[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  

  facebook.com/BhathiyaGopallawa

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] 

  facebook.com/BhathiyaGopallawa/posts/28540718478914200

  facebook.com/PeshalaPasanKarunarathna/posts/28437253622595529

[Fungi • 2026] Pholiotina constrictibasidiata, P. raribasidiata & P. jilinensis (Agaricales: Bolbitiaceae) • Three New Species from China

 

 A, B. Pholiotina constrictibasidiata;
C, E. P. raribasidiata;
F, G. P. jilinensis 

H.B. Song & J.L. Deng,

in Deng et Song, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.139.201595

Scale bars: 1 cm

Abstract

In this study, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees were reconstructed for Pholiotina based on the phylogenetic framework of the genus established by Song and Bau and on a concatenated dataset of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) sequences. The phylogenetic trees resolved Pholiotina into two monophyletic clades: one containing sect. Pholiotina and the other comprising sect. Vestitae together with sect. Intermediae. The infrageneric subdivision of the genus was also reviewed, and the taxonomic issues that remain to be addressed were proposed. By further integrating morphological evidence, three new species of Pholiotina were discovered from Jilin Province and the Xizang Autonomous Region: P. constrictibasidiata (characterized by basidia with a median constriction), P. raribasidiata (notable for its rare basidia and basidiospores), and P. jilinensis (distinguished by the absence of pileocystidia and germ pores, with its type locality in Jilin City). In addition, this study provides an identification key to the new species, together with morphological descriptions and line drawings.

Key words: Infrageneric division, morphology, new taxa, phylogenetic placement

Basidiomata of Pholiotina species.
 A, B. Pholiotina constrictibasidiata (FJAU78860 T);
C. P. raribasidiata (FJAU78862 T); D. P. raribasidiata (FJAU78868); E. P. raribasidiata (FJAU78867);
F. P. jilinensis (FJAU78873 T); G. P. jilinensis (FJAU78874); H. P. jilinensis (FJAU78875).

Scale bars: 1 cm; T = holotype.

Pholiotina constrictibasidiata H.B. Song & J.L. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet “constrictibasidiata” refers to basidia that are subutriform to cylindrical, with a median constriction.

Diagnosis. The cheilocystidia of this species are predominantly utriform, making it easily confused with species of ser. Teneroides, however, most of its basidia are subutriform to cylindrical with a median constriction, which distinguishes it from other species in ser. Teneroides.

Pholiotina raribasidiata H.B. Song & J.L. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet “raribasidiata” refers to basidia being rare.

Diagnosis. The main distinguishing features of this species are basidiospores and basidia both rare (ratio of basidia to basidioles less than 1/20), pileus applanate when mature, cheilocystidia long-necked lageniform to nettle hair-shaped, some with swollen apex, sub-lecythiform. Based on these features, it can be distinguished from other species in sect. Vestitae.

Pholiotina jilinensis H.B. Song & J.L. Deng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The epithet “jilinensis” refers to the type locality, Jilin City, where the holotype of this species was collected.

Diagnosis. The basidiospores of this species are without germ pore, and the species was collected from Jilin Province. It is easily confused with P. serrata, which also comes from Jilin Province and lacks a germ pore, but P. serrata has non-lecythiform cheilocystidia, basidiospores 7–9 μm, and grows in moss layers in grasslands, thus can be distinguished from it.

 Ji-li Deng and Han-bing Song. 2026. Three New Species of Pholiotina (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from China. MycoKeys. 139: 277-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.139.201595   [27-08-2026]

[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

[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]

[Paleontology • 2026] Westlothiana lizziae • Evolution of Terrestrial Anatomy revealed by A derived Stem Tetrapod

 

Westlothiana lizziae  Smithson & Rolfe, 1990

in Igielman, Jenkins, Head, ... et Benson, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11090-6 

