[Botany • 2025] Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from northern Madagascar

 

Gravesia gautieri Almeda & R.B.Pacifico, 

in Almeda et Pacifico, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 

  Researchgate.net/publication/396286653

Abstract

Gravesia gautieri, a new species from northern Madagascar, is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared with presumed relatives based on morphological characters. It is readily diagnosed by its sparingly branched suffrutescent habit, 3-nerved leaf blades that are coarsely and remotely serrate at least distally with a sparse cover of minute brown granular hairs and ± appressed smooth hairs abaxially, long-pedunculate umbellate inflorescences, ± terete and ecostate hypanthia, obsolete calyx lobes with callose-thickened teeth borne on and barely exceeding the calyx tube in length, and dorso-basal subulate staminal appendages that are deflexed to variously coiled.

Andrafiamena-Andavakoera, Madagascar, new species, paleotropics, Sonerileae, Eudicots

 

 Photos of living plants of Gravesia gautieri.
A. Habit. B. Flower close-up.

FRANK ALMEDA and RICARDO PACIFICO. 2025. Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), A New Species from northern Madagascar.  Phytotaxa. 721(3); 288-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 [2025-10-08] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/396286653_Gravesia_gautieri_a_new_species_from_northern_Madagascar

[Botany • 2025] Vincetoxicum jinshaense (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Vincetoxicum jinshaense X.D. Ma & J.Y. Shen, 

in Ma, Yin, Xi et Shen, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0152 

 Abstract  

Vincetoxicum jinshaense X.D. Ma & J.Y. Shen (Apocynaceae) is described as a new species from Luquan, Yunnan, China. It morphologically resembles V. yunnanense, V. secamonoides and V. rotundifolium, but differs from them in many features of the leaves and flowers. Based on the IUCN categories and criteria, and considering imminent threats to the species, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

 

Xing-Da Ma, Yi-Qiang Yin, Hou-Cheng Xi, Jian-Yong Shen. 2025. Vincetoxicum jinshaense (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 327-331. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0152 (18 November 2025) 

https://bsky.app/profile/anbf.bsky.social

[Botany • 2025] Newmania bambusifolia (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae) • A New Species from Hon Ba Nature Reserve, southern Vietnam

 

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao, 

in Truong, Q.B. Nguyen, Q.C. Nguyen et Leong-Škorničková, 2025. 

Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1);   

ABSTRACT    

 Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao (Zingiberaceae:

Zingiberoideae), a new ginger species discovered in Hon Ba Nature Reserve, Khanh Hoa

Province in southern Vietnam is described and illustrated here with notes on distribution,

ecology, phenology, preliminary IUCN assessment, and etymology. It is distinct from all

known congeners by the very narrow leaf-blades, resembling those of bamboos. This discovery

increases the total number of species in Newmania to seven. We include an updated key to the

genus accommodating this novelty.

Keywords. Eastern Indochina, gingers, Khanh Hoa Province, Vulnerable, Zingibereae

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao in situ at Hon Ba Nature Reserve.
From the type, Truong et al. BV 1774. (Photo: B.V. Truong)

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao. 
A. Habit (inset: detail of cross-section of rhizome). Scale bar: 30 cm. B. Leaf blades from various parts of the leafy shoot (from the left: distal, middle part of pseudostem (two blades), basal). C. Pseudostem showing ligules, pulvinate petioles and bases of leaf blades. D, E. Detail of leaf sheaths and ligules. F. Rhizome with an inflorescence.

All from the type, Truong et al. BV 1774. (Photos: B.V. Truong)

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao.   
A. Distal part of the flower in different views. B. Details of stamen and stigma (left: entire stamen in adaxial view; top right: anther with part of filament in abaxial and lateral views; bottom right: details of stigma). C. Flower with bract, pedicel and part of rachis, and dissection below (from left: bract, bracteole, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe in abaxial view, lateral corolla lobes (one in adaxial and one in abaxial view), staminodes (one in abaxial and one in adaxial view), and labellum. Tweezers seen across the labellum were used to flatten it.

 All from the type, Truong et al. BV 1774. (Photos: B.V. Truong)

Newmania bambusifolia Škorničk., Vuong & Bao, sp. nov. 

Unique in the genus by its prominently narrow, bamboo-like leaf-blades and dark purple labellum with overlapping lobes. Flowers are most similar to Newmania cristata by the yellow to greenish floral tube and filament, but differ by having a small anther crest less than 1 mm long with entire rounded apex (vs anther crest 4.6–5 mm long with a bilobed apex).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the unusually narrow, bamboo-like leaf blades.  

