[Fungi • 2026] Leptobacillium geminatum • A New Species of Leptobacillium and Additional Records of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) from Sabah, Malaysia

Leptobacillium geminatum

in Shahbaz, De Wint, Rong, Wei, Koid, Fayle, Tan, Abdullah, Palaniveloo et Seelan, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70107 

Abstract

Simplicillium and Leptobacillium are entomopathogenic fungal genera frequently associated with arthropods in tropical ecosystems and considered promising candidates for biological pest control. However, the diversity of these genera in tropical regions, particularly in Malaysia, has not been systematically investigated in the context of their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships. This study aimed to investigate the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium using integrated morphological and molecular analyses. During a survey of entomopathogenic fungi conducted in Malaysia from 2022–2023, parasitized insects were collected, including spiders and wasps infected by entomopathogenic fungi. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using concatenated datasets of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) gene to construct phylogenetic trees. The study identified one novel species, Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov., isolated from a spider. In addition, five species are reported here as new records for Malaysia: S. formicae, L. leptobactrum. symbioticum, and L. coffeanum isolated from spiders and S. puwenense, isolated from a wasp. Morphological characteristics together with molecular phylogenetic evidence supported the taxonomic placement of these taxa. These findings represent the first comprehensive documentation of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium species from Malaysia, significantly expanding the known diversity and geographical distribution of these entomopathogenic fungi in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: concatenation, fungal diversity, morphology, Northern Borneo, taxonomy

 Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov.

Muhammad Shahbaz, Frederik C. De Wint, Jeremiah Sia Yiao Rong, Yap Jing Wei, Qian-Qun Koid, Tom Fayle, Yee Shin Tan, Sumaiyah Abdullah, Kishneth Palaniveloo, Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan. 2026. A New Species of Leptobacillium and Additional Records of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium from Sabah, Malaysia. New Zealand Journal of Botany. 64(2); DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70107 [02 June 2026] 

[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 

 

 

[Fungi • 2025] Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. & Moniliella princeps sp. nov. • Two Novel Yeasts Species Isolated from Toddy Palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) Inflorescence Sap in Thailand

 

Metschnikowia sirindhorniae  

in Jindamorakot, Am-In, Kaewwichian, Khunnamwong et Limtong, 2025.

Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  

DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.267713 

Abstract

Two strains, YSP-519 and YSP-478, respectively representing novel ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeast species, were obtained from toddy palm inflorescence sap collected in Thailand. The ascomycetous yeast strain YSP-519 was closely related to Metschnikowia agaves CBS 7744T. There were 1.6% nucleotide substitutions (9 nucleotide substitutions and 2 gaps out of 555 nt) in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 0.7% nucleotide substitutions (3 nucleotide substitutions out of 454 nt) in the ITS regions. The basidiomycetous yeast strain YSP-478 was closely related to Moniliella pollinis CBS 461.67T. It had 0.5 % nucleotide substitutions (3 nucleotide substitutions out of 554 nt) in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 2.0% nucleotide substitutions (9 nucleotide substitutions out of 473 nt) in the ITS regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions and the D1/D2 domains confirmed that the two strains represent two new species. The name Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. is proposed for YSP-519T), and Moniliella princeps sp. nov. is proposed for YSP-478T. The holotypes of M. sirindhorniae and Mo. princeps are TBRC 10642T and TBRC 10641T, respectively and the ex-type are CGMCC 2.6079T and CGMCC 2.6078T, respectively. The MycoBank numbers of M. sirindhorniae and Mo. princeps are MB858878 and MB858879, respectively.

Keywords: Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.s., sp. nov., Moniliella princeps sp. nov., novel yeast species, Thailand

Metschnikowia sirindhorniae sp. nov. YSP-519T.
A. budding cells in YM broth after 3 days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm);
B. pseudomycelium formed on PDA after 7 days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm);
C. pseudomycelium in YM broth after 14days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm).

 Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. 

ยีสต์น้ำหวานดอกตาลโตนดสิรินธร

 Moniliella princeps sp. nov.

