[Botany • 2026] Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines

 

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman, 

in Naive, Alaman, Villanueva, Baul et Ancheta, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 

  x.com/begoniARCIIae

Abstract

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a center of plant endemism shaped by its complex geology, varied topography, and high habitat heterogeneity. Continued botanical explorations in the region have led to the discovery of Begonia occidentalis, which is herein described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles B. copelandii in its persistent stipules and capsule with strongly unequal wings, but can be readily distinguished by its arachnoid petiole, ovate leaf lamina with slightly overlapping cordate base and acuminate apex, a weakly serrate margin with densely conspicuous maroon hairs, and dorsally glandular floral bracts. A comprehensive taxonomic account is presented, including detailed morphological description, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and a discussion on its taxonomic affinities. Furthermore, we lectotypify the name B. copelandii in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (Madrid Code).

Biodiversity, Cucurbitales, endemic, typification, Zamboanga peninsula, Eudicots

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman

Mark Arcebal K. NAIVE, Bobby B. ALAMAN, Grace V. VILLANUEVA, Melbert James G. BAUL and Donnafe J. ANCHETA. 2026. Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), A New Species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines with notes on B. copelandii.  Phytotaxa. 749(1); 95-102. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 [2026-03-25]

  x.com/begoniARCIIae/status/2036658662215675993

[Botany • 2025] Begonia sordidissima (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • Resolving a Taxonomic Enigma: Rediscovery of the Mindanao endemic Begonia sordidissima after over a Century confirms its distinct status from B. mindorensis

 

Begonia sordidissima Elmer, 

in Naive, Along, Rozano et Ruales, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.730.3.4 

 facebook.com/arciinaive

Abstract

Begonia sordidissima has been considered as a synonym of B. mindorensis since 1923. Our recent fieldwork led to the rediscovery of B. sordidissima in Mindanao after more than a century, prompting a detailed morphological study that confirms its reinstatement as a distinct species. We designate lectotypes for both names and provide an emended description, including new data on pistillate flowers, photographs, updated distribution information, habitat preference, and a preliminary IUCN conservation assessment. This work underscores the critical need for continued field exploration and taxonomic revision in biodiversity-rich yet threatened regions such as the Philippines.

Biodiversity hotspot, megadiversity, nomenclature, Philippines, section Baryandra, Eudicots

Begonia sordidissima Elmer (1915)

MARK ARCEBAL K. NAIVE, ARCHIE A. ALONG, RALPH RJ E. ROZANO and JECO JED J. RUALES. 2025. Resolving a Taxonomic Enigma: Rediscovery of the Mindanao endemic Begonia sordidissima (Begoniaceae) after over a Century confirms its distinct status from B. mindorensis. Phytotaxa. 730(3); 269-276. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.730.3.4 [2025-11-21]

  facebook.com/arciinaive/posts/1524471125369165

 x.com/begoniARCIIae/status/1991703043910639991

 

[Botany • 2025] Begonia jurgenneae (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New endemic Species from Panay Island, Philippines

Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida, 

in Buenvenida, Naive et Rodriguez, 2025. 

 https://taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2114 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Begonia jurgenneae, a newly discovered species from Capiz and Iloilo Provinces, Panay Island, Philippines. A complete taxonomic treatment is here provided including a comprehensive morphological description, diagnostic comparisons with allied taxa, a phenological data, a distribution map, color images, and a preliminary conservation assessment.

Keyword: Begonia incisa, Begonia quercifolia, Biodiversity, endangered, species discovery, tropical forest, Western Visayas

Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida
A. Habit in situ B. Stipules C. Abaxial leaf surface; D. Adaxial leaf surface E. Male inflorescence F. Ventral view of staminate flowers G. Dorsal view of staminate flowers H. Ventral view of pistillate flower; H1. Details of style I. Lateral view of pistillate flower showing ovary and pedicel J. Profile view of the fruit.

Scale: C: 5 cm; E–F, H–J: 1 cm. Photos by MAK Naive

Distribution of Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida across Panay Island.
 The red star indicates the type locality, whereas red circles indicate localities where the species was previously documented and collected.

Begonia jurgenneae Naive & Buenvenida, sp. nov. 