Abstract

Tetrapods (limbed vertebrates) include lissamphibians and amniotes, and now comprise half of all vertebrate species, with particular importance on land. Limbs first appeared in stem tetrapods by the Late Devonian, 365 million years ago. However, many taxa either have limbs with fin-like functional anatomy or have secondarily lost them, raising questions about the ecological context and early evolution of the tetrapod limb6. Here we provide considerable new data on the enigmatic Early Carboniferous Westlothiana lizziae, widely cited as the earliest terrestrially adapted stem amniote7,8. We find unexpected plesiomorphies of the skull roof, palate, braincase and mandible, alongside aquatic adaptations, including an ossified internal gill skeleton and extensive denticles on the palate and mandible. These traits return Westlothiana as a stem tetrapod in our phylogenetic analyses, demonstrating that terrestrial adaptations such as an amniote-like pedal formula, loss of fin-like forelimb function and superficially claw-like terminal phalanges evolved in a mosaic fashion, and that these traits evolved in a transitional, amphibious context before the origin of the tetrapod crown group. Our findings reinforce recent suggestions of a taxonomically inclusive tetrapod-stem lineage, but also illuminate substantial gaps in anatomical knowledge, especially for small-bodied taxa, that obstruct our understanding of early tetrapod evolution.

 

Ben Igielman, Xavier Jenkins, Jason Head, Vincent Fernandez, Lucy Roberts, Timothy Smithson and Roger Benson. 2026. Evolution of Terrestrial Anatomy revealed by A derived Stem Tetrapod. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11090-6 [30 September 2026]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Geckolepis bekira, G. spania & G. modesta • Reverse Taxonomy of Fish-scale Geckos (Gekkonidae: Geckolepis) using shotgun sequencing for museomics-based assignment of Historical Names to Genetic Lineages

 

 species and subspecies of Geckolepis
(C) Geckolepis bekira sp. nov.; (B) G. spania sp. nov.

Vences, Glaw, Köhler, Miralles, Preez, Preick, Rakotoarison, Scherz, Hofreiter and Petzold, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.21.2.1

Abstract

Fish-scale geckos (Geckolepis), endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, are nocturnal, arboreal lizards with large, imbricate scales that can be shed and regenerated in their entirety, most likely as an antipredator mechanism. Their species-level taxonomy has remained partly unresolved because morphology alone has proven insufficient to reliably assign genetic lineages to scientific names. Here, we use a museomics approach to extract and shotgun-sequence DNA from twelve liquid-preserved historical and mostly name-bearing type specimens of six historical nomina in the genus, and assemble sequences of the mitochondrial genes for 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and nd4 for ten of these specimens. Despite relatively low coverage, the assembled sequences robustly placed all these type specimens in a phylogenetic tree with 113 ingroup samples collected across Madagascar. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of this approach to recover mitochondrial evidence for taxonomic purposes, but also show its failure to recover reads matching single-copy nuclear genes. We discuss the promise of a renewed focus on nuclear ribosomal genes as complementary nuclear-encoded DNA barcodes for vertebrates, as we found 18S rRNA sequences to be well-represented among the reads of the historical specimens studied here. Based on evidence from the mitochondrial tree, two nuclear-encoded genes (C-MOS, RAG-1), and morphology, we resurrect G. typica var. modesta Methuen & Hewitt, 1913 as a full species, G. modesta, from north-western Madagascar, confirm the current use of the name G. maculata Peters, 1880 for specimens from northern and eastern Madagascar, of G. polylepis Boettger, 1893 for specimens from western and north-western Madagascar, and of G. typica Grandidier, 1867 for specimens from southern and south-western Madagascar. We also recognize G. typica var. anomala Mocquard, 1902 as a subspecies, G. typica anomala, and confirm G. petiti Angel, 1942 to be a synonym of this subspecies. We also describe two new species, G. bekira sp. nov. and G. spania sp. nov. from northern Madagascar. The new classification provides a robust baseline to identify the remaining taxonomic issues in the genus and tackle them, preferably using genomic approaches which are also promising to better understand the molecular mechanisms of scarless wound healing and skin regeneration in these geckos.

Squamata, Gekkonidae, Geckolepis spania sp. nov., Geckolepis bekira sp. nov., Madagascar, museomics, archival DNA, Pisces

Representative photos in life of all species and subspecies of Geckolepis according to the classification proposed herein. All specimens except G. modesta and G. maculata from Manombo correspond to genotyped individuals. Not to scale.

Photos of the preserved holotypes of the two new species described herein,
Geckolepis spania sp. nov. and Geckolepis bekira sp. nov.
 For each species, lateral, dorsal and ventral views of head, and dorsal view of entire specimen are shown.