ยีสต์น้ำหวานดอกตาลโตนดเจ้าฟ้าหญิง

Sasitorn Jindamorakot, Somjit Am-In, Rungluck Kaewwichian, Pannida Khunnamwong and Savitree Limtong. 2025. Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. and Moniliella princeps sp. nov., Two Novel Yeasts Species Isolated from Toddy Palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) Inflorescence Sap in Thailand.  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  439-448. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.267713 

[Entomology • 2025] Agoo kizini & A. palmalopezi • Two New Species of the Palm-feeding Planthopper Genus Agoo (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) from southern Mexico

 

 Agoo kizini Pinedo-Escatel & Blanco-Rodríguez, 

in Palma-Cancino, Pinedo-Escatel, Blanco-Rodríguez, Bahder et Ortiz-Garcia, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.2.8  

  Researchgate.net/publication/396371622

Two new species of the genus Agoo Bahder & Bartlett, A. kizini Pinedo-Escatel & Blanco-Rodríguez sp. nov. from the Yucatán Peninsula and A. palmalopezi Pinedo-Escatel & Blanco-Rodríguez sp. nov. from the state of Tabasco, Mexico are described and illustrated. Sequence data for the 18S rRNA and COX1 genes of A. kizini are provided and a distributional map of both species is also given. Specimens were found in association with palms, representing the first record of Agoo in Mexico.

Hemiptera, Derbinae, Cenchreini, Arecaceae, Yucatán, Peninsula Tabasco

Pablo José PALMA-CANCINO, J. Adilson PINEDO-ESCATEL, Edith BLANCO-RODRÍGUEZ, B. W. BAHDER and Carlos Fredy ORTIZ-GARCÍA. 2025. Two New Species of the Palm-feeding Planthopper Genus Agoo (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) from southern Mexico. Zootaxa. 5706(2); 279-291. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.2.8 [2025-10-10]  Researchgate.net/publication/396371622

 facebook.com/61559290136234/posts/122206562306309671

 Researchgate.net/publication/396371622_Two_new_species_of_Agoo_from_southern_Mexico

[Botany • 2025] Syagrus harenae (Arecaceae) • Hidden in the Mountain: A New rare Syagrus with morphological novelties

 Syagrus harenae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, 

in Sant’Anna-Santos, Nunes, Micheli et Francino, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.140657

Abstract

Background and aims – The Serra do Ambrósio is a mountain with a unique vegetation called carrasco. The carrasco is characterised by sandy soils of high granulometry and is home to rare species. During the current research on the Arecaceae flora of the Diamantina Plateau, a new Syagrus species was discovered, which is described here.

Material and methods – The morphology and anatomy are described based on field collections. The pinnae anatomy was analysed using LM (free-hand cross sections). The new species belongs to the Syagrus glaucescens complex, and an identification key and a distribution map were created.

Key results – Syagrus harenae resembles S. glaucescens, but some characteristics easily differentiate it, such as the small size, lax pinnae, symmetric pinnae tips, ramenta scales, a scattered thin indumentum on the peduncle, inflorescences and fruits orangish-yellow, and pistil with indumentum. The new species also possesses flowers arranged in tetrads and pentads and is the first species of Syagrus showing two sepals, petals with imbricate tips, staminodes with anthers, and frequently lacks staminodial rings. The pinnae anatomy of the new species also resembles S. glaucescens, which indicates their relatedness. However, reliable differences in pinnae anatomy set the new species apart, such as the fibrous ring reaching the abaxial hypodermis and the large first adaxial fibre bundle near the margin. The new species is assessed as critically endangered.

Conclusion – Syagrus harenae is the first endemic species of the genus described for the Serra do Ambrósio and possesses striking characteristics, such as the re-greening of the pistillate flowers and flowers arranged in tetrads and pentads. The type population corroborates the Diamantina Plateau and its disjunctions as one of the centres of diversity for Syagrus. The discovery of this new species reinforces the uniqueness of the local flora and its classification as a priority area for conservation.

Keywords: campo rupestre, carrasco, Espinhaço Range, Palmae, Serra do Ambrósio, taxonomy

 Syagrus harenae.
 A. Prostrated stem. B. Sheathing leaf arranged in 5 nearly vertical or slightly spiralled rows. C. Flowers arranged in tetrads. D. Sepals connate at the base. E. Flowers arranged in pentads. F. Fruits. G. Endocarp pores

. A–G from Sant’Anna-Santos & Francino 406 (DIAM, holotype). 

Illustration by Gustavo Surlo.

Vegetative morphological aspects of Syagrus harenae.
A. Landscape photograph of the type locality: a group of individuals (white rectangles) growing on the sandy soils near rock outcrops (ro). B. The white arrowhead indicates the prostrated stem. C. Ramenta (black arrowheads) on the pinnae abaxial surface (ab) and leaf rachis with brownish tomentum (ra). D. Long tapering pinnae tips (white arrowheads). E. Pinnae: dark-green adaxial surface (ad) and glaucous abaxial surface (ab). F. Pinnae inserted in divergent planes over the rachis (rc). G. Fibres (white arrowheads) of the pseudopetiole. H. Leaf sheath (sh), peduncular bract (pb), and prophyll (pr).

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Floral morphology of Syagrus harenae. 