§ Petermannia 

Diagnosis: Close to Begonia quercifolia (=B. leytensis), a species from Samar and Leyte Island, but can easily be recognized by having a lanceolate stipule (vs. linearly oblong stipule in B. quercifolia), lanceolate leaf lamina with 5–7 primary veins (vs. oblong to ovately oblong leaf lamina with 3–4 primary veins in B. quercifolia), and sparsely pubescent capsule with acute wings apex (vs. glabrous capsule with conspicuous wings apex in B. quercifolia).  

Etymology: This species is named in honor of Dr. Jurgenne Honculada-Primavera, whose pioneering work in mangrove conservation and community-based protection has become foundational to preserving Philippine biodiversity.  

Harold O. Buenvenida, Mark Arcebal K. Naive and Lillian Jennifer V. Rodriguez. 2025.  Begonia jurgenneae (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), A New endemic Species from Panay Island, Philippines. Taiwania. 70(4); 595-598.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.595 [2025 August 08]

https://taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2114

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/1160244472792909

[Botany • 2025] Alpinia spongioides (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New Species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Alpinia spongioides Naive, Ruales, Beltran & Rozano, 

in Ruales, Beltran, Rozano, Jumawan et Naive, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04642

  facebook.com/JecoJedRuales

Abstract

Alpinia spongioides Naive, Ruales, Beltran & Rozano, is described here as a new species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines. The species belongs to Alpinia sect. Alpinia subsect. Presleia by having small flowers and quadrilobed labellum. It resembles Alpinia foxworthyi but differs by its puberulent ligule with ciliate margin, longer petiole, calyx, filament, as well as an ecristate anther. This paper provides a detailed description, colour plates, and information on its phenology, habitat and distribution, as well as a provisional conservation status assessment. The discovery of this species through recent botanical surveys in eastern Mindanao brings the total number of known Alpinia subsect. Presleia species in the Philippines to 15.

Keywords: Alpinia zerumbet clade, biodiversity, Caraga Region, subsect. Presleia, Southeastern Philippines

Jeco Jed J. Ruales, Darlo Novo M. Beltran, Ralph R. J. E. Rozano, Jess H. Jumawan and Mark Arcebal K. Naive. 2025. Alpinia spongioides (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04642

  facebook.com/JecoJedRuales/posts/9273008416129284

[Botany • 2024] Begonia corazoniae (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New endemic Species from southeastern Mindanao, Philippines

 

Begonia corazoniae Naive,

in Naive, Medina et Villegas. 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04641

 facebook.com/ArciiNaive

Abstract

A new Begonia section Petermannia species, Begonia corazoniae Naive, discovered in the forest ecosystems of Davao Oriental, southeastern Mindanao, Philippines, is herein described and illustrated. It closely resembles B. rieckei, but is easily recognized by having paniculate inflorescences with prominently winged ovary and capsule. A comprehensive morphological description, geographic distribution, ecology, phenology and a discussion of similar species is provided. In addition, we assessed this species as ‘Endangered' (EN B1(iii) + 2(iii)) following the criteria of the IUCN.

Keywords: buffer zone, Davao Oriental, endangered, Philippine Begonia, tropical taxonomy

 Begonia corazoniae Naive

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Milton Norman D. Medina and Jhonnel P. Villegas. 2024. Begonia corazoniae (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), A New endemic Species from southeastern Mindanao, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04641 

facebook.com/ArciiNaive/posts/1268355234314090

 x.com/begoniARCIIae/status/1866786807742075034

[Botany • 2024] Typhonium karsticola & T. pallescens • Two New Species and Three New Records for the Genus Typhonium [Taxonomic Studies of Araceae in Myanmar VIII]

Typhonium karsticola

T. pallescens  

K.Z.Hein, Saensouk & Naive,  

 in Hein, Saensouk et Naive, 2024. 

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2033 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

As part of our ongoing research to revise and reveal the true diversity of the family Araceae in Myanmar, we describe two new Typhonium species, T. karsticola and T. pallescens, from Mon State and the Sagaing Region. Additionally, we report for the first time the occurrence of T. albidinervium, T. laoticum, and T. roxburghii in Myanmar. A detailed taxonomic account of the two new species including morphological comparison with closely similar species and relevant information on the newly recorded species are provided below. With the addition of these two new species and three newly recorded species, Myanmar now has a total of 17 Typhonium with 47% endemicity.

Keyword: Aroideae, Areae, Indochina, Karst limestone, paddy fields, Typhonium karsticola, Typhonium pallescens

Detail of spadices of Burmese Typhonium species (nearside spathe artificially removed).
A. Typhonium flagelliforme, B. T. trilobatum, C. T. neogracile, D. T. roxburghii, E. T. praecox, F. T. inopinatum,
G. T. edule, H. T. albidinervium, I. T. aungmyintwinii, J. T. sagaingense, K. T. laoticum. L. T. cordifolium.