Photos in life of the holotypes of the two new species described herein.
(A, B) Geckolepis spania sp. nov., holotype, probably a subadult, ZSM 2124/2007 (FGZC 1140) from Ankarana.
(C, D) Geckolepis bekira sp. nov., the adult male holotype ZSM 1523/2008 (FGZC 1971) from Montagne des Français.

Geckolepis bekira sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Assigned to the genus Geckolepis based on molecular phylogenetic relationships and body covered with large, imbricated scales. Based on morphological data of Lemme et al. (2013), characterized by snout–vent length <54 mm, 25–28 scales around midbody, 33–43 ventral scale rows, condition A or B of mental scale, eight supralabials, and usually a dark stripe from eye to ear opening. The new species differs from G. humbloti, G. maculata, G. megalepis and G. modesta by a smaller body size (SVL in these species reaching up to 65–75 mm), from G. megalepis and G. modesta furthermore by more scales around midbody (25–28 vs. 17–25), and from G. megalepis also by more ventral scale rows (33–43 vs. 27–32); from G. typica by a different condition of mental scale (A or B vs. D); from G. polylepis by having fewer ventral scale rows (33–43 vs. 48–55) and more scales around midbody (25–28 vs. 35–38). The new species can be differentiated from all other species and lineages in the genus complex by numerous diagnostic nucleotide positions in the mitochondrial genome. MolD identified for the nd4 fragment a robust diagnostic nucleotide combination of an “A” at site 904, a “C” at site 975, and a “T” at site 1002 (positions relative to the full nd4 gene of Geckolepis).

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Malagasy words be (= big) and kira (= scale), referring to the large imbricated scales that distinguish this and other species of Geckolepis from other Malagasy geckos. The species epithet is an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Geckolepis spania sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Assigned to the genus Geckolepis based on molecular phylogenetic relationships and body covered with large, imbricated scales. Characterized by small body size (but holotype is probably not adult), 26 scales around midbody, 34 ventral scale rows, condition A of mental scale, 7–8 supralabials, and presence of a dark stripe from eye to ear opening. The new species differs from G. modesta and G. megalepis by more scales around midbody (26 vs. 17–25), and from G. megalepis also by more ventral scale rows (34 vs. 27–32); from G. maculata (A+B) by more scales around midbody (26 vs. 22–25); from G. maculata (C) by fewer ventral scale rows (34 vs. 36–42); from G. humbloti by a larger number of supralabials compared to most specimens of that species (7–8 vs. 5–7); from G. typica by a different condition of mental scale (A vs. D); from G. polylepis by having fewer ventral scale rows (34 vs. 48–55) and fewer scales around midbody (26 vs. 35–38); reliable morphological differentiation from G. bekira is not possible at present. The new species can be differentiated from all other species and lineages in the genus complex by numerous diagnostic nucleotide positions in the mitochondrial genome. MolD identified for the nd4 fragment a robust diagnostic nucleotide combination of an “A” at site 876, and a “C” at site 943 (positions relative to the full nd4 gene of Geckolepis).

Etymology. The species name is a latinized adjective derived from Greek σπάνιος (spánios = rare), used in the feminine gender in agreement with the genus name. It refers to the rare occurrence of this species, which is known from a single collected specimen, despite numerous herpetological explorations of its type locality, Ankarana National Park. 

  

Miguel VENCES, Frank GLAW, Jörn KÖHLER, Aurélien MIRALLES, Louis Du PREEZ, Michaela PREICK, Andolalao RAKOTOARISON, Mark D. SCHERZ, Michael HOFREITER and Alice PETZOLD. 2026. Reverse Taxonomy of Fish-scale Geckos (Geckolepis) using shotgun sequencing for museomics-based assignment of Historical Names to Genetic Lineages. Megataxa. 21(2); 207-232. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.21.2.1 [2026-09-22]

[Fungi • 2026] Inocybe subtropicocinnamomea, I. biformis & I. fulvobasalis (Agaricales: Inocybaceae) • Three New Species from Southwestern China

 