A. Staminate flowers on rachillae upper 1/3 and triads on its lower 2/3: staminate flowers in pre-anthesis (two black arrowheads). B. Tetrads (two white circles): staminate flowers in anthesis (two black arrowheads). C. Inflorescence bearing only pistillate flowers (after staminate flowers’ senescence). D. Triad: sessile staminate flowers, yellow pistillate flowers. E. Pedicellate staminate flowers (two black arrowheads), green pistillate flowers. F. Tetrad: two central pistillate flowers flanked by two staminate flowers. G. Pentad on lateral view: three central pistillate flowers flanked by two staminate flowers (two black arrowheads). H. Pentad: top view. Staminate flowers (two black arrowheads). I. Apex and base staminate flowers. Three petals (pe). J. Staminate flower: petals (pe) longer than ... 

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos

Fruit morphology of Syagrus harenae. 

A. Infructescence. B. Immature fruit: epicarp green in colour and recovered by a scaly lepidote tomentum. C. Mature fruit: epicarp orange in colour and recovered by a scaly lepidote tomentum. D. Fibrous mesocarp (me). Epicarp (ep). Endocarp (en). E. Three apical endocarp pores: top view. F. Endocarp pore, lateral view. G. Longitudinal section: brownish endocarp (en) and whitish endosperm (ed). 

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus harenae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Syagrus harenae is similar to S. glaucescens Glaz. ex Beccari, from which it differs by lax pinnae on the leaf rachis (vs congested pinnae), apical pinnae size (8–12 × 0.2–0.4 vs 1.5–6 × 0.2–1.0), pinnae with symmetrical tip (vs asymmetrical); base of the stem not-angular (vs angular), brownish indumentum where pinnae are inserted on the lower leaf rachis (vs glabrous); prostrated stem (vs erect); sheathing leaf base length (10–28 cm vs 42–52 cm), lax sheathing leaf base (vs congested); inflorescence strongly pendulous (vs erect ou slightly pendulous); peduncle with scattered thin indumentum (vs glabrous); petal tips imbricate (vs valvate); pistil with whitish indumentum on lower 1/3 (vs glabrous), inconspicuous staminodial ring (vs conspicuous staminodal ring); fruit yellowish-orange when mature (vs brownish).

Etymology: The specific epithet, harenae, means sand and refers to the unique sandy soil where the new species grows in the Serra do Ambrósio mountain.

 

Morphological aspects of  Syagrus harenae with ecological implications.
A. Fly on the peduncular bract. B. A bee visiting a pistillate flower. C. A bee visiting a staminate flower. D. Beetle. E–F. Larvae (two white arrowheads). G–H. Fruits and endocarps on the sandy soil. I. Mesocarp damaged (da) by fruit predation. J–K. Pendulous infructescences almost reaching the ground (three white circles), and young plants (two white arrowheads) near adult plants.

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

 Bruno Francisco Sant’Anna-Santos, Elaine Lopes Pereira Nunes, Rafael Micheli and Dayana Maria Teodoro Francino. 2025. Hidden in the Mountain: A New rare Syagrus (Arecaceae) with morphological novelties. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(1): 63-81. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.140657

[Botany • 2024] An Overview of Astrocaryum (Arecaceae: Bactridinae) Types from Brazil described by João Barbosa Rodrigues

 

Astrocaryum described byJoão Barbosa Rodrigues

in Lima, Amorim et Almeida, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.675.3.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386414830

 

Abstract

João Barbosa Rodrigues, a renowned Brazilian botanist, spent years intensively studying Orchidaceae and Arecaceae and oversaw two important institutions in Brazil: the Museu Botânico do Amazonas and the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. However, when it comes to his taxonomic studies, there are controversies about the existence of specimens mentioned in the protologues of his new species. For example, for the palm genus Astrocaryum, several issues have arisen regarding identifying and designating nomenclatural types of the species he described. Different researchers presumed that the entire collection of types was destroyed after the Museu Botânico do Amazonas closed and due to natural disasters, that affected his collections in city of Rio de Janeiro. Thus, in this study we investigated the names of Astrocaryum described by Barbosa Rodrigues. We conducted a comprehensive investigation of Barbosa Rodrigues’ works to determine the origin and current location of the possible nomenclatural types associated with the Astrocaryum species he described. Additionally, we reviewed the designations proposed by Jan Wessels Boer and Sidney Glassman for these species in the previous century. Based on our thorough search, we confirmed the absence of the specimens mentioned in the protologues of these species. Furthermore, we substantiated the typifications made by Wessels Boer and Glassman, which were based on illustrations by Barbosa Rodrigues. Our findings confirm the assignment of six lectotypes and twelve neotypes for Astrocaryum based on the Shenzhen Code.

