[PaleoMammalogy • 2023] Pachypanthera piriyai • A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Carnivora: Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand

Pachypanthera piriyai   

de Bonis, Chaimanee, Grohé, Chavasseau, Mazurier, Suraprasit & Jaeger, 2023

  

DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4

  Researchgate.net/publication/373162644

 facebook.com/ASRUChula 

 

Abstract

We describe two large predators from the hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand: a new genus of pantherine, Pachypanthera n. gen., represented by partial mandible and maxilla and an indeterminate sabre-toothed cat, represented by a fragment of upper canine. The morphological characters of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp., notably the large and powerful canine, the great robustness of the mandibular body, the very deep fossa for the m. masseter, the zigzag HSB enamel pattern, indicate bone-cracking capacities. The genus is unique among Felidae as it has one of the most powerful and robust mandibles ever found. Moreover, it may be the oldest known pantherine, as other Asian pantherines are dated back to the early Pliocene. The taxa we report here are the only carnivorans known from the late Miocene of Thailand. Although the material is rather scarce, it brings new insights to the evolutionary history of Neogene mammals of Southeast Asia, in a geographic place which is partly “terra incognita.”

Keywords: Asia, Felidae, New taxon, Bone cracking, Late Miocene, Sabre-toothed cat, Pantherine

Order Carnivora Bowdich, 1821

Sub-order Feliformia Kretzoi, 1945

Family Felidae Batsch, 1788

Sub-family Felinae Batsch, 1788

Pachypanthera n. gen.

Etymology: from the greek “Pachy” = thick.

 

Digital reconstruction of the mandible of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp. (a) in comparison with the mandible of Panthera leo (UPPal CAR-5-001) (b) in occlusal view. Scale bar = 20 mm

Right maxilla of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp. (CUF-KR-2).
a Occlusal view; b medial view; c lateral view (scale bar = 20 mm)

Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp., left hemi-mandible CUF-KR-1.
a Occlusal view (stereopair); b inferior view; c lateral view; d medial view (scale bar = 20 mm)

Pachypanthera piriyai n. sp

Origin of the name: in honor of Piriya Vachajitpan, who played a critical part in recovering the fossils.

Holotype (CUF-KR-1): left hemi-mandible with the alveoli for i1–i3, canine alveolus, remains of roots of p3, p4 and partially broken off m1 crown.

 

Locality: Khorat sand pit, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand

Age: late Miocene, 9 to 6 Ma.

 

 

L. de Bonis, Y. Chaimanee, C. Grohé, O. Chavasseau, A. Mazurier, K. Suraprasit and J.J. Jaeger. 2023. A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The Science of Nature. 110, 42. DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/688793099932089 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373162644_A_new_large_pantherine_from_the_late_Miocene_hominoid-bearing_Khorat_sand_pits

[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]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella deocaensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

Leptobrachella deocaensis 

 Do, Nguyen, Hoang, Ziegler & Pham, 2026

Cóc mày đèo cả  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

Abstract

A new species of Leptobrachella is described from the coastal forest of Deo Ca Mountain in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, based on morphological differences and genetic divergences in 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus Leptobrachella by body size, dorsal skin texture, absence of ventrolateral and femoral glands, absence of lateral fringes on fingers and toes, color pattern of head and body, and iris color. The new species is divergent from other congeners by at least 6.34% uncorrected genetic distance (16S rRNA gene). Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. is genetically closest to L. macrops from Vietnam, with strong nodal support from both BI and ML analyses (1.00/98).

Key words: Asian Leaf-litter toads, Deo Ca Mountain, genetic divergence, Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov., morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life (IB A.6440, male).
A. Dorsolateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Underside of right foot; D. Underside of left hand; E. Cloacal and hamstrings area. Scale bars: 5 mm (C, D).

Female paratypes of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life in dorsolateral view.
 A. IB A.6441; B. IB A.6443.

Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov.

 Dang Trong Do, Truong Quang Nguyen, Chung Van Hoang, Thomas Ziegler and Cuong The Pham. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura, Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1267: 15-30. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

[20 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Gegeneophis valmiki • Discovery of A New Species of Gegeneophis (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) highlights hidden diversity and implications for regional endemism in the Western Ghats, India

 

Gegeneophis valmiki 

Dinesh, Shikalgar, Adhav, Jadhav & Kulkarni, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v24i2p295-312 

Researchgate.net/publication/398754261 

 facebook.com/NirmalKulkarni

A new species of Gegeneophis is described from the base of the lateritic plateaus of Satara, Maharashtra, India. The new species is described based on morphological characters, metric and meristic measurements, phylogenetic analysis, genetic distances, ASAP analysis,and geographic isolation. Phylogenetic and ASAP analyses suggest the presence of an additional six lineages representing potential new species from the northern and central Western Ghats. The affinities of spatial and temporal distribution of Gegeneophis in thenorthern and central Western Ghats are discussed.

