[Botany • 2024] Meiogyne konkakinhensis (Annonaceae) • A New Species from the central highlands of Vietnam

 

Meiogyne konkakinhensis B.H.Quang & Tagane,

in Quang, Tagane, Nagahama, Fujiwara, Yoneoka, Binh et Oguri, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.1.7

Meiogyne Miquel (1865: 12; Annonaceae), with 33–39 species, are trees or shrubs characterised by distinctive corrugated grooved structure at the base of the adaxial surface of the inner petals, axillary or sometimes cauliflorous flowers and oblong multi-seeded indehiscent monocarps (van Heusden 1994, Johnson et al. 2019, Jaikhamseub et al. 2022). The species are collectively distributed in southern India, southern Central China, Southeast Asia, Australia, Melanesia and western Polynesia (van Heusden 1994, Thomas et al. 2012, POWO 2024). In Vietnam, six species of Meiogyne are known (Bân 2000, Jaikhamseub et al. 2022): M. monogyna (Merrill 1942: 163) Bân (1974: 1778), M. subsessilis (Ast 1938: 90) Sinclair (1956: 14), M. hainanensis (Merrill 1925: 131) Bân (1973: 1148), M. rubra Jaikhamseub, Damth. & Chaowasku in Jaikhamseub et al. (2022: 223), M. virgata (Blume 1825: 14) Miquel (1865: 12) and M. vietnamica Jaikhamseub, T.A.Le & Chaowasku in Jaikhamseub et al. (2022: 225), although Jaikhamseub et al. (2022) excluded M. virgata because they could not confirm any Vietnamese specimens. 

During our botanical expedition in Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Gia Lai Province, Central Highland, Vietnam, in 2022, we encountered an unknown species of Meiogyne in primary broad-leaved evergreen forests. After a careful examination of the literature of the genus in Vietnam and surrounding countries (Ast 1938, Bân 2000, van Heusden 1994, Johnson et al. 2019, Jaikhamseub et al. 2022) and herbarium specimens including digitised images from FOF, FU, HN, K, KAG, MAK, P and VNM, we concluded that it was an undescribed species, and we here describe it as new to science.

Flora, Indochina, endemic species, Magnoliales, taxonomy, plant diversity, Magnoliids

Meiogyne konkakinhensis.
A. Flowering branch, view from underneath. B. Flowering branch after anthesis. C. Flower, front view. D. Flower after anthesis, side view. E, F. Fruiting branches, with one monocarp.

Photos of Oguri et al. Q362 when it was alive, taken by B.H. Quang.

Meiogyne konkakinhensis.
 A. Flowers, front view, at early stage of anthesis (left), late stage of anthesis (right). B. Outer petals, adaxial (right) and abaxial (left) surfaces. C. Inner petals, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right). D. Flower, bottom view. E. Flower with petals removed showing sepals, stamens and stigmas. F. Sepals, abaxial (left) and adaxial (right) sides. G. Stamens, carpels. H. Stamens. I. Carpels.

Photos of Oguri et al. Q362 when it was alive, taken by B.H. Quang.

Meiogyne konkakinhensis B.H.Quang & Tagane, sp. nov. 

The new species is similar to Meiogyne rubra in its relatively small leaf size and reddish purple petals at maturity, but it is easily distinguished by yellowish brown hairy midrib on the adaxial surface of lamina (glabrous in M. rubra), smaller petals (outer petals 8.0–18.0 × 5.0–8.0 mm, inner petals 7.0–16.0 × 3.1–7.0 mm vs. 30.0–33.0 × 7.5–10.0 mm and 26.5–30.5 × 7.0–8.0 mm), and fewer and smaller stamens (76–80, 1.0–1.4 mm long vs. ca. 118, 1.5–2.2 mm long), fewer carpels (7–9 vs. 10–11) and more ovules per ovary (7–8 vs. 4).

Etymology:—Named for the Kon Ka Kinh National Park.  

Vernacular name:—Thiểu nhụy kon ka kinh (Vietnamese).

Bui Hong Quang, Shuichiro Tagane, Ai Nagahama, Tao Fujiwara, Katsuhiro Yoneoka, Tran Duc Binh and Emiko Oguri. 2024. Meiogyne konkakinhensis (Annonaceae), A New Species from the central highlands of Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 652(1); 78-82. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.1.7

[Botany • 2026] Syzygium khammouanense (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.,

in Dang, Souladeth, Pham, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Sengthong, Souvannakhoummane, Vongthavone, Yamamoto, Tanaka, Takahashi et Tagane, 2026.

ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3  

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Summary

A new species, Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. (Myrtaceae), discovered from Khounkham District, Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from other Syzygium species by having 26 – 30 pairs of secondary veins and a strongly quadrangular hypanthium, 1 cm long. A description, provisional conservation assessment, photographs and vernacular name of the new species are provided.

Key Words: Indochina, Khounkham, limestone flora, plant diversity, taxonomy

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.
A flowering branch; B leaf, abaxial surface; C flower bud; D inflorescence; E flower, cutaway, showing stamens and style; F young fruits; G hypanthium, with style (left), and petals, adaxial surface (centre), abaxial surface (right). photos by: Shuichiro Tagane.

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “khammouanense” refers to the name of the province containing the type locality, in Laos.

Vernacular name. ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ (Wa Khammouane, suggested here). “Wa” is the common Lao name for the genus Syzygium, and “khammouanense” represents the province’s name where the type material was collected.

 

Van-Son Dang, Phetlasy Souladeth, Quoc-Trong Pham, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Anousone Sengthong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Takenori Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kotaro T. Takahashi and Shuichiro Tagane. 2026. A New Species of Syzygium P.Browne ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae), S. khammouanense, from central Laos.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3 [21 May 2026] 

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[Botany • 2026] Saraca laotica (Malvaceae) • A New Species from Laos

  

Saraca laotica Tagane & Soulad.,

in Tagane, Phengmala, Kongxaisavath, Sengthong, Yamamoto, Phonepaseuth, Pham, Dang et Souladeth, 2026. 

ຄໍາລາວ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.1 

 

Abstract

A new species of Saraca (Fabaceae-Detarioideae), S. laotica, is described and illustrated from Laos. It is characterized by leaflets with (9–)11–20 pairs of secondary veins, relatively larger, persistent and showy bracts of 1.4–3.3 × 0.6–0.9 cm, calyx tube of 27–36 mm, 4 stamens, anthers 1.9 mm long, by which combination, it is clearly distinguished from previously known species in the genus. Information on its habitat, phenology, vernacular name, and preliminary conservation assessment are also provided.

Detarioideae, endemic, Fabales, Leguminosae, limestones, plant taxonomy, Eudicots

Saraca laotica Tagane & Soulad.
A. Flowering branch; B & C. Portion of abaxial leaf surface; D. Hollowed twig inhabited by ants. E. Nest entrance on twig; F. Base of leaf showing petiole and petiolules; G. Young inflorescence; H & I. Bracts; J. portion of inflorescence, showing bracts and flower buds; K. Full-blooming inflorescence; L. Flowers, lateral view; M. Mouth of calyx tube showing ovary and filaments base; N. Bracteole (adaxial side); O. Anthers, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right) sides; P. Stigma; Q. Infructescence; R. Seeds.

Scale bars C, O & P = 1 mm, H = 5 mm, N = 2 mm, R = 1 cm. 

Photographed A & H from Tagane et al. Z1615, B, C, F, G, I–Q from Tagane et al. Z3281, D & E from Tagane et al. Z2639, R from Tagane et al. Z3281 (above three) and Z2639 (bottom), taken by S. Tagane.

  

Saraca laotica Tagane & Soulad., sp. nov.  

 

Diagnosis:—Similar to Saraca griffithiana and S. declinata in having persistent bracts and 4 stamens, but distinguished from the former by its midrib sunken adaxially (vs. prominent in S. griffithiana), longer bracts (1.4–3.3 cm long vs. shorter than 0.5 cm), and longer calyx tube (27–36 mm vs. 12–18 mm), and from the latter by more leaflets [5–9 pairs vs. 3–5(–7) pairs in S. declinata], more secondary veins [(9–)11–20 pairs vs. (6–)8–10(–12) pairs], larger bracts (1.4–3.3 × 0.6–0.9 cm vs. 0.3–1.2 × 0.1–0.7 cm), and longer anthers (1.9–2.2 mm vs. 0.75 mm long).

Etymology:—The specific epithet “laotica” refers to the country Laos, where the new species was discovered. 