illustrations, lectotype, Museu Botânico do Amazonas, neotype, palms, Monocots

Gustavo Pereira LIMA, Gabriela AMORIM, Eduardo Bezerra de ALMEIDA Jr. 2024. An Overview of Astrocaryum (Bactridinae, Arecaceae) Types from Brazil described by João Barbosa Rodrigues.  Phytotaxa. 675(3); 191-216. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.675.3.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/386414830_An_overview_of_Astrocaryum_types_from_Brazil_described_by_Barb.Rodr

[PaleoBotany • 2024] Phoenicites insula-lacuna • A fossil pinnate palm leaf (Arecaceae: Arecoideae) from Island Lagoon, in the arid zone of South Australia

 

Phoenicites insula-lacuna D.R.Greenw. & Conran, 

in Greenwood et Conran, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2024.2403591 

ABSTRACT

Fossil pinnate palm leaves (Arecaceae, subfam. Arecoideae) are described from the Eocene or Miocene Island Lagoon fossil site near Woomera in the arid zone of South Australia. These leaves are described as a new species, Phoenicites insula-lacuna and shown to share morphological similarities to the extant genus Archontophoenix (subtr. Archontophoenicinae), endemic to eastern Australia. This fossil record constitutes a significant temporal and geographic range extension for Archontophoenicinae and likely Archontophoenix. The presence in Australia of Archontophoenicinae as early as the Eocene or more likely Miocene, is in accordance with molecular analyses that propose dispersal of this clade into Australia from New Guinea, with subsequent dispersal from Australia to New Caledonia and divergence of the Archontophoenix and Chambeyronia lineages during this interval of time. Previously reported co-occurring myrtaceous woody fruits from Island Lagoon and proximal-coeval silcrete floras previously referred to Angophora, Callistemon, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and fossils of other sclerophyllous taxa such as Banksia are consistent with this palm being part of a landscape mosaic with riparian rainforest that included mesic plants growing within wider sclerophyllous forest or woodland vegetation comparable to the eastern coastal zone of modern-day Australia and the modern range of Archontophoenix.

KEYWORDS: Palm, Arecaceae, paleogene–neogene, Australia, Archontophoenix, silcrete macrofloras

Phoenicites insula-lacuna sp. nov. 
(A) Holotype P14209 showing whole specimen. (B) Paratype (P14467) with midvein at arrow. (C) Detail showing asymmetry of pinnae base (P14209). (D, E) Detail of mid-pinnae showing midvein and secondary veins (P14209). (F) Rachis (P14209) showing patterned surface corresponding to ‘brown spots’ similar to those of extant Archontophoenix spp. (G) Detail of mid-pinnae with arrow showing midvein (P14467).

Scale bars in cm. All photos by John G. Conran.

Order: Arecales Bromhead (1840)

Family Arecaceae Bercht. et Presl (1820), nom. cons. et nom. alt.

Subfamily Arecoideae Burnett (1835)

Fossil genus Phoenicites Brongn. emend Read and Hickey (Citation1972)

Type species Phoenicites pumila Brongniart, 1828, 

from the Eocene Brives region of France.

Phoenicites insula-lacuna D.R.Greenw. & Conran, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Pinnate leaf with 11 or more pinnae per side. Rachis straight, rounded, minutely tuberculate or dotted. Pinnae linear-lanceolate, subopposite, reduplicate, inserted in a single plane along the rachis at acute angles (17–34°; n = 10), with 6–8 prominent lateral secondary veins and narrower at the base than medially; bases asymmetrical, broader basioscopically.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin for Island Lagoon, the fossil’s locality.

Location: Unnamed Tertiary unit at the decommissioned Island Lagoon tracking station, South Australia (31° 23′S, 136° 53′E, 139 m).

David R. Greenwood and John G. Conran. 2024. A fossil pinnate palm leaf (Arecaceae, subfam. Arecoideae) from Island Lagoon, in the arid zone of South Australia. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2024.2403591   

[Entomology • 2024] Sufetula culshawi sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Lathrotelinae): a previously unrecognised species affecting cultivated palms

 

Sufetula culshawi

Young, Hall, Richards & Lees, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.48.126042  