Keywords: Annulocylix caecilian, Legless amphibian, New species description, NorthernWestern Ghats, Tailless caecilians, Taxonomy

Gegeneophis valmiki sp. nov. in life
from Maharshi Valmiki Mandir, Valmiki Plateau, Paneri, Palashi, Pathan, Satara, Maharashtra, India.

Gegeneophis valmiki sp. nov.

 

 K.P. Dinesh, Sahil Shikalgar, Pranjal Adhav, Bapurao Vishnu Jadhav and Nirmal U. Kulkarni. 2026. Discovery of A New Species of Gegeneophis (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) highlights hidden diversity and implications for regional endemism in the Western Ghats, India. Phyllomedusa, Journal of Herpetology. 24(2); 295-312. DOI: doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v24i2p295-312

https://revistas.usp.br/phyllo/article/view/243831

Researchgate.net/publication/398754261_Discovery_of_a_new_species_of_Gegeneophis_highlights_hidden_diversity_and_implications_for_regional_endemism_in_the_Western_Ghats_India

 facebook.com/NirmalKulkarni/posts/10241140647558997

[Crustacea • 2025] Tayninhon nuibaden • A New Genus and New Species of Freshwater Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Ba Den Mountain, Southeast Vietnam

 

Tayninhon nuibaden

 Dang, Tien & Tu, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.2.10  

 Researchgate.net/publication/395540785

Abstract

Recent surveys in Ba Den Mountain, Southeast Vietnam, found one new genus and species of the potamid, Tayninhon nuibaden gen. nov., sp. nov. The new genus is characterised by its medium adult carapace size, relatively flat, rugose and striae on the carapace dorsal surface, low epigastric, postorbital cristae and epibranchial tooth; the anterolateral margin is serrated; relatively wide thoracic sternum with smooth surface; sternopleonal cavity reaching to the imaginary line connecting anterior edges of cheliped coxae; relatively narrow telson; the male first gonopod is sinuous with relatively broad subterminal segment, and the terminal segment hook-shaped with a fold at the basal part, distal part curved inwards, tip sharp; and the male second gonopod is relatively short. The present study brings the total number of freshwater crab species belonging to Potamidae in Vietnam to 61.

Crustacea, Potamoidea, freshwater crab, taxonomy, new genus, new species, biodiversity, conservation

 

Tayninhon nuibaden gen. nov., sp. nov.

PHAN DOAN DANG, TRAN VAN TIEN and DO VAN TU. 2025. Tayninhon nuibaden, A New Genus and New Species of Freshwater Crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Ba Den Mountain, Southeast Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5693(2); 291-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.2.10 [2025-09-17]

 Researchgate.net/publication/395540785_Tayninhon_nuibaden_a_new_genus_and_new_species_of_freshwater_crab_Potamidae_from_Ba_Den_Mountain_Southeast_Vietnam

https://www.vietnam.vn/en/di-tim-loai-cua-nuoc-nuoc-ngot-tayninhon-nuibaden

[Entomology • 2025] Metadon reemeri & M. ghorpadei • Review of the Indian Species of Metadon Reemer, 2013 (Diptera: Syrphidae: Microdontinae), with Description of Two New Species

M. reemeri

Sankararaman & Anooj, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.4.3 

 

Abstract

The hoverfly genus Metadon Reemer, 2013 is reviewed from India and two new species, M. ghorpadei sp. nov. and M. reemeri sp. nov., are described from New Delhi and Tamil Nadu, respectively; based on morphological and molecular analyses. Six species of Metadon that were previously reported from India are illustrated and briefly diagnosed. A new combination, Metadon unicolor (Brunetti) comb. nov., is proposed for Microdon unicolor Brunetti, 1915. An identification key to the genera of Microdontinae from India, a key to the Indian species of Metadon and a provisional species checklist for this genus are provided. This is the first record of Metadon from southern India. Habitat profile and conservation aspects are discussed for the two new species.