 Photos by: K. Z. Hein.

Typhonium karsticola sp. nov.
A. Excavated plant, B. Leaf, C. Excavated flowering plants (nearside spathe artificially removed in the right photo), D. Front and side views of side views of inflorescence, E. Detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, staminate zone and basal part of appendix (nearside spathe artificially removed). F. Cataphyll.

Scale bars: A.=5 cm, B.=2 cm, C.=1 cm, D. & E.=5 mm, F.=2 mm. 

Photos by: S. C. S. Paing.

Typhonium karsticola K.Z.Hein, Saensouk & Naive, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Typhonium karsticola is most similar to Typhonium orbifolium Hett. & Sookch. from Thailand (Hetterscheid et al., 2001), but it differs in having a hysteranthous habit (vs. synanthous in T. orbifolium), clavate staminodes with a red or reddish-white slender base and a white globose head (vs. white clavate staminodes in T. orbifolium), a shorter staminate zone (ca. 4 mm vs. 9–10 mm in T. orbifolium), yellow stamens (vs. white stamens in T. orbifolium), and a spreading declinate appendix (vs. erect in T. orbifolium). The shape of the staminodes in Typhonium karsticola resembles those of Typhonium praelongum Serebryanyi & Hett. from Vietnam (Serebryanyi et al., 2023), but it differs significantly by having a depressed-globose tuber (vs. conic tuber in T. praelongum), a much shorter peduncle (0.3–0.4 cm vs. 6–7 cm in T. praelongum), a spathe limb 3–4 times longer than the spathe tube (vs. spathe limb 7– 9 times longer than the spathe tube in T. praelongum), and a shorter spadix (ca. 7 cm vs. ca. 35 cm in T. praelongum).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘karsticola’ is derived from the German noun ‘karst’ (referring to a limestone landscape), and the Latin suffix ‘-cola’, (meaning inhabitant of or dwelling in), with reference to the species’ habitat preference being crevices of limestone within karst landscapes.

Typhonium pallescens sp. nov. 
A. Cultivated flowering plant, B. Leaf, C. Front and side views of inflorescence at early pistillate anthesis with emerging young inflorescence, D. Side view of inflorescence at late pistillate anthesis E. Detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, staminate zone and basal part of appendix (nearside spathe artificially removed).

Scale bars: A.=5 cm, B.=3 cm, C. & D.=2 cm, E.=1 cm. 

Photos by: K. Z. Hein. 

Typhonium pallescens K.Z.Hein, Saensouk & Naive, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Typhonium pallescens is unique within the genus by the pedatisect leaf blade with up to 11 linear lobes, the simultaneous development of 2 or 3 inflorescences, and the adaxial surface of the spathe limb which is dark purple during early pistillate anthesis and gradually becomes pale purplish-brown at late pistillate anthesis. The pedatisect leaf blade of T. pallescens closely resembles that of T. pedatisectum Gage from Magway Region, Myanmar (Gage, 1903) with up to 11 linear lobes, but it differs by having a lanceolate spathe limb (vs. ovate spathe limb in T. pedatisectum), a white sterile interstice (vs. pink or red in T. pedatisectum), and an ivory or pale orange appendix (vs. purplish-black in T. pedatisectum).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘pallescens’ (becoming pale), referring to the adaxial surface of the spathe limb, which is dark purple during early pistillate anthesis and gradually becomes pale purplish brown at late pistillate anthesis.  

   

Khant Zaw Hein, Surapon Saensouk and Mark Arcebal K. Naive. 2024. Taxonomic Studies of Araceae in Myanmar VIII: Two New Species and Three New Records for the Genus Typhonium. Taiwania. 69(4); 537-544. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.537  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2033

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/958196866331005

[Botany • 2024] Etlingera lacerata (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New ginger Species discovered in Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

 Etlingera lacerata Naive, 

in Naive, Ruales, Beltran, Mondejar et Rozano, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2024.09.009 