Abstract

A new species of the pantropical genus Sufetula Walker, 1859 (Crambidae: Lathrotelinae) is described. A male specimen was found by Martin Culshaw as an accidental import in Stirlingshire, Scotland, whilst a female specimen was later found in the Natural History Museum collections, which had been reared in southernmost Kyushu, at Ibusuki, Japan. These specimens do not match externally the 31 currently accepted described species in the genus. We obtained a full 658 bp DNA barcode from both specimens (together with all of COI from the Japanese exemplar) that confirmed their conspecificity but showing at least 7.49% p-distance from any presently existing cluster. Phylogenetic analysis, including 14 other exemplars with DNA barcodes from BOLD/GenBank, failed to place the new taxon with any existing lathroteline species group. The Japanese specimen was reared from the roots of an Areca Palm Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Wendland in 1987, whilst the specimen imported to Scotland may have emerged from the same species. This information suggests that the new species is a previously unrecognised coloniser of horticulturally imported palms. Currently we cannot rule out the hypothesis that the species is native to habitats containing palms in the southern Japanese islands, and further specimens should be searched for in collections and in the wild. However, INaturalist images externally diagnostic for the species suggest it is widespread in South East Asia.

a. Dorsal view of Sufetula culshawi paratype male NHMUK013699321 from Stirling, Scotland; b. Ventral view of S. culshawi paratype male;
c. S. culshawi paratype male habitus photo; d. S. culshawi holotype female NHMUK013706270 from Ibusuki, Japan, dorsal view.

 Mark R. Young, Peter R. Hall, Nigel G.J. Richards, David C. Lees. 2025. Sufetula culshawi sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Crambidae, Lathrotelinae): a previously unrecognised species affecting cultivated palms. Nota Lepidopterologica. 48: 1-14. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.48.126042  

[Funga • 2024] Cyathus magnipilosus (Basidiomycota: Nidulariaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Borneo

Cyathus magnipilosus

in Góis, Cruz, Baseia et Hosaka, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.1.3 

 x.com/RhudsonCruz 

 

Abstract

In this study, we present the first new species of Cyathus from Indonesia. Cyathus magnipilosus is characterized by having light-colored basidiomata, an exoperidium with long tomentum, single-layered cortex, black peridioles with a smooth surface and elongated basidiospores. The new species is presented with morphological illustrated description, and phylogenetic analyses using ITS and LSU sequences. Cyathus magnipilosus fits in the pallidum group, based on recent classifications. Comparative analyses with related taxa and a detailed discussion are provided as well as an identification key to the known species of Cyathus in the pallidum group for the world.

biodiversity, bird's nest fungi, new taxa, phylogeny, systematics, Fungi

 

Jefferson Dos Santos GÓIS, Rhudson Henrique Santos Ferreira da CRUZ, Iuri Goulart BASEIA and Kentaro HOSAKA. 2024. A New Species of Cyathus (Nidulariaceae, Basidiomycota) from Kalimantan, Borneo.  Phytotaxa. 677(1); 66-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.1.3

  x.com/RhudsonCruz/status/1867030844831043887

[Funga • 2024] Peniophora salaccae (Russulales: Peniophoraceae) • A Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca) pathogen from southern Thailand

  

 Peniophora salaccae  Suwannar. S. Boukaew & J. Kamla, 

in Boukaew, Kamla et Suwannarach. 2024.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.2.2

 facebook.com/NakarinSuwannarach

 

Abstract

The genus Peniophora is known to be distributed from boreal to tropical regions worldwide. During surveys of plant diseases in southern Thailand in 2022 and 2023, two specimens of rotten snake fruits (Salacca zalacca) were collected. The new species, Peniophora salaccae, is described based on collections with morphological and molecular data. This species is characterized by orange-gray to brownish-orange basidiomes, simple-septate generative hyphae, brown lamprocystidia, subclavate to subcylindrical gloeocystidia, and subtriangular basidiospores. It can be distinguished from P. trigonosperma by its larger basidiospores and shorter lamprocystidia. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the large subunit (nrLSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) confirmed the position of the new species within the genus Peniophora. The full description, color photographs, illustrations, and the phylogenetic tree showing the position of P. salaccae are provided. Additionally, pathogenicity tests showed that P. salaccae could infect snake fruits, which developed the same symptoms under artificial inoculation conditions as those observed in the field.

Corticioid fungus, pathogenic fungus, phylogeny, taxonomy, tropical area, Fungi

 Peniophora salaccae sp. nov. 

Sawai Boukaew, Jaturong Kamla and Nakarin Suwannarach. 2024. Peniophora salaccae sp. nov. (Russulales, Basidiomycota), A Snake Fruit (Salacca zalacca) pathogen from southern Thailand. Phytotaxa. 662(2); 137-149. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.662.2.2

Researchgate.net/publication/382967126_Peniophora_salaccae_a_Salacca_pathogen_from_southern_Thailand

 facebook.com/NakarinSuwannarach/posts/8326187354091908

 facebook.com/SKRUAgriTech/posts/997963168785162

โรคอุบัติใหม่ในประเทศไทย “โรคผลเน่าในสละ จากเห็ดสกุล Peniophora ที่เป็นชนิดใหม่ของโลก” 

[Botany • 2023] Butia soffiae (Arecaceae) • A New Purple-flowered Butia from the Highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros (Brazil)

Butia soffiae   B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos,

in Sant`Anna-Santos. 2023.