Inocybe subtropicocinnamomea   
Inocybe biformis
Inocybe fulvobasalis 

Zhu L. Yang & Zi X. Yu,  

in Yu et Yang, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.133.195707 

 Scale bars: 1 cm 

Abstract

The genus Inocybe (Inocybaceae, Agaricales) is a globally diverse fungal lineage with significant ecological importance. In China, species belonging to Inocybe are widely distributed and exhibit exceptionally high diversity. However, the overall diversity of this genus in the country, particularly in the complex mountainous landscapes of southwestern China, remains severely underestimated. Here, based on morphological evidence and multi-locus (ITS, LSU, and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses, we describe three new species from the area, namely Inocybe subtropicocinnamomea, I. biformis, and I. fulvobasalis. Phylogenetically, I. subtropicocinnamomea is assigned to sect. Inocybe and occurs in subtropical broad-leaved or mixed forests. Inocybe biformis belongs to the smooth-spored temperate boreal clade (STBC) and is uniquely adapted to high-altitude subalpine coniferous habitats above 4000 m. Inocybe fulvobasalis is nested within the I. geophylla group and occurs in temperate broad-leaved and coniferous mixed forests. Detailed morphological descriptions, macroscopic photographs, line drawings, scanning electron micrographs of basidiospores, and taxonomic comparisons with allied taxa are provided for the novel species.

Key words: Basidiomycota, diversity, morphology, phylogeny, taxa, taxonomy

Inocybe subtropicocinnamomea
KUN-HKAS 145116 holotype (A, C–I), KUN-HKAS 144698 (B). A, B. Basidiomata; C. Pleurocystidia; D. Cheilocystidia; E. Caulocystidia; F. Basidia; G. Cheiloparacystidia; H. Pileipellis; I. Basidiospores.

 Scale bars: 1 cm (A, B); 10 μm (C–G); 5 μm (H); 2 μm (I).

Inocybe subtropicocinnamomea Zhu L. Yang & Zi X. Yu, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The epithet “subtropicocinnamomea” refers to the cinnamon-brown coloration of the pileus and the subtropical habitat of this species.

Inocybe biformis Zhu L. Yang & Zi X. Yu, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The epithet “biformis” refers to the squamules that differ in shape, and arrangement across the pileus.

Inocybe fulvobasalis Zhu L. Yang & Zi X. Yu, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The epithet “fulvobasalis” refers to the characteristic persistently yellow-brown base of the stipe throughout the ontogeny of this species.

Zi X. Yu and Zhu L. Yang. 2026. Three New Species of Inocybe (Inocybaceae, Agaricales) from Southwestern China. MycoKeys. 133: 237-257. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.133.195707 [05-06-2026]  

[Botany • 2026] Vincetoxicum phucanhense (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Vietnam

 

Vincetoxicum phucanhense T.T.H. Nguyen & T.H. Bui, 

in Nguyen, Le, D.B. Tran, T.B. Tran et Bui, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.279.203612

Abstract

Vincetoxicum phucanhense (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Vietnam, is described, illustrated, and compared with three morphologically similar species: Vincetoxicum flexuosum (R.Br.) Kuntze, V. harmandii (Costantin) Meve & Liede, and V. tengii (Tsiang) Meve & Liede. V. phucanhense differs from V. flexuosum in having shorter pedicels, very sparsely hairy sepal margins (vs. glabrous), a larger corolla, broadly elliptic pollinia (vs. globose), longer fruits, and longer seeds. It also differs from V. harmandii in having shorter petioles, smaller leaf blades, glabrous adaxial leaf surfaces (vs. hairy), and a larger corolla. In comparison with V. tengii, V. phucanhense can be distinguished by its larger corolla, corolla coloration (yellow, pink, or red vs. greenish), and broadly elliptic pollinia (vs. globose). A key to the 14 species of Vincetoxicum recorded in Vietnam is provided.

Key words: Asclepiadeae, Phu Canh, Phu Tho, Tylophora, Tylophorinae

Vincetoxicum phucanhense.
A. Habitat; B, C. Flowering branches; D. Magnified portion of branch showing one row of pubescence; E. Adaxial leaf surface; F. Abaxial leaf surface; G. Inflorescence.

Photos by D.B. Tran.