Abstract

During our continued expeditions in Mindanao Island of southern Philippines, a new species, Etlingera lacerata Naive, was discovered and is herein described and illustrated. Resembling Etlingera amomoides closely, it is easily distinguished by its turbinate spike with a tapering tip and a red labellum adorned with occasional white spots along the lacerate margin. This study includes a comprehensive species description, colored photographs, phenology, habitat details, geographical information, and a provisional conservation assessment for this new endemic Etlingera species. With this discovery, the total of known Etlingera species in the Philippines rises to 18, with 12 of them being endemic to the archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinioideae, Biodiversity, endangered, Surigao del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula

 Etlingera lacerata Naive
A, Habit; B, Detail of leafy shoot, inset: ligule; C, Inflorescence; D, Labellum top view; E, Labellum profile view; F, Spike; G, Sterile bracts; H, Fertile bracts; I, Flower; J, Ovary, epigynous gland, style and stigma; K, Stamen; L, Infructescence; M, Young fruit; N, Dissected fruit.

<scale bars: 3 cm (A, F); 2 cm (B-E, H-J); 1 cm (G, M-N); 2 mm (K)> PHOTOS: M.A.K. Naive (based on E.P. Mondejar with MAK Naive 170).

 Etlingera lacerata Naive
A, Bulbous base and inflorescence; B, Leaf sheath and ligule; C, Flower; D, Bracteole; E, Calyx; F, Corolla lobes and anther; G, Labellum; H, Ovary, epigynous gland, style and stigma; I, Stigma; J, Front view of stamen; K, Profile view of stamen; L, Detail of ovary and epigynous gland; M, Infructescence; N, Fruit; O, Dissected fruit.

<scale bars: 2 cm (C–F, H, J); 1 cm (G-I, N); 2 mm (K-L)> (based on E.P. Mondejar with MAK Naive 170).

Etlingera lacerata Naive sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. This new species is closely similar to the Bornean endemic species, Etlingera amomoides A.D.Poulsen & Mood but can be easily recognized in having these following characters: absence of raised stilt roots (vs. presence of raised stilt roots in E. amomoides), narrowly oblanceolate leaf lamina with attenuate apex (vs. strap-shaped leaf lamina with narrowly acute apex in E. amomoides), turbinate spike with tapering apex (vs. flattened ovoid spike with truncate apex in E. amomoides), narrowly obovate fertile bracts with acuminate apex (vs. elliptic fertile bracts with acute apex), obovate to narrowly obovate corolla lobes (vs. elliptic to spatulate corolla lobes in E. amomoides), red labellum white central band in the throat and occasional white spots in the margin and plicately lacerate (vs. red with central yellow and entire margin in E. amomoides), glabrous style (vs. with scattered hairs in upper part of style in E. amomoides), and apically pubescent ovary (vs. glabrous ovary in E. amomoides).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the lacerate labellum of this newly discovered endemic species.

 

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Jeco Jed J. Ruales, Darlo Novo M. Beltran, Eddie P. Mondejar and Ralph Rj E. Rozano. 2024. Etlingera lacerata (Alpinieae, Zingiberaceae), A New ginger Species discovered in Mindanao Island, Philippines. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.09.009 

Researchgate.net/publication/385048128_Etlingera_lacerata_a_new_species_discovered_in_Mindanao_Philippines

[Botany • 2019] Robiquetia ormerodii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from the Islands of Visayas, Philippines

 

Robiquetia ormerodii Naive, Dalisay & Alejandro,  

in Naive, Dalisay et Alejandro. 2019. 

 DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2019.1609257

 academia.edu/108677498

ABSTRACT

Robiquetia ormerodii (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Vandeae; Aeridinae) Naive, Dalisay & Alejandro, a new endemic species from Visayas, Philippines, is herein described and illustrated. It is comparable to R. micramphora by having a yellow flower with spots, however, it differs significantly in having a labellum with oblong side lobes, strongly curved spur, column with big red margin and longer verrucose rostellum. With this discovery, the Philippines now houses a total number of 20 species of Robiquetia, of which 18 are known to be endemic.

KEYWORDS: Antique, Malesian flora, plant taxonomy, Robiquetia, tropical forest

Robiquetia ormerodii Naive, Dalisay & Alejandro sp. nov.

Eponymy: The speciific epithet ‘ormerodii’ was coined in honourof Paul Abel Ormerod, an eminent expert on family Orchidaceae in the Malesian region and Australia.