Truong, B.V., Nguyen, Q.B., Nguyen, Q.C. & Leong-Škorničková, J. 2025. Newmania bambusifolia (Zingiberaceae: Zingiberoideae), A New Species from Hon Ba Nature Reserve, southern Vietnam. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 77(1); 113 - 120.

[Ornithology • 2026] Rhipidura laguceria • A New and Cryptic Fantail Species (Passeriformes: Rhipiduridae) from the Babar Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesia

 

Cheerful Fantail Rhipidura laguceria Eaton & Berryman, 2026  from Babar (left) and 
Cinnamon-tailed Fantail R. fuscorufa P. L. Sclater, 1883  from the Tanimbars (right),  

DOI: doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v146i2.2026.a6 

Photographs: James A. Eaton (both taken in November 2022)

 Abstract  

The Babar Islands, in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, have long been known to host several endemic avian taxa, but only recently have some of these been elevated to species rank. Here we investigate the internal taxonomy of Cinnamon-tailed Fantail Rhipidura fuscorufa P. L. Sclater, 1883, a monotypic passerine found on the Tanimbar Islands (from which it was described) and, 135 km to the west, on the Babar Islands. We compare differences between these populations using 19 specimens and 18 sound recordings, finding that while morphologically they differ subtly (Babar birds are slightly darker above, less extensively cinnamon below), the two have consistently different songs. Moreover, across 132 playback experiments, we find that both populations always ignore allopatric song but typically respond to sympatric song. On the basis that these lines of evidence likely represent barriers to reproduction, we consider the population on the Babar Islands to be taxonomically distinct from that on the Tanimbar Islands. In the absence of an available name, we describe it as a new species.

Photographs of Cinnamon-tailed Fantail Rhipidura fuscorufa from Babar (left) and the Tanimbars (right), both taken in November 2022 (James A. Eaton)

Rhipidura laguceria sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis.—Differs from Tanimbar R. fuscorufa in its consistently darker forehead, crown, nape, mantle and back that are often discernible in the field (pers. obs.); it also has, on average, less extensive buffish on the underparts, being largely confined to the belly (not extending to the lower breast). The most pronounced difference, however, is in the two species' song: R. fuscorufa delivers strophes of 8–18 staccato whistles which randomly change in pitch, while R. laguceria emits a series of 6–8 notes that steadily ascend in pitch (Fig. 4). Birds on each island are unresponsive to allopatric song.

Northern Fantail Rhipidura [rufiventris] hoedti (of Romang, Damar, Leti, Moa and Sermata) and R. [r.] assimilis (Kai Islands)—sometimes recognised specifically as Banda Sea Fantail and Kai Fantail respectively (Eaton et al. 2016, 2021, del Hoyo & Collar 2016)—has an obvious white-streaked grey breast-band, greyer head and upperparts (with a much broader supercilium in assimilis), plain wings lacking extensive cinnamon, much less richly coloured belly (appearing almost whitish in hoedti and pale buff in assimilis) and white (not cinnamon) outertail feathers. They also have very different vocalisations (Eaton et al. 2021).

Etymology.—Because the pleasing song of this taxon is its most distinctive attribute, we name the species for its vocalisations (lagu ceria = Indonesian for ‘cheerful song’). We employ the name as a noun in apposition.

Vernacular names.—While the English names ‘Tanimbar Fantail’ and ‘Babar Fantail’ are ostensibly appropriate for R. fuscorufa s. s. and R. laguceria respectively, the Tanimbar islands host two other sympatric fantail species—Supertramp Fantail R. semicollaris and Long-tailed Fantail R. opistherythra—the second of which is also endemic to the islands. Accordingly, we prefer the English names ‘Trembling Fantail’ for R. fuscorufa and ‘Cheerful Fantail’ for R. laguceria, given that their distinctive vocalisations have led us to propose separating them taxonomically.

Geographic distribution.—Endemic to Babar, Indonesia, and perhaps occurs too on the island's five small satellites, although these have not been explored ornithologically.