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.110654

Abstract

Background and aims – The highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros region comprise one of the largest savannah areas in central Brazil. The region includes large areas of the rare and little-known cerrado rupestre, which is home to numerous endemic species. During research on the Arecaceae flora of Chapada dos Veadeiros, a new species of Butia was discovered, and it is described here.

Material and methods – The morphology and anatomy are described based on field collections. Following the default methodology, pinnae and flowers were analysed using LM (freehand cross- and longitudinal sections) and SEM. The new species is compared to its morphologically similar species from the Brazilian central plateau, and an identification key and distribution map were established.

Key results – At first sight, the new species Butia soffiae resembles B. archeri, but with staminate and pistillate flowers, which are always purple, different in size, and congested in the rachillae. After close inspection, it is morphologically allied to B. buenopolensis, differing mainly by its glaucous peduncular bract – similar size to the inflorescence, herbaceous peduncle, numerous rachillae, purple floral colour, and inconspicuous staminodes. Differences in leaf anatomy, such as the presence of raphides, a cross-sectionally truncated midrib, and the number of accessory bundles on the midrib, also support the description of a new species. Two structures were recorded for the first time for the genus: squamiform trichomes at the base of the pistil and osmophores on the staminodes. The new species is assessed as Critically Endangered based on the restricted area of occurrence and anthropogenic threats.

Conclusion – Butia soffiae is the first endemic Butia species described in Chapada dos Veadeiros. The type population is located near Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, which is the subject of a bill that aims to reduce its area by 73%. The discovery of this new species reinforces the uniqueness of the local flora and the importance of maintaining the park.

Keywords: acaulescent, Goiás State, new species, Palmae, plant anatomy, raphides, squamiform trichomes, taxonomy

Butia soffiae.
 A. Arched leaves. B. Close-up of an asymmetrical pinna tip. C. Branched inflorescence and congested flowers. D. Rachillae. E. Sepals, connate at the base. F. Petal: ventral view. G. Stamen: lateral view. H. Stamen: dorsal view. I. Close-up of a pistillode. J. Pistillate flower: imbricate sepals. K. Petals, imbricate at the base and valvate at the tip. L. Valvate tip. M. Pistil. N. Fruit: persistent perianth. O. Endocarp pore.

A–M from Sant’Anna-Santos 378 (UPCB, holotype), fruit of N and endocarp of O added from habitat photographs. 

Illustration by Gustavo Surlo.

Butia soffiae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Butia soffiae is similar to B. buenopolensis B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, from which it differs by congested pinnae on the leaf rachis (vs lax pinnae); longer rachis (45–79 cm vs 25–40 cm); fibres of the pseudopetiole red (vs brown); true petiole frequently absent (vs always present); longer prophyll (6.5–14 cm vs 5–6.5 cm); glaucous peduncular bract (vs glossy); peduncular bract almost the same size as the inflorescence (vs smaller than the inflorescence); herbaceous peduncle (vs woody); longer inflorescence axis (11–28 cm vs 4.0–7.5 cm); flowers light purple (vs dark purple); inconspicuous staminodes (vs conspicuous staminodes); more rachillae (27–32 vs 4–7).

Floral morphology of Butia soffiae.
A. Rachillae bearing only staminate flowers on its upper 2/3 and triads on its lower 1/3: staminate flowers in anthesis (white arrowheads). B. Triad: a central pistillate flower flanked by two staminate flowers. C. Briefly pedicellate staminate flower (dotted white circle) and floral bracteole (white arrowhead). Sepals (grey dot). Petals (white dot). ...

Vegetative and reproductive morphological aspects of Butia soffiae. 
A. Solitary habit of specimens (white rectangles) in the understory. B. The black arrowheads indicate the congested pinnae. Leaf rachis (white arrowhead). C. Asymmetric and acuminate tip of a pinna (pi). D. Ramenta (ra). E. Prophyll (pr). F. Closed peduncular bract (pd) glaucous and purple. G. Closed peduncular bract (pd) glaucous and green. H. Yellowish-green rachillae (ra). I. Early stage of fruit development: sepals (se), petals (pe), and shiny aspect of perianth margins (white arrowheads). J. Purple fruit: apical stigmatic remains (white circle) and persistent perianth (pe). K. Endocarp in lateral view: subequatorial pore (po). Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Habitat and morphoanatomical aspects of Butia soffiae with ecological implications and threats in the vicinity of the type population.
A. Specimen of Velloziaceae (white arrowhead). B. Inflorescence of the endemic and rare Syagrus caerulescens. C. Bee visiting a stamen. D. Bee visiting a petal. E. Pollen (po). F. Droplet of nectar (white arrowhead). G. Beetle visiting a petal. H. Frontal view of staminodial ring: staminode (black circle), raphides (white arrowheads), and vascularisation (black arrowheads), LM. I. Detail of H: vascularisation (black arrowhead) under polarised light, LM. J. Cross-section of the staminode’s vascularisation (black dotted), LM. Ovary (ov). Staminode (st). K. Frontal view of staminode showing the oil-like droplets (white arrowhead). L. Sudan staining of lipophilic compounds (white arrowhead). M. Infructescence: aphids (white circles) and ants (white arrowheads). N. Inflorescence at pre-anthesis grazed by cattle. O. Landscape view of a pasture nearby the type population showing a rocky outcrop (black arrowhead), a Eucalyptus sp. plantation (grey arrowhead), cattle, and non-native grasses (white arrowheads). Butia soffiae (white rectangle) in the foreground.