Diptera, Myrmecophiles, biodiversity, taxonomy, Delhi Ridge, Western Ghats, ant flies

Metadon reemeri

Metadon ghorpadei 

Hariharakrishnan SANKARARAMAN and Sainulabdeen Sulaikha ANOOJ. 2025. Review of the Indian Species of Metadon Reemer, 2013 (Diptera: Syrphidae: Microdontinae), with Description of Two New Species.  Zootaxa. 5737(4); 509-532. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.4.3  [2025-12-29]

[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & H. jeraiensis • Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Hemiphyllodactylus harterti group (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with Description of Two New Species from the Sky-islands of Peninsular Malaysia

 

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & 
Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis 

 Hong, Anuar, Grismer & Quah, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822

 

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses of newly discovered populations of Hemiphyllodactylus from sky-islands across Peninsular Malaysia using the mitochondrial gene ND2, recovered two new upland species embedded within the harterti group. Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. from Langkawi Island and H. jeraiensis sp. nov. from Gunung Jerai are sister species with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.6% between them. Together, they formed the sister lineage to H. cicak from Penang Hill, with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.9–4.8% and 4.5–5.7%, respectively. Given that these three populations occur on mountain tops isolated by lowland habitat and the Straits of Malacca, gene flow between them is highly unlikely, and there are unique combinations of characters that differentiate them from one another, as well as from all other species of the harterti group. The time-calibrated BEAST phylogeny shows that the harterti group diversified across the uplands of Peninsular Malaysia in the Oligocene and Pleistocene, which is consistent with climatic fluctuations during this period. During the Middle Oligocene, the ancestral population of the harterti group diverged into two distinct populations, one in the Banjaran Titiwangsa and another in the Banjaran Timur. These two populations then radiated independently across Peninsular Malaysia, giving rise to at least nine additional species within the harterti group.

Keywords: Endemic species, herpetofauna, Gunung Jerai, integrative taxonomy, Kedah, Langkawi Island, Southeast Asia

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. from Langkawi Island.
A Male holotype (LSUHC 15050) B Female paratype (LSUHC 15081) C Female paratype (LSUHC 15082).

Photographs by L. Lee Grismer.

 Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. 

Suggested English common name: Langkawi Island slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Pulau Langkawi 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Hemiphyllodactylus in having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 35.6 mm; 5–7 chin scales; enlarged postmentals; four or five circumnasal scales; one or two scales between supranasals (= postrostrals); nine or 10 supralabials; 10 infralabials; 15 or 16 longitudinally arranged dorsal scales at midbody and seven or eight ventral scales contained within one eye diameter; lamellar formula on hand 4454 or 4554 or 4555; lamellar formula on foot 4554 or 4565 or 4675 or 5655; four subdigital lamellae on first finger and four or five on first toe; 44 continuous, pore-bearing femoroprecloacal scales in male; one cloacal spur on each side; subcaudals not plate-like; a dark postorbital stripe extending to at least base of neck; presence of dorsolateral light-coloured spots on trunk; absence of dark dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; generally unicolour wide vertebral area; postsacral marking lacking light-coloured anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonadal ducts. These characters are scored across all species of the harterti group listed in Table 5.

Etymology. The new species name ‘puncak’ is the Malay word for peak and named in reference to this species being found on the peak of Gunung Raya on Langkawi Island.

 Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov.

 Suggested English common name: Gunung Jerai slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Gunung Jerai 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Hemiphyllodactylus in having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 36.5 mm; seven chin scales; enlarged postmentals; five circumnasal scales; three scales between supranasals (= postrostrals); nine supralabials; nine infralabials; 12 longitudinally arranged dorsal scales at midbody and seven ventral scales contained within one eye diameter; lamellar formula on hand 2333; lamellar formula on foot 2333; two subdigital lamellae on first finger and two on first toe; 39 continuous, pore-bearing femoroprecloacal scales in male; two cloacal spurs on each side; subcaudals not plate-like; a dark postorbital stripe extending to base of neck; presence of dorsolateral light-coloured spots on trunk; absence of dark dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; generally unicolour wide vertebral area; postsacral marking lacking light-coloured anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonadal ducts. These characters are scored across all species of the harterti group listed in Table 5.

Etymology. The new species name ‘jeraiensis’ is in reference to the type locality of this species on Gunung Jerai, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia.

Zijia Hong, M. S. Shahrul Anuar, L. Lee Grismer and Evan S. H. Quah. 2026. Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Hemiphyllodactylus harterti group (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with Description of Two New Species from the Sky-islands of Peninsular Malaysia. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 1-32.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822 [16 Jan 2026]

[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] 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] 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

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