James A. Eaton and Alex J. Berryman. 2026. A New and Cryptic Fantail Species from the Babar Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. 146(2); 203-215. DOI: doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v146i2.2026.a6 (3 June 2026) 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Eaton

[Botany • 2025] Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New orchid Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 Phalaenopsis quadridentata M.Khanal & Kumar,

in Khanal, Ari, Lendo, Singpho, Sarkar, D. Kumar et P. Kumar. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7  

  facebook.com: Madhusudhan KHANAL

Abstract   

Phalaenopsis quadridentata is described as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Morphologically, this species looks similar to, Phalaenopsis mirabilis and Phalaenopsis putaoensis. However, the new species is a leafy plant bearing up to 4 flowers; sepals and petals bent backwards; labellum almost cochleate with ovate to elliptic midlobe, midrib not prominent, margin entire and ovate apex; lateral lobes of the labellum triangular, raised and arched above convergently with tips touching each other; 4 tooth-like triangular appendages at the junction of labellum and column, conical spur with densely pubescent inner surface and anther cap that is ovoid, entire, rounded. Whereas, P. mirabilis is a leafy plant bearing more than 5 flowers; sepals and petals bend forwards; labellum midlobe diamond-shaped, non-cochleate, midrib prominent and raised along its length, margin undulate and acute apex; lateral lobes truncate, erect parallelly; a high-raising linear appendage with a pointed triangular tip at the junction of labellum and column, deeply saccate spur without any hairs or ornamentation at the inner surface and anther cap ovoid with three triangular teeth at apex. Phalaenopsis putaoensis is a leafless plant bearing more than 5 flowers on one inflorescence; sepals and petals erect and spreading, labellum midlobe rhomboid and yellowish white; lacking spur; 2 raised calli from the base till apex; 2 minute slender, antenna-like appendages at the junction of labellum and column. A detailed taxonomic description, photos and notes on phenology, habitat and conservation assessment have been provided. 

Aeridinae, Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, Flora of India, moth orchids, taxonomy, Monocots

Phalaenopsis quadridentata 

Madhusudhan KHANAL, Veeresh Huchappa ARI, Pakgam Ngulom LENDO, Jaseng SINGPHO, Shuvadip SARKAR, Devendra KUMAR and Pankaj KUMAR. 2025. Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), A New orchid Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa. 704(2); 196-202. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7 [2025-06-06]

  facebook.com/MadhusudhanKHANAL18/posts/4904190649805989

 

[Funga • 2025] Gymnopus sinobrevipes, G. flavoalbus & G. yunnanensis (Agaricomycetes: Agaricales: Omphalotaceae) • Species Diversity of Gymnopus Section Levipedes in Southwestern China, with a Description of Three New Species

 

(a–c) Gymnopus flavoalbus ((a,b) Holotype, KUN-HKAS144470, (c) KUN-HKAS144471);
(d–f) G. sinobrevipes ((d,e) Holotype, KUN-HKAS108042, (f) KUN-HKAS108101);
(g–i) G. yunnanensis ((g,h): Holotype, KUN-HKAS108570, (i) KUN-HKAS108610).

W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, 

in Feng, Li, Cui et Cai. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/jof11020088 

Bars = 2 cm.

 

Abstract

Species of Gymnopus sect. Levipedes are challenging to delimitate due to the morphological similarity among different taxa. In this study, morphological characteristics, molecular phylogenetic data, and ecological traits were integrated to investigate the species diversity of this section of southwestern China. A total of 17 species were documented in the region, including three new species, namely G. sinobrevipes, G. flavoalbus, G. yunnanensis, and two species new to the studied area—G. bicolor and G. ocior. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the three new species are presented, along with comparisons to closely related or morphologically similar species. The remaining species included five that were originally described from southwestern China, four that were first identified from Europe, two from the Republic of Korea, and one from North America. Six of these species, originally described outside of China, currently lack molecular evidence to support their distributions in southwestern China. Finally, 11 species with morphological and molecular evidence were recognized in southwestern China. A key to these species is also provided.

Keywords: Agaricales; Omphalotaceae; phylogeny; morphology; three new taxa; taxonomy

 Basidiomata of novel species in Gymnopus sect. Levipedes from southwestern China.
(a–c) G. flavoalbus ((a,b) Holotype, KUN-HKAS144470, (c) KUN-HKAS144471);
 (d–f) G. sinobrevipes ((d,e) Holotype, KUN-HKAS108042, (f) KUN-HKAS108101);
 (g–i) G. yunnanensis ((g,h): Holotype, KUN-HKAS108570, (i) KUN-HKAS108610).

Bars = 2 cm.

Gymnopus flavoalbus W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, sp. nov. 

Etymology: Referring to the pale yellow center and whitish margin of the pileus.

