs. linear).

Etymology. The epithet longcanggouensis refers to the type locality: Longcanggou Yinjing County, Sichuan Province, China. The new species is named ‘龙苍沟凤仙花’ in Chinese.

 Qiang Luo, Hong Chen, Ying Yuan, Hong Yang, Chan Liu, Xinqiang Song and Shen Ma. 2026. Impatiens longcanggouensis (Balsaminaceae): A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 270: 1-12. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.174879

[Botany • 2026] Ceropegia andhrica (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) • A New Species from Andhra Pradesh, India

Ceropegia andhrica  P.Chiranjeevi, K.Prasad & V.Nagaraju,  

in Chiranjeevi, Prasad, Nagaraju, Sujanapal, Sowghandika et Bheemalingappa. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05069

Abstract

A new hysteranthous species of Ceropegia, C. andhrica P.Chiranjeevi, K.Prasad & V.Nagaraju sp. nov. (Apocynaceae), is described from the Paderu forest division, Alluri Sitharamaraju District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It morphologically resembles Ceropegia vemanae and C. ciliatior in features such as the shape and size of tuber, pendulous flowers, reflexed corolla lobes and exposed gynostegium with corona, but differs in having branched or rarely unbranched stem, flowers 4–6 at a node, pedicels 4–10 mm long, sepals subulate or narrowly deltoid, corolla dark purple, densely hairy, lobes 3.4–6.0 mm long, ovate-triangular at base then gradually tapering above, interstaminal corona lobes shortly bilobed with triangular lobules, and staminal corona lobes narrowly oblong, 3-lobed at apex. A detailed description, photographs, and the conservation status of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Asclepiadoideae, Ceropegieae, Hysteranthous, Paderu forest division

Ceropegia andhrica sp. nov. 

(A) Habit with leaves, (B) habit with leaves and follicles, (C) tuber, (D) buds, (E) flowers, (F) follicles, (F) open follicle with seeds.

Ceropegia andhrica sp. nov. 

(A–A2) Habit with flowers, follicles, leaves, (B) buds, (C) flowers, (D) pedicel, (E) corona side view, (F) corona top view, (G) gynostegium with pollinia, (H) pollinia, (I) solitary follicle, (J) paired follicles, (K) seed.

Ceropegia andhrica P.Chiranjeevi, K.Prasad & V.Nagaraju sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species showing similarities with Ceropegia vemanae, and to a lesser extent with C. ciliatior, but differs from these two species in having branched or rarely unbranched stem (versus unbranched in C. vemanae and unbranched or sparsely branched in C. ciliatior), lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate leaves (versus linear-lanceolate to oblong in C. vemanae and acicular to subulate or linear or linear-lanceolate in C. ciliatior), 4–6 flowers at each node (versus solitary in C. vemanae and 2–4 in C. ciliatior), 4–10 mm long pedicels (versus 9–12 mm long in C. vemanae and 15–38 mm long in C. ciliatior), subulate or narrowly deltoid sepals (versus narrowly triangular, ovate-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate in C. vemanae and ovate or ovate-lanceolate in C. ciliatior), dark purple, 3.4–6.0 mm long, densely hairy corolla lobes that are ovate-triangular at base then gradually tapering above, (versus basal portion light brown or creamish with dark rose ornamentation, later becoming uniformly brownish-pink, 7–10 mm long and corolla lobes lanceolate or lanceolate-oblong, completely pilose in C. vemanae and greenish-yellow or pale yellow and violet at apex and with violet streak at middle and 1.5–5.0 mm long corolla lobes narrowly ovate-lanceolate or oblong-ovate, ciliate at apex in C. ciliatior), interstaminal corona lobes shortly bilobed with triangular lobules (versus lobes deeply divided, lobules triangular at base then narrower towards apex in C. vemanae and lobes bifid, lobules orbicular in C. ciliatior) and staminal corona lobes glabrous, narrowly oblong, 3-lobed at apex (versus sparsely pilose, linear or linear-oblong, obtuse at apex in C. vemanae and glabrous, ovate, obtuse at apex in C. ciliatior).

 

Etymology: The new species is named after the Andhra Pradesh state of India.

 

Pabbathi Chiranjeevi, Kothareddy Prasad, Vallepu Nagaraju, Puthiapurayal Sujanapal, Marapareddy Sowghandika and Madiga Bheemalingappa. 2026. Ceropegia andhrica (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Andhra Pradesh, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05069 [25 January 2026]