Vernacular name:—ຄໍາລາວ (Kham Lao) (proposed here). In Lao, “Kham” means golden, referring to the color of the flowers, and “Lao” is the country name, indicating the locality where this species is found.

Shuichiro TAGANE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Anousone SENGTHONG, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Quoc Trong PHAM, Van-Son DANG and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2026. Saraca laotica (Fabaceae), A New Species from Laos. Phytotaxa. 749(1); 1-9. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.1 [2026-03-25]

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[Botany • 2026] Firmiana laotica (Malvaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos and Five New Records for the Flora of Laos

 

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane,

in Sengthong, Tagane, Souladeth, Dang, Yamamoto, Souvannakhoummane, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Tanaka et Pham, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202523 

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Abstract

A new species, Firmiana laotica (Malvaceae), and five new records, Justicia oreophila (Acanthaceae), Aganosma wallichii (Apocynaceae), Colebrookea oppositifolia (Lamiaceae), Myristica yunnanensis (Myristicaceae), and Brachytome hainanensis (Rubiaceae) are reported for the flora of Laos. Voucher specimens, photographs, and ecological information in Laos are provided for each species.

Keywords: Central Laos, Firmiana laotica, flowering plants, Nam Kading NPA, Phou Hin Poun NP

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane.
A, habitat. B & C, habit. D, leafy twig. E, lower leaf surface. F, inflorescence. G, staminate flower. H & I, pistillate flowers. J, young fruits. All photos by Shuichiro Tagane.

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane, sp. nov. 

ປໍຜາລາວ

  Firmiana laotica is similar to F. fulgens (Wall. ex Mast.) K.Schum., but distinguished by leaf lobe apex (long-acuminate to caudate in F. laotica vs. acute to obtuse F. fulgens), lower leaf surface color (glaucous vs. not glaucous), depth of calyx lobes (lobed (1/3−)1/2 of calyx length vs. lobed 1/3–1/4 of calyx length), and number of stamens (15 in 5 groups of 3 vs. 20 or 25 in 5 groups of 4 or 5).

 

 Anousone Sengthong, Shuichiro Tagane, Phetlasy Souladeth, Van-Son Dang, Takenori Yamamoto, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Nobuyuki Tanaka and Quoc Trong Pham. 2026. A New Species and Five New Records for the Flora of Laos. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica. 77(1); 23-34. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202523 

 

ຂໍແນະນຳພືດຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ ຈາກນິເວດພູຫິນປູນ (ບ້ານກອງລໍ ເຂດປ່າປ້ອງກັນພູໄຮ ແລະ The Rock at Phuphamarn ເມືອງຄູນຄຳ ແຂວງຄຳມ່ວນ)

ມີຊື່ວິທະຍາສາດ Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane

ແລະ ໄດ້ໃຫ້ຊື່ລາວວ່າ ປໍຜາລາວ

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[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus vietnamensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam

 

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane, 

in Vu, T. A. Le, Nong, Dinh, V. H. Le, Yamamoto et Tagane, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 

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Abstract

A new species of Nymphanthus, N. vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane is described from Quang Tri Province and Thua Thien Hue Province (currently Hue City), central Vietnam. It is similar to N. namkadingensis but distinguished by its branchlet with 14–30(–40) leaves (vs. 50–60 in N. namkadingensis), leaf blades with 3–6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 8–12 pairs), pistillate pedicel of 8–9 mm long (vs. 10–16 mm long), disc of pistillate flowers with 4–6 free rectangular segments (vs. connate and annular), and subglobose capsules (vs. ellipsoid). A detailed description, photographs, and information on the distribution and ecology, vernacular name, phenology, and preliminary conservation status are provided for the species.

Flora of Vietnam, Dakrong, Phong Dien, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane sp. nov. 

TIEN CHINH VU, TUAN ANH LE, VAN DUY NONG, DIEN DINH, VAN HUONG LE, TAKENORI YAMAMOTO, SHUICHIRO TAGANE. 2026. Nymphanthus vietnamensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 742(3); 237-242. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 [2026-02-24]

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[Botany • 2025] Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae: Grewioideae) • A New Species from Laos

 

Grewia souladethiana Phengmala & Tagane, 

in Phengmala, Tagane, Dang, Kongxaisavath, Yamamoto, Souvannakhoummane, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Sengthong, Trong et Yamazaki, 2025. 