Diagnosis: Similar to G. macropus Halling, but differs by its light-colored pileus, furcate cheilocystidia, and pileipellis with broadly clavate to spherical terminal cells without pigments.

Gymnopus sinobrevipes W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, sp. nov. 

Etymology: Referring to the species from China and having short stipe.

Diagnosis: Similar to G. tiliicola J.J. Hu, B. Zhang, and Yu Li, but differs in its smaller pileus and cheilocystidia with knobs.

Gymnopus yunnanensis W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, sp. nov. 

Etymology: Referring to the locality, Yunnan Province, China, where the holotype was collected.

Diagnosis: Similar to G. dryophiloides, but differs in its oblong to subcylindrical basidiospores and the absence of rhizomorphs at the stipe base.

 Wei-Chao Feng, Xiao-Yan Li, Yang-Yang Cui and Qing Cai. 2025. Species Diversity of Gymnopus Section Levipedes in Southwestern China, with a Description of Three New Species. J. Fungi. 11(2), 88; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/jof11020088 [23 January 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Polyalthia acuminatissima & P. chiangmaica, P. miliusifolia ... (Annonaceae: Miliuseae) • Uncovering Five New Species of Polyalthia from Thailand: Molecular and Morphological Congruence

 

พงศ์พะงา Polyalthia acuminatissima Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku; 
มธุรสา P. esanensis Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku; 
บุษบาดง P. chiangmaica Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku; 
ไพรผกา P. maxwelliana Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku;
พนาศัย P. miliusifolia Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku

in Wiya, Damthongdee, Chanthamrong, Ue-aree et Chaowasku, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1022.3093 

 facebook.com/ThaiBGO

Abstract 

Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses using seven plastid DNA markers (matK, rbcL, ndhF and ycf1 exons; trnL intron; psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF intergenic spacers) and detailed morphological investigations, five new species of Polyalthia Blume (Annonaceae Juss.) from Thailand are recognized, described and illustrated. These species are: Polyalthia acuminatissima Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku sp. nov. (from Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern region), P. esanensis Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku sp. nov. (from eastern and northeastern regions), P. chiangmaica Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku sp. nov. (from Chiang Mai Province, northern region), P. maxwelliana Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku sp. nov. and P. miliusifolia Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku sp. nov. (both from Kanchanaburi Province, southwestern region). All five species belong to one of the three major clades within the genus. Three of them (P. acuminatissima, P. esanensis and P. chiangmaica) were previously misidentified as P. evecta (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep., which is polyphyletic. Comparisons with their phylogenetically related or morphologically similar species are provided and a key to the species of this major clade occurring in Thailand is included. The conservation status of all five new species is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient. 

Keywords: Magnoliids, Malmeoideae, molecular phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

 

Chattida Wiya, Anissara Damthongdee, Kithisak Chanthamrong, Phasit Ue-aree and Tanawat Chaowasku. 2025. Uncovering Five New Species of Polyalthia (Annonaceae, Miliuseae) from Thailand: Molecular and Morphological Congruence.  European Journal of Taxonomy. 1022(1), 243-276. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1022.3093 [2025-10-14]

 facebook.com/ThaiBGO/posts/1449924910496891

พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกวงศ์กระดังงา 5 ชนิด จากประเทศไทย 

นักอนุกรมวิธานพืช องค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ ร่วมค้นพบ

ดร.ฉัตรธิดา วิยา นักอนุกรมวิธานพืช องค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ ร่วมกับทีมวิจัย นำโดย รองศาสตราจารย์ ดร.ธนวัฒน์ เชาวสกู ภาควิชาชีววิทยา คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่  ดร.อานิสรา ดำทองดี นักวิจัยหลังปริญญาเอก นายกิติศักดิ์ ฌานธำรง นักวิจัยอิสระ และนายพสิษฐ์ เอื้ออารีย์ ผู้ช่วยนักวิจัย กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช ร่วมกันค้นพบพืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกในวงศ์กระดังงา (Annonaceae) สกุลกล้วยเต่า (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 Blume) จำนวน 5 ชนิด คือ

มธุรสา (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨 Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูงประมาณ 1.5 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดอำนาจเจริญและอุดรธานี คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงแหล่งที่พบ คือภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ หรืออีสาน 

พนาศัย (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙖 Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูงประมาณ 60 เซนติเมตร พบที่จังหวัดกาญจนบุรี คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงลักษณะใบที่คล้ายกับใบของพืชในสกุลระฆังสยาม (Miliusa Lesch. ex A.DC.) บางชนิด