Photographs by Bruno F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Etymology: The epithet honours Dr Patrícia Soffiatti, affectionately called Soffi by her friends and mentees. She is a Brazilian scientist and professor at the Department of Botany at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), mainly devoted to studying Cactaceae. Her deep knowledge of the environment where cactuses and palms cohabit and her expertise in plant anatomy were essential to the description of the newly acaulescent Butia and Syagrus species discovered by our team on the Serra do Cabral massif.

 Bruno Francisco Sant`Anna-Santos. 2023. A New Purple-flowered Butia (Arecaceae) from the Highlands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros (Brazil). Plant Ecology and Evolution 156(3): 383-398. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.110654

[Botany • 2023] Syagrus aristeae (Arecaceae) • A New rupicolous Palm from the Campos Rupestres, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, 

in Sant'Anna-Santos, Carvalho et Soffiatti, 2023.

DOI: 10.24823/ejb.2023.1974

Abstract

The Syagrus glaucescens species complex occurs in the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. In addition to Syagrus duartei Glassman, S. glaucescens Glaz. ex Becc. and S. evansiana Noblick, a fourth undescribed species was previously identified by its morphology, leaf anatomy and geographical isolation. Here we formally describe this species as new to science and compare it with Syagrus evansiana, its closely related species. We also provide a distribution map, illustrations, photographs, taxonomic notes, and an IUCN conservation status assessment of Endangered.

Keywords: Arecaceae, Palmae, Serra do Cabral State Park, Syagrus aristeae, Syagrus evansiana, Syagrus glaucescens complex

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.
 A, Solitary habit; B, asymmetrical tip; C, unbranched inflorescence; D, branched inflorescence. E–J, staminate flower: E, staminate flower, opened; F, detail of calyx; G and H, petals; I, dorsal view of stamens; J, ventral view of stamens and pistillode. K–S, pistillate flower: K, pistillate flower (front view); L–N, sepals; O–Q, petals; R, pistil; S, staminodal ring. T, Stigma; U, three endocarp pores; V, four endocarp pores.

Drawn from the holotype, Sant’Anna-Santos 388 (DIAM), by G. Surlo.

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.
A, Landscape photograph of the type locality in the Serra do Cabral State Park: individuals (white rectangles) growing in the rocky outcrops (Ro); B, specimen (black arrow) growing in the rocky outcrop (Ro); C, specimen (black arrow) growing on the sandy soils near rocky outcrops (Ro); D, pinnae irregularly arranged in the leaf rachis; E, dark-green adaxial (Ad) and glaucous abaxial (Ab) surfaces of the pinnae; F, the asymmetrical tip (white arrow); G, the long tapering tip (white arrow); H, abaxial side of the leaf rachis with white tomentum (To); I, leaf sheath with fibrous margins; J, pinnae consumed (white arrow) by locusts: abaxial surface (Ab); H, pinnae consumed (white arrow) by locusts: adaxial surface (Ad).

Photographs: B. F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.
A, Habitat photograph of the typelocality in the Serra do Cabral State Park: individual flowering (white circle); B, branched inflorescence; C, detail of branched inflorescence: floral visitor on the peduncular bract (PB); D, rachillae with pre-anthesis flowers stored in ethyl alcohol: triads (a central pistillate flower flanked by two staminate flowers) on the lower portion of the rachilla (black line) and isolated staminate flower occupying the upper half of the rachilla (blue line); E, deeply grooved peduncular bract (PB); F, prophyll (Pr); G, unbranched inflorescence; H, fruits (Fr): epicarp covered with crackled plates.

Photographs: B. F. Sant’Anna-Santos.

Syagrus aristeae B.F.Sant’Anna-Santos, sp. nov.