Vincetoxicum phucanhense T.T.H. Nguyen & T.H. Bui, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Vincetoxicum phucanhense differs from V. flexuosum by its shorter pedicels (4.0–7.6 mm vs. 14.0–16.0 mm), sparsely hairy sepal margins, larger corolla (7.2–9.6 mm diam, vs. 4.0–6.0 mm), broadly elliptic pollinia, longer fruits (109–123 mm vs. 40–80 mm), and longer seeds (9.2–9.5 mm vs. 6.0–8.0 mm). It is distinguished from V. harmandii by having shorter petioles (3–8 mm vs. 10–20 mm), smaller leaves (9–42 × 4–18 mm vs. 45–75 × 25–45 mm), glabrous adaxial leaf surfaces, and larger corolla (7.2–9.6 mm diam. vs. 4–5 mm). From V. tengii, it differs by its larger corolla (7.2–9.6 mm diam. vs. 5–7 mm) and differently colored corolla, as well as the broadly elliptic rather than globose pollinia.

 Thi Thanh Huong Nguyen, Ngoc Han Le, Duc Binh Tran, The Bach Tran and Thu Ha Bui. 2026. Vincetoxicum phucanhense (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Species from Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 279: 27-34. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.279.203612 [04 Sep 2026]

[Funga • 2026] Micropsalliota latiumbonata & M. striata (Basidiomycota: Agaricaceae) • Morphology and Multigene Phylogeny reveal Two New Species from Dhofar region, southern Oman

 

[a–d] Micropsalliota latiumbonata;
[e, f] M. striata 

S. Hussain, Al-Nadabi & Al‐Sadi,

in Al-Nadabi, Hussain, Al Sidairi, Al-Zeidi, Al-Raeesi, Al-Badi, Al-Rashdi, Al-Jashmi, Velazhahan et Al-Sadi. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.137.192271 

Abstract

Micropsalliota is a genus of small to relatively medium-sized saprotrophic mushrooms, with fibrillose-squamulose pileus surface, ellipsoid to amygdaliform or cymbiform basidiospores, usually with capitate cheilocystidia, and encrusted pileus hyphae. In this study, two new species, namely Micropsalliota latiumbonata and M. striata are described from Oman, based on morphology and multigene (ITS-28S-rpb2-tef1-α) phylogenetic analysis. Micropsalliota latiumbonata is characterized by a broadly umbonate pileus disc with fibrillose-squamulose surface, fibrils dark-brown and more or less recurved, cheilocystidia capitate with olivaceous capitulum, broadly fusiform to amygdaliform basidiospores measuring 6.0–7.0 × 4.0–4.5 µm, and occurring gregariously around termite mounds. Micropsalliota striata is another small-sized species with an acute papillate pileus disc with appressed fibrils, striate-appendiculate pileus margins, utriform cheilocystidia without a capitate apex, clavate to subglobose pileocystidia, and comparatively larger basidiospores (6.5–7.5 × 3.7–4.1 µm). Both the new species belong to Clade megaspora. A detailed description, photographs of basidiomata, illustrations of anatomical characteristics, a multigene phylogenetic tree, and morphological comparison with similar species are provided. With the description of these two species, the number of known species in Micropsalliota rises to 108.

Key words: Agarics, clade, megaspora, taxonomy, termite mounds

Basidiomata of the new species of Micropsalliota.
a–d. Micropsalliota latiumbonata. a, b. (CESAR-ASH-007-25, holotype); c. ASH-009-25; d. QRB-14-25;
e, f. Micropsalliota striata (CESAR-ATM-009-25, holotype). Scale bars: 15 mm.

Micropsalliota latiumbonata S. Hussain, Al-Nadabi & Al‐Sadi, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘latiumbonata’ refers to the broadly umbonate pileus disc of the new species.

Micropsalliota striata S. Hussain, Al-Nadabi & Al‐Sadi, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘striata’ refers to the fine striate pileus margin of the new species.

 Hamed Al-Nadabi, Shah Hussain, Ahmed Al Sidairi, Khalifa Al-Zeidi, Ahmed Al-Raeesi, Rahil Al-Badi, Lujain Al-Rashdi, Jumana Al-Jashmi, Rethinasamy Velazhahan and Abdullah M. Al-Sadi. 2026. Morphology and Multigene Phylogeny reveal Two New Species of Micropsalliota (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota) from Dhofar region, southern Oman. MycoKeys. 137: 317-336.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.137.192271 [28 Jul 2026]

[Botany • 2020] Memecylon nervosum (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from South INDIA

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, 

in Vadhyar, Benjamin et Sujana, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524

Abstract
Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, a new species of Melastomataceae from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated. It is compared with the closely allied Memecylon heyneanum Benth. and Memecylon jambosioides Wight.