ไพรผกา (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙭𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙖 Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูง 1.5–4 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดกาญจนบุรี คำระบุชนิดตั้งขึ้นเพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่ Mr. James Franklin Maxwell (2488–2558) นักสำรวจและเก็บตัวอย่างพรรณไม้ไทยผู้มีผลงานโดดเด่น และเป็นหนึ่งในผู้ร่วมก่อตั้งหอพรรณไม้ภาควิชาชีววิทยา คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ (CMUB) พร้อมทั้งเป็นภัณฑารักษ์คนแรก

บุษบาดง (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙘𝙖 Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้พุ่ม สูงประมาณ 6 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงแหล่งที่พบ คือจังหวัดเชียงใหม่

พงศ์พะงา (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙖 Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูง 1–2 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดนครพนม คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงลักษณะปลายใบที่มักจะเรียวแหลมและยืดยาวอย่างเด่นชัด

พืชชนิดใหม่ทั้ง 5 ชนิดนี้ มีลักษณะดอกที่คล้ายคลึงกัน จึงจำเป็นต้องใช้ข้อมูลลำดับเบสดีเอ็นเอเพื่อช่วยในการกำหนดขอบเขตชนิดและสถานะทางอนุกรมวิธาน อนึ่ง พบว่าต้นมธุรสา บุษบาดง และพงศ์พะงา เคยถูกระบุชนิดเป็น 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖 (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep. แต่ข้อมูลสัณฐานวิทยาและวิวัฒนาการชาติพันธุ์เชิงโมเลกุลสามารถแยกพืชทั้ง 3 ชนิด และ 𝙋. 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖 ออกจากกันได้ ผลงานวิจัยนี้ได้ถูกตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร European Journal of Taxonomy เล่มที่ (Volume) 1022 หน้าที่ 243–276 (DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1022.3093)

อย่างไรก็ตาม ข้อมูลด้านการกระจายพันธุ์และขนาดประชากรของพืชชนิดใหม่ทั้ง 5 ชนิดยังไม่เพียงพอต่อการประเมินสถานภาพการอนุรักษ์ ปัจจุบันองค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ได้ดำเนินโครงการสำรวจภาคสนามเพื่อรวบรวมข้อมูลการกระจายพันธุ์และขนาดประชากรของพืชในสกุลกล้วยเต่าเพิ่มเติมเพื่อใช้ประเมินสถานภาพการอนุรักษ์เบื้องต้นและจัดลำดับความเร่งด่วนของพืชที่มีความเสี่ยงต่อการสูญพันธุ์ อันจะนำไปสู่การกำหนดแนวทางการอนุรักษ์ที่เหมาะสมต่อไป โดยโครงการดังกล่าวได้รับการสนับสนุนงบประมาณจากกองทุนส่งเสริมวิทยาศาสตร์ วิจัยและนวัตกรรม (กองทุน ววน.)

ในด้านการใช้ประโยชน์ พบว่า “มธุรสา” มีดอกที่มีกลิ่นหอมหวาน จึงมีศักยภาพในการพัฒนาเป็นไม้ดอกหอม นอกจากนี้ พืชทั้ง 5 ชนิด ยังมีแนวโน้มในการพัฒนาเป็นพืชสมุนไพร เนื่องจากมีรายงานการพบสารทุติยภูมิหลายกลุ่มที่แสดงฤทธิ์ทางเภสัชวิทยาในพืชสกุลนี้ ปัจจุบันนักอนุกรมวิธานพืชขององค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ได้หารือร่วมกับอาจารย์และนักวิจัยจากมหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ ได้แก่ ภาควิชาเคมี และศูนย์วิจัยวิทยาศาสตร์สิ่งแวดล้อม คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ โดยมุ่งพัฒนาวิธีการสกัดสารจากพืชชนิดใหม่ให้มีประสิทธิภาพทั้งเชิงคุณภาพและปริมาณของสารสกัด พร้อมทั้งทดสอบคุณสมบัติทางกายภาพและชีวภาพ เพื่อยืนยันคุณสมบัติของสารที่ได้จากพืช อันจะนำไปสู่การสนับสนุนการใช้ประโยชน์จากพืชควบคู่กับการอนุรักษ์ความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพอย่างยั่งยืน

เขียนและเรียบเรียง: ฉัตรธิดา วิยา และคณะผู้วิจัย

[Botany • 2025] Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) • Doomed to Extinction by Mining: A New Species from Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