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Jade Ann Grace P. Dalisay and Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro. 2019. Robiquetia ormerodii (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), A New Species from the Islands of Visayas, Philippines. Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 74(1);  67-70. DOI: 10.1080/00837792.2019.1609257

 academia.edu/108677498/Robiquetia_ormerodii_a_new_species_from_Visayas_Philippines

[Botany • 2024] Ophiorrhiza ravifolia (Rubiaceae: Ophiorrhizeae) • A New endemic Species discovered in Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape, Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines

 

 Ophiorrhiza ravifolia  

in Naive et Alejandro, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04311 

 twitter.com/orchidARCIIae

Abstract

Continued extensive field exploration in Zamboanga Peninsula (Philippines) revealed a new endemic Ophiorrhiza species, which is herein described from Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL) of Zamboanga Sibugay. The species is unique among Philippine Ophiorrhiza by having leaf lamina with gray to silver gray abaxial surface. The new species is morphologically similar to O. pubescens and O. erythropilosa by having hairy overall morphology, but it is easily distinguished by having a creeping to decumbent habit and inconspicuous, membranous bracts. A detailed description, color photographs, phenology, geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN conservation status are provided in this paper.

Keywords: biodiversity, Mindanao, Ophiorrhizeae, taxonomy, Zamboanga Sibugay

Mark Arcebal K. Naive and Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro. 2024. Ophiorrhiza ravifolia (Rubiaceae), A New endemic Species discovered in Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL), Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. e04311. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04311

  twitter.com/orchidARCIIae/status/1745643166831657281 

[Botany • 2023] Amorphophallus mirabilis (Araceae) • A New Species from Kayin State, Myanmar [Taxonomic Studies of Araceae in Myanmar VI]

 Amorphophallus mirabilis K.Z.Hein, Naive, Serebryanyi & Hett., 

 in, Naive, Hein, Serebryanyi et Hetterscheid, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04238 

 twitter.com/orchidARCIIae

Abstract

Amorphophallus mirabilis is herein described and illustrated from Hpa-an District, Kayin State, Myanmar. A detailed description, colour plates, phenology, and a provisional conservation status are provided. In addition, A. napalensis is reported as a newly recorded species for Myanmar. With the discovery of the new species and A. napalensis, Myanmar now holds 17 Amorphophallus species.

 Amorphophallus mirabilis K.Z.Hein, Naive, Serebryanyi & Hett.

 

Mark Arcebal K. Naive,  Khant Zaw Hein,  Michael Serebryanyi and Wilbert Hetterscheid. 2023. Taxonomic Studies of Araceae in Myanmar VI: Amorphophallus mirabilis – A New Species and a new record for the genus Amorphophallus. Nordic Journal of Botany. e04238. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04238

  twitter.com/orchidARCIIae/status/1737772230334206316

[Botany • 2023] Cryptocoryne zamboangaensis (Araceae) • A New Water Trumpet discovered in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines [Discovery through Citizen Science III]

Cryptocoryne zamboangaensis  Naive, 

in Naive, Wongso, Paglalunan, Ponteras et Jacobsen, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.1111/njb.04181 

 twitter.com/orchidARCIIae

Abstract

Cryptocoryne zamboangaensis, is described as a new water trumpet species discovered by citizen scientists in the streams of Zamboanga del Norte, southwestern Philippines. It resembles C. aponogetifolia in having a spathe tube longer than spathe limb, but differs significantly by its ovate, densely verrucose bright purple limb with a narrow collar. A preliminary analysis of the conservation status and a dichotomous key to the species of the genus in the Philippines are provided.

Keywords: aquatic plants, biodiversity, endangered, western Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula

Cryptocoryne zamboangaensis

 

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Suwidji Wongso, Ariel Paglalunan, Edilberto Ponteras and Niels Jacobsen. 2023. Discovery through Citizen Science III: Cryptocoryne zamboangensis (Araceae), A New Water Trumpet discovered in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04181

  twitter.com/orchidARCIIae/status/1714270007214137667

[Botany • 2023] Sonerila mapelo (Melastomataceae) • A New Species serendipitously discovered in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Southwestern Philippines with notes on S. woodii

Sonerila mapelo Naive, 

in Naive et Quakenbush, 2023. 

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1942

Abstract

A species new to science, Sonerila mapelo Naive, discovered in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao, Philippines, is herewith described and illustrated. Color plates, notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and a comparison to its allied species are provided below. In addition, we took this opportunity to lectotypify the name S. woodii and its synonym S. lilacina. With the discovery of the new species, the Philippines now has a total of three Sonerila taxa, of which two are known to be endemic.