ປໍເຫຼືອງສຸລະເດດ | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.1.6 

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Abstract

Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae-Grewioideae) is described and illustrated from Phou Hin Poun National Park, Khammouane Province, in central Laos. The new species grows at the edge of evergreen broad-leaved forest and in open grassland on the foot of limestone hills. To confirm the validity of the new species, diagnostic morphological characters were compared based on literature and herbarium materials at BKF, FOF, KAG an VNM as well as online digitized images. Morphologically it is similar to G. thailandica in having acuminate leaf apex, serrate leaf margin, and axillary inflorescences which are 2‒3-flowered and with erect peduncle, but distinguished by its tree habit, shorter petioles, smaller sepals and petals, and solitary or 2-lobed fruits. A description, photographs, line drawings, vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided for it, as well as a key to species of Grewia in Laos is provided.

Endemic, flora, Indochina, limestones, Malvales, Eudicots

 

Grewia souladethiana sp. nov. Phengmala & Tagane 

ປໍເຫຼືອງສຸລະເດດ  

Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Shuichiro TAGANE, Van Son DANG, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Anousone SENGTHONG, Pham Quoc TRONG and Kaito YAMAZAKI. 2025. Grewia souladethiana, A New Species of Malvaceae from Laos. Phytotaxa. 728(1); 61-68. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.1.6 [2025-11-11]

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[Botany • 2025] Vaccinium bidoupense (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) • A New Species from Vietnam and Laos, with Notes on V. petelotii and V. pseudobullatum

Vaccinium bidoupense Smitinand ex Y.H.Tong, N.T.T.Huong & Tagane, 

in Nguyen, Tagane, Averyanov, Dang, Fritsch, Tong, Souladeth et Nuraliev, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.168208 

Abstract

Vaccinium bidoupense, a new species of Ericaceae from the Central Highlands of Vietnam and their vicinity in Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to V. petelotii and V. pseudobullatum in its relatively large leaf blades and umbel-like inflorescence but differs in having the following combination of characters: pale red to salmon pink corollas, and longer pedicels, calyx lobes, corolla tubes and stamen filaments. The distinctness of V. bidoupense is further supported by its allopatric distribution relative to both V. petelotii and V. pseudobullatum. The range of morphological variation of V. petelotii and V. pseudobullatum is clarified, and their analytical photographic images are published for the first time. Additionally, the distinction between indeterminate and determinate racemes in Vaccinium is revisited, and the taxonomic history of Vaccinium sect. Calcicolus is summarized.

Key words: Central Highlands of Vietnam, Eastern Indochina, epiphytes, Tay Nguyen Plateau, Vaccinieae, Vaccinium sect. Calcicolus

 Vaccinium bidoupense Smitinand ex Y.H.Tong, N.T.T.Huong & Tagane, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Vaccinium bidoupense is morphologically similar to V. petelotii and V. pseudobullatum in its relatively large leaf blades and umbel-like inflorescence with short rachis. It differs from V. petelotii in having longer calyx lobes (5–6 mm vs. 2.5–3 mm), pale red to salmon pink (vs. pale green) corolla, a longer corolla tube (11–13.5 mm vs. 3.5–4.5 mm), and longer stamens (14–16 mm vs. 5–6.5 mm). The new species differs from V. pseudobullatum in having leaf blades with somewhat less obvious tertiary veins, and longer pedicels (7–14 mm vs. 4–7 mm), corolla tube (11–13.5 mm vs. 8–9 mm) and stamen filaments (8–9 mm vs. 1–4 mm) (Table 1).

...

 Thi Thanh Huong Nguyen, Shuichiro Tagane, Leonid V. Averyanov, Van Son Dang, Peter W. Fritsch, Yi-Hua Tong, Phetlasy Souladeth and Maxim S. Nuraliev. 2025. Vaccinium bidoupense (Ericaceae), A New Species from Vietnam and Laos, with Notes on V. petelotii and V. pseudobullatum. PhytoKeys. 266: 75-96. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.168208 

[Botany • 2025] Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis • Notes on Decaneuropsis (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) in Vietnam, with a New Species, a New Name for Vernonia balansae, and Two New Combinations

 

Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis  Tagane & V.S.Dang, 

iin Tagane, V. S. Dang, Q. T. Pham, Yamamoto, Souladeth, Souvannakhoummane, Phengmala, Masuda, Fujiwara, Nguyen, N. K. Dang et H. T. Pham, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.ID0316  