Keywords: India, Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Melastomataceae, Memecylon nervosum

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.
A, Plants in their naturalhabitat; B, leaf (adaxial view); C, leaf (abaxial view); D, inflorescence; E, flowers; F–J, fruit atdifferent stages of development. 

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet alludes to the presence of prominently raised lateral andintramarginal veins on the lower surface of the lamina.

 R. G. Vadhyar, J. H. F. Benjamin and K. A. Sujana. 2020. MEMECYLON NERVOSUM (MELASTOMATACEAE), A New Species from South INDIA. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77(3); DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050 [27 April 2020]

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524_MEMECYLON_NERVOSUM_A_NEW_SPECIES_from_SOUTH_INDIA

[Herpetology • 2026] Southern Philippine Forest Frogs (Anura; Ceratobatrachidae: Platymantis) confused with P. dorsalis: Validation and Resurrection of P. jagorii (Peters, 1863) and P. laticeps (Taylor, 1920), and Description of A New Species: Platymantis habagatan

 

Platymantis jagorii (Peters, 1863);   P. laticeps (Taylor, 1920); 

Platymantis (Lahatnanguri) habagatan

Pitogo, Hoskins, Tesfazion, Meneses, Cannon, Supsup, Decena, Sanguila & Brown, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5884.2.3  

  facebook.com/KierPitogo14

 

Abstract

Terrestrial ground frogs of the genus Platymantis exhibit conserved external morphology, resulting in long-standing taxonomic uncertainty concerning the identity of purportedly widespread populations. One such case involves the broad application of the name Platymantis dorsalis (Duméril, 1853) (subgenus Lupacolus; a northern and central Philippine species) to terrestrial ground frogs in the archipelago’s southern Mindanao biogeographic region. In the southern Philippines, earlier names historically applied to Mindanao faunal region populations were later placed in synonymy with P. dorsalis. Here, we re-evaluate the taxonomic status of terrestrial Platymantis populations from the Mindanao biogeographic region, incorporating phylogenetic, morphological, and acoustic data derived from three decades of field-based natural history observations and specimen collections. Our analyses demonstrate that southern populations presently referred to P. dorsalis in the southern Philippines form three distinct evolutionary lineages, are quite distantly related to P. dorsalis (subgenus Lupacolus), and two of which actually fall into a different subgenus (Lahatnanguri). These lineages exhibit pronounced morphological disparity and acoustic divergence from one another (and, unsurprisingly, from P. dorsalis), supporting their recognition as distinct species. Based on accompanying morphological, molecular, and bioacoustic data presented here, we therefore resurrect P. (Lahatnanguri) jagorii (Peters, 1863) and P. (Lupacolus) laticeps (Taylor, 1920) from the synonymy of P. dorsalis and describe a new cryptic species, Platymantis (Lahatnanguri) habagatan sp. nov. This taxonomic clarification resolves a prolonged misapplication of the name P. dorsalis to populations on Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Biliran, Basilan, Camiguin Sur, Dinagat, and Siargao islands and provides a long-overdue framework for future systematics and conservation assessments of Philippine terrestrial ground frogs, particularly those from the southern portions of the archipelago.

Amphibia, Mindanao, amphibians, taxonomy, Lahatnanguri, Lupacolus, Platymantis dorsalis, adaptive radiation

P. (Lahatnanguri) jagorii (Peters, 1863) 

P. (Lupacolus) laticeps (Taylor, 1920)

Platymantis (Lahatnanguri) habagatan sp. nov. 

KIER MITCHEL E. PITOGO, KREW HOSKINS, FABEN HANA TESFAZION, CAMILA G. MENESES, HAYDEN W. CANNON, CHRISTIAN E. SUPSUP, SYRUS CESAR P. DECENA, MARITES B. SANGUILA and RAFE M. BROWN. 2026. Southern Philippine Forest Frogs (Anura; Ceratobatrachidae: Platymantis) confused with P. dorsalis: Validation and Resurrection of P. jagorii (Peters, 1863) and P. laticeps (Taylor, 1920), and  Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 5884(2); 271-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5884.2.3 [2026-09-28]

  facebook.com/KierPitogo14/posts/29137023565890106

 x.com/kieralreefs/status/2104365976540315669