Similar to Syagrus evansiana Noblick but differs by its size (100–165 cm vs 60–100 cm tall); abaxial side of petiole and rachis with tomentum and leaf rachis 94–145 cm long (vs glabrous and 21–92 cm long); peduncular bract glabrous (vs with indument); inflorescence axis 18–29.5 cm long (vs 4.5–17 cm long); the rachillae of the apex and base of the inflorescence being almost the same size (vs different sizes); staminate flowers 10–15.9 mm long and stamens 5.9–9 mm long (vs flowers 8–10 mm long and stamens 3.5–4 mm long); pistillate flowers of the apex and base of the inflorescence being almost the same size (vs different sizes); pistil 5.8–7.7 cm long and glabrous (vs 10–11 cm long with lepidote indument from base to nearly the base of the stigmas); stigmas 3 (vs 3–5), epicarp covered with crackled plates (vs with a thick brown indument).

Etymology. Named in honor of Professor Aristea Alves Azevedo, one of the most prominent Brazilian botanists and the first woman hired as a professor by the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) in the 1970s. Recently, she received the Peter Henry Rolfs Medal of Merit in teaching, one of the UFV’s highest honours. She mentored many botanists in plant anatomy, an inarguable source for the taxonomy of Arecaceae. Moreover, her former mentees carry out relevant research in plant conservation in Brazil, including for several botanical families of the campos rupestres of Minas Gerais.

  

B.F. Sant'Anna-Santos, L.F.L. Carvalho and P. Soffiatti. 2023. A New rupicolous Palm from the Campos Rupestres, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. (80); DOI: 10.24823/ejb.2023.1974

[Botany • 2023] Pinanga subterranea (Arecaceae: Arecoideae: Areceae) • A New Arecoid Palm from Borneo that Flowers Underground

Pinanga subterranea Randi & W.J.Baker, 

in Randi, Petoe, Kuhnhäuser, Chai, Bellot et Baker, 2023.

 Researchgate.net/publication/371756560 

DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10393

A new acaulescent species of Pinanga (Arecoideae: Areceae: Arecinae) is described and illustrated here. This remarkable new species is the first palm described as flowering and fruiting underground, highlighting Borneo as a hotspot for palm diversity. 

Pinanga subterranea.
 (a) Mature, fruiting individual, with leaf litter and soil partially removed around base to expose tip of infructescence; (b) base of plant, with top layer of soil removed to expose ripe red fruits (left) and unripe green-brown fruits (right); (c) ripe fruits. Scale bar = 1 cm; (d) partially excavated infructescence bearing young fruits; (e) bearded pig (Sus barbatus), a seed disperser of Pinanga subterranea.

Localities: (a–c) Gunung Niut Natural Reserve, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, (d) Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia, (e) Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Photographs: (a–c) Agusti Randi, (d) William J. Baker, (e) Benedikt G. Kuhnhäuser.

Population of mature Pinanga subterranea in Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia.

 Photograph: William J. Baker.

Pinanga subterranea Randi & W.J.Baker, sp.nov.

Diagnosis: This species is superficially similar to P. tenacinervis J.Dransf. (1980) but can be easily distinguished by its solitary habit (vs. clustering in P. tenacinervis), stem, crownshaft and inflorescence that are usually subterranean(vs. all above ground), and erect, usually subterranean infructescence (vs. pendulous, aerial).

Etymology: The specific epithet “subterranea” is derived from the Latin word subterraneus, meaning “underground.” This reflects the position of the stem, inflorescences and crownshaft below ground level. 

Habitat: Mainly recorded from lowland mixed dipterocarp forest valleys and on slopes near streams. On clay soils on chalk, red clay soils, or sandy clay soils, up to 650 m elevation.

Vernacular nam: Pinang Tanah (Malay, West Kalimantan). Pinang Pipit, Muring Pelandok (Kendorih language, Central Kalimantan).Tudong Pelandok (Iban language, Sarawak).  

Agusti Randi, Peter Petoe, Benedikt G. Kuhnhäuser, Paul P.K. Chai, Sidonie Bellot and William J. Baker. 2023. Pinanga subterranea, A New Arecoid Palm from Borneo that Flowers Underground. PALMS, the Journal of the IPS. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371756560_Pinanga_subterranea_a_New_Arecoid_Palm_from_Borneo_that_Flowers_Underground

 twitter.com/nemesis_bone/status/1671723846372835328

 phys.org/news/2023-06-hidden-plain-sight-rare-palm.html

 

Benedikt G. Kuhnhäuser, Agusti Randi, Peter Petoe, Paul P. K. Chai, Sidonie Bellot and William J. Baker. 2023. Hiding in plain sight: The underground palm Pinanga subterranea. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET. DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10393