 

Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis Leme, J.L.Lobo, O.B.C.Ribeiro & A.P.Gelli,

in Castro, Ribeiro, Leme, Almeida et Faria, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.1.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/398287909

Abstract

A new species of Hoplocryptanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered in a ferruginous rupestrian grassland located in the southern Iron Quadrangle region, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis is endemic to the Pires Range, a region under strong threat by mining exploitation. The morphological characters of H. serrapiresensis are discussed in comparison with H. knegtianus and H. tiradentesensis. This microendemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), reinforcing the need for a strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. Characters related to leaves proved useful in the taxonomic delimitation of this new species. Morphological analyses also validated and reinforced the diagnostic floral and inflorescence characters used in the circumscription of Hoplocryptanthus.

bromeliads, conservation, Espinhaço Range, morphology, Monocots

A–L. Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis (Leme 10355).
A. Habit. B. Frontal view of the corolla. C. Lateral view of the corolla.D. Flower. E. Abaxial view of sepals connate at the base. F. Petal, filaments, and style forming a common basal tube which is typical for Hoplocryptanthus. G. Details of the basal portion of the leaf blades with pronounced marginal spines. H. Floral bract. I. Longitudinalsection of the ovary. J. Stigma. K. Frontal view of the anther. L. Dorsal view of the anther.

Photographs by E. Leme. Bars = 5 mm (A–D,F–G). Bars = 1 mm (E, H–L). 

Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis Leme, J.L.Lobo, O.B.C.Ribeiro & A.P.Gelli, sp. nov.

A. General view of the ferruginous rupestrian fields of Pires Range, situated in the Congonhas municipality, at the southernend of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. B. Details of large banded itabirite blocks which occur randomly dispersed throughout the area. C. The saxicolous habit of Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis at type locality.
D. Presence of intense mining activityextending to the limits of the Pires Range. Photographs by P. H. Nobre.

A–G. Hoplocryptanthus knegtianus (Leme 9322). A. Habit. B. Frontal view of the corolla. C. Lateral view of the corolla.D. Details of the basal portion of the leaf blades and the marginal spines. E. Stigma. F. Frontal view of the anther. G. Dorsal view of theanther.
H. Habit of Hoplocryptanthus tiradentesensis (Leme 5819).

Photographs by E. Leme. Bars = 5 mm (A–B, D, H). Bars = 2 mm(C), Bars = 1 mm (E–G) 

JOÃO LUÍS L. M. DE CASTRO, OTÁVIO B. C. RIBEIRO, ELTON M. C. LEME, PEDRO S. DE ALMEIDA and ANA PAULA G. DE FARIA. 2025. Doomed to Extinction by Mining: A New Species of Hoplocryptanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) from Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 732(1); 57-66. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.1.5 [2025-12-03]

 Researchgate.net/publication/398287909_a_new_species_of_Hoplocryptanthus_from_Congonhas_Minas_Gerais_Brazil

[Crustacea • 2025] Umalia modesta • A New Species of Frog Crab Genus Umalia Guinot, 1993 (Brachyura: Raninidae) from the South China Sea, with A Key to Species in the Genus

 

Umalia modesta

Ng, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.18353/crustacea.54.0_53

Abstract 

A new species of raninid frog crab, Umalia modesta n. sp., is described from the northern part of the South China Sea, near Tungsha Islands. The species is morphologically most similar to U. chinensis (Chen & Sun, 2002) (from southern China) and U. tenuiocellus (Davie & Short, 1989) (from Australia) but can easily be distinguished from them by its carapace form, well developed cornea, and structures of the rostrum, thoracic sternum, third maxilliped and ambulatory legs.  

Key words: Tungsha Islands, Taiwan, Raninoidea, new species, comparative taxonomy, genus key

Umalia modesta n. sp., holotype female (11.0×14.0 mm) (ZRC 2024.0500), South China Sea.
A, overall dorsal view; B, frontal half of carapace (dorsal view); C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, left anterolateral view of cephalothorax; E, third maxillipeds.

Umalia modesta n. sp., male, station CP4115,
southwest of Tungsha Island, South China Sea [specimen not examined]

[Photograph: T.-Y. Chan].

Superfamily Raninoidea De Haan, 1839 

Family Raninidae De Haan, 1839 

Subfamily Notopodinae Serène & Umali, 1972 

Umalia Guinot, 1993

Umalia modesta, new species 

Diagnosis: Carapace shape trapezoidal, anterior part much wider than posterior part, lateral margins almost straight, subparallel; carapace width more than 0.7 total length; fronto-orbital distance less than half width of carapace; anterior ...