Keyword: Lectotypifications, Sonerila metallica, Sonerila heterophylla, Sonerileae, Tropical botany, Zamboanga Peninsula

Sonerila mapelo Naive.
A. Flower (front view). B. Flower (profile view). C. Detail of flower (petals removed). D. Detail of fruit (front view). E. Detail of fruit (profile view).

Photos and prepared by: MAKN (MAK Naive 134, PNH, HNUL, HITBC).

Sonerila mapelo Naive.
A. Habit and habitat. B. Detail of Stem and petiole. C-D. Detail of leaves showing that two individuals exhibit different color forms (left, adaxial leaf; right, abaxial leaf).

 Photos and prepared by: MAKN (MAK Naive 134, PNH, HNUL, HITBC).

Sonerila mapelo Naive, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: This new species can be easily distinguished from all other Philippine Sonerila by having short petioles (≤6 mm) and strongly dimorphic leaves at each node. Sonerila mapelo closely resembles S. metallica C.W. Lin, C.F. Chen & T.Y.A. Yang. (Lin et al., 2015) from Sarawak, Borneo, however, it differs significantly in having these following characters: both sides of the leaves densely strigose with up to 6 major veins (vs. sparsely setose in 2 or 4 rows between main and lateral veins with 3–5 veins in S. metallica); broadly cordate small leaves (vs. suborbicular to obovatelanceolate small leaves in S. metallica); lanceolate bracts with acute apex (vs. acicular to linear bracts with apiculate apex in S. metallica); infundibuliform, angular hypanthium (vs. campanulate, terete hypanthium in S. metallica); elliptic, flat petals (vs. oblong to obovate involute petals in S. metallica); purplish-white filament, style and stigma (vs. cream filament, style and sigma in S. metallica); and infundibuliform, 3-ribbed, strigose capsule (vs. campanulate, densely hispid-setose capsule in S. metallica).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘mapelo’ was used as a noun in apposition. It is a chabacano word which means hairy, in reference to the pubescent overall morphology of this new species. Chabacano is the native language of about 50% of the population of Zamboanga City and the surrounding area in the extreme western part of Mindanao Island (Steinkrüger, 2013).

Mark Arcebal K. Naive and J. Peter Quakenbush. 2023. A New Species of Sonerila (Melastomataceae) serendipitously discovered in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Southwestern Philippines with notes on S. woodii. Taiwania. 68(3); 318-322. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.318

  taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1942

[Botany • 2023] Cryptocoryne vinzelii (Araceae) • A New Species of Water Trumpet from Basilan Island, Philippines [Discovery through Citizen Science II]

Cryptocoryne vinzelii Naive, 

in Naive, Duhaylungsod et Jacobsen, 2023.

taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1938

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Abstract

A new Sulu Archipelago endemic species, Cryptocoryne vinzelii, is herein described and illustrated discovered by a citizen scientist in the island of Basilan. A detailed description, colour plates, phenology, distribution and a provisional conservation status are presented. With the recent discovery of a new species, the biodiversity of the Philippines has expanded, revealing a total of 10 distinct Cryptocoryne taxa, of which nine are known to be endemic. This new finding underscores the country's remarkable ecological richness and highlights the importance of citizen science in preserving and studying its unique flora.

Keyword: Aroid, critically endangered, Cryptocoryne palawanensis, Cryptocoryne pygmaea, Sulu Archipelago, BARMM

Cryptocoryne vinzelii Naive
A. Spathe B. Spadix C. Detail of limb D. Infructescence.

Photos from A.B. Duhaylungsod & MAK Naive 137 prepared by: MAK Naive.

In situ photograph of Cryptocoryne vinzelii showing its habit.

Photo by: AB Duhaylungsod.

Cryotocoryne vinzelii Naive, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: This new species resembles Cryptocoryne palawanensis Bastmeijer, N.Jacobsen & Naive (Naive et al., 2022b) but differs significantly in having these following characters: smaller, broader, robust leaves; 4– 7 mm long peduncle; erect, wide opened, upright limb; and up to 40 male flowers

Etymology: Named after the son of the citizen scientist (2nd author) who discovered the species, Vinzel D. Duhaylungsod.

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Alvin B. Duhaylungsod and Niels Jacobsen. 2023. Discovery through Citizen Science II: Cryptocoryne vinzelii (Araceae), A New Species of Water Trumpet from Basilan Island, Philippines. Taiwania. 68(3); 294-297. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.294

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1938

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