Etymology: From the Latin “modesta” for unassuming, alluding to the simple characters of the species

Peter K. L. Ng. 2025. On A New Species of Frog Crab, Umalia modesta n. sp. (Brachyura: Raninidae) from the South China Sea, with A Key to Species in the Genus. Crustacean Research. 54; 53-61. DOI: doi.org/10.18353/crustacea.54.0_53 [September 27, 2025]

[Paleontology • 2026] Qianjiangsaurus changshengi • First Report of a Hollow Cranial Crest in an Early-Diverging Duck-Billed Dinosaur, with Implications for Convergent Evolution of Acoustic Signaling

 

Qianjiangsaurus changshengi  
Dai, Ma, Xiong, Lin, Zeng, Tan, Wang, Zhang & Xing, 2025

in Q. Ma, Y. Ma, Tan, Chen, Lin, ... et Xing, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3390/biology15080615 

Abstract

Cranial crests have evolved multiple times in the evolutionary history of vertebrates, serving primarily for visual display. In duck-billed lambeosaurines, one of the most successful dinosaur clades of the Late Cretaceous, the cranial crest became hollow along the paired premaxillae and nasals, and was secondarily selected as a resonating structure atop the skull roof, facilitating acoustic signaling. Here we report the first instance of a hollow supracranial crest in a non-lambeosaurine ornithopod dinosaur, the early-branching hadrosauroid Qianjiangsaurus changshengi, where the paired accessory endonasal cavities just above the nasal cavity proper occur following the dorsoventral thickening of the nasals. This novel nasal cavity configuration is associated with the helmet-like hollow supracranial crest solely formed by the nasals. Comparative resonance modeling suggests that the nasal cavity of Q. changshengi could amplify low-frequency vocalizations similar to those of late-branching lambeosaurines. Seven analogous skull features (including the hollow supracranial crest) and similar low-frequency acoustic capabilities of nasal cavities between Q. changshengi and late-branching lambeosaurines reveal a striking morphological and functional convergence that would likely facilitate safer, more efficient social communication among hadrosauroids. This convergence can be explained by adaptive evolution under similar selection pressures, combined with developmental constraints due to gene pleiotropy.

Keywords: Qianjiangsaurus changshengi; accessory endonasal cavities; hollow supracranial crest; low-frequency vocalizations; convergent evolution

Qianjiangsaurus changshengi

 

Qingyu Ma, Yubo Ma, Chao Tan, Jian Chen, Yu Lin, Ming Xiao, Hui Dai, Guangbiao Wei, Jordan C. Mallon, Jun Wang, Han Yao, Zhengting Zou and Hai Xing. 2026. First Report of a Hollow Cranial Crest in an Early-Diverging Duck-Billed Dinosaur, with Implications for Convergent Evolution of Acoustic Signaling. Biology. 15(8), 615. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/biology15080615 [13 April 2026]

 

Simple Summary: Convergent evolution is a peculiar biological process in which distinct taxa or lineages independently evolve analogous features, structures and functions, to adapt to similar necessities. Here we present a classic instance of morphological and functional convergence of the hollow cranial crest among hadrosauroid dinosaurs, based on an excellently preserved skull of the early-branching hadrosauroid Qianjiangsaurus changshengi newly recovered from southwest China, as well as comparative resonant frequency evaluations of its unique endonasal (‘within the nasal bone’) cavities using CT scans and mathematic calculations. The overgrown nasal crest with a novel internal structure in Q. changshengi is morphologically comparable to but structurally non-homologous with the greatly developed hollow supracranial ornamentation and elongate nasal passages seen in lambeosaurines, and thus hugely changes our notions on the cranial evolution of late-branching ornithopod dinosaurs.

[Botany • 2025] Calea breviflora (Asteraceae) • A New Species endemic to White Sand ecosystems of easternmost Amazon, Maranhão, Brazil

Calea breviflora  V.R.Bueno & M.S.Silva, 

in Silva, Bueno, Scatigna et Marinho, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.1.6 

Abstract

During field expeditions on white sand patches in northwestern Maranhão, Brazil, we found specimens of Calea characterized by minute florets and pappuses, common to Calea divaricata clade species. After thorough analysis, we concluded that those specimens represent a new species, which is described here as Calea breviflora. Its description, distribution map, illustrations, taxonomic comments, information on the habitat and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided. Moreover, we present an identification key for the Calea divaricata clade species.

Biodiversity, campinarana, taxonomy, white sand soil, Eudicots

Calea breviflora

MIZALENE SILVA DA SILVA, VINICIUS RESENDE BUENO, ANDRÉ VITO SCATIGNA and LUCAS CARDOSO MARINHO. 2025. Calea breviflora (Asteraceae): A New Species endemic to White Sand ecosystems of easternmost Amazon, Maranhão, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 682()1); 91-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.682.1.6 [2025-01-16]

[Invertebrate • 2025] Alloscopus sago & A. jantapasoae • Two New Species of the Genus Alloscopus Börner, 1906 (Collembola: Orchesellidae: Heteromurinae) from southern Thailand

Alloscopus sago Jantarit & Manee, sp. nov.  
   A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, sp. nov.

in Jantarit, Manee, Nilsai, Mitpuangchon et Pimsai, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.148100 

Abstract 

Two new species of Alloscopus Börner (Orchesellidae: Heteromurinae) are discovered and described from southern Thailand. The first species, Alloscopus sago Jantarit & Manee, sp. nov. was found in a sago palm forest (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.), a true sago palm species native to Southeast Asia and typically located in lowland freshwater swamps in Phatthalung Province. The second species, A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, sp. nov. was sampled from a dark zone within a cave environment in Trang Province. Both species are characterized by the absence of eyes and mucronal spines, the presence of a PAO, two rows of smooth chaetae on the manubrium, and dental spines. However, they differ in several morphological features, including the number of macrochaetae on the ‘A’ series of the head, Th. II and Abd. IV; labial basis chaetotaxy; the presence of smooth chaetae on tibiotarsi; the number of chaetae on both the anterior and posterior ventral tube; and the number of the inter-teeth on the claw. The discovery of these two new species increases the total number of Alloscopus species recorded in Thailand to six species with a total of 17 recognized species globally. An updated key to the world species of Alloscopus is also provided.   

Key words: Cave, chaetotaxy, Entomobryoidea, sago palm, taxonomy

Alloscopus sago Jantarit & Manee, sp. nov.   

 A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, sp. nov.

 Sopark Jantarit, Nongnapat Manee, Areeruk Nilsai, Natrada Mitpuangchon and Awatsaya Pimsai. 2025. Two New Species of the Genus Alloscopus Börner, 1906 (Collembola, Orchesellidae, Heteromurinae) from southern Thailand. ZooKeys. 1245: 357-381. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.148100 

 

 

[Botany • 2025] Anisomeles tamilnadense (Lamiaceae) • A New Species from Tamil Nadu, India

 

 Anisomeles tamilnadense  Ramasubbu & Bechu 

in Bechu, Ramasubbu, Spurgeon, Venkatesh et Kalaiselvan, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.711.2.10 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393979625

 

Abstract

A new species of Lamiaceae, Anisomeles tamilnadense, is described from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. This species is closely related to A. indica and A. malabarica. However, several features differ, including the ovate-lanceolate and narrowly crenate leaf margin, coloured spathulate bracts, coloured calyx, <100 banded unpigmented corolla hairs and larger stigma lobes. This distinctive combination of traits allows to describe a new species within the genus, contributing to the better knowledge of the flora of the Indian subcontinent.

Eudicots, Anisomeles indica, Anisomeles malabarica, Lamiales, morphology, taxonomy

 Anisomeles tamilnadense:
 a) adult shrub at flowering; b) inflorescence twig; c) indumentum in stem; f) leaf morphology; g) leaf apex; h) leaf margin; A. malabarica: d) leaf morphology; i) leaf margin; A. indica: e) leaf morphology; j) leaf margin

Anisomeles tamilnadense Ramasubbu & Bechu sp. nov.

PUNNEN ABRAHAM BECHU, RAJU RAMASUBBU, EDWIN KIRUBAI DASS SPURGEON, PALANIVEL VENKATESH and KARUPPASAMY KALAISELVAN. 2026. Anisomeles tamilnadense (Lamiaceae), A New Species from Tamil Nadu, India.  Phytotaxa. 711(2); 202-208. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.711.2.10 [2025-07-24]

 Researchgate.net/publication/393979625_Anisomeles_tamilnadense_a_new_species_from_Tamil_Nadu_India

academia.edu/164908527/Anisomeles_tamilnadense_a_new_species_from_Tamil_Nadu_India