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Abstract

A new species of Decaneuropsis (Asteraceae), Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis Tagane & V.S.Dang is described from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, North Central Region, Vietnam. A new name Decaneuropsis gagnepainii V.S.Dang & Tagane is proposed for the illegitimate name Vernonia balansae Gagnep. Two new combinations, D. bonapartei (Gagnep.) V.S.Dang & Tagane and D. macrachaenia (Gagnep.) V.S.Dang & Tagane, are proposed. A lectotype is designated for V. bonapartei. A key to species of Decaneuropsis in Vietnam is provided.

Keywords: Compositae, flora, lectotypification, limestone karst, new name, plant taxonomy, Vernonia

Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis.
A. Habit. B. Flowering branch. C. Abaxial leaf surface. D. Capitulum, top view. E. Capitulum, side view. F. Receptacle. G. Corolla opened out, showing stamens and style. H. Achenes with pappus. I. Achene.

Scale bars = 1 mm (F, I), 2 mm (G), 5 mm (H). Photos A–E taken by Shuichiro Tagane in the type locality on 10 December 2024.

Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis Tagane & V.S.Dang, sp. nov.

Nom. Vietnam: Bạch đầu phong nha kẻ bàng.

 

Similar to Decaneuropsis blanda (DC.) H.Rob. & Skvarla in the shape of leaves and capitula, but distinguished by its shallowly (4–)7–10-teethed leaf margin (vs. entire in D. blanda), eglandular stem, leaf blades, and achenes (vs. glandular), longer corolla 12.3 mm long (vs. 7–8 mm long), and longer and shallowly 11–12-ribbed achenes 5–5.8 mm long (vs. 10-ribed and 3–3.5 mm long) (Table 1).

...

Shuichiro TAGANE, Van Son DANG, Quoc Trong PHAM, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Phetlasy SOULADETH, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Riko MASUDA, Tao FUJIWARA, Quoc Hung NGUYEN, Ngoc Kien DANG and Hong Thai PHAM. 2025. Notes on Decaneuropsis (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) in Vietnam, with a New Species, a New Name for Vernonia balansae, and Two New Combinations.  Journal of Japanese Botany. 100(4); 287-294. DOI: doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.ID0316  [August 20, 2025] 

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[Botany • 2025] Syzygium triflorum (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong,

in Cuong, Thanh, Hiep, Huyen, Hoang et Tagane, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.143043

Abstract

Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong, sp. nov., from Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinguished from related species, Syzygium skiophilum, by its having 4-angled and reddish-grey twigs, oblong leaves with an attenuate apex, less secondary veins of 26–30 pairs, exclusively axillary inflorescences, lanceolate-ovate bracts, sessile flowers, obconical hypanthium (slightly pyriform in flower buds) and more stamens of 18–28. The flowers and fruits were observed in the rainy season, July 2024. This new species grows under a mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forest dominated by Dacrydium elatum and Dacrycarpus imbricatus.

Key words: Flora, Indochina, Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Myrtales

Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong
A immature fruit in lateral view B immature fruits in top view
C hypanthia in lateral view (after petals and most stamens had fallen off) D hypanthia with calyx disc and styles in top view (after petals and most stamens had fallen off)
E inflorescence in top view, showing flowers before anthesis (left and right) F inflorescence in lateral view (3 flowers in cluster)
G leafy branches H leaves, adaxial (upper) and abaxial (bottom) surface. Photos: H. T. Truong and H. C. Dang.

 Syzygium triflorum T.T.Hoang, Kim Thanh, S.Tagane & D.H.Cuong, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Syzygium triflorum could be confused with S. skiophilum (Duthie) Airy Shaw distributed in Thailand, Malay Peninsula and Borneo (Airy Shaw 1949; Parnell and Chantaranothai 2002; Ashton 2011). Generally, S. triflorum is similar to S. skiophilum because they both show small tree habit and short cymose inflorescences with tiny flowers. However, S. triflorum differs from S. skiophilum in having 4-angled and reddish-grey twigs (vs. terete and blackish-brown in S. skiophilum), oblong leaf blades (vs. elliptic-lanceolate, obovate or oblanceolate), fewer secondary veins (26–30 pairs vs. ca. 45 or 14–18 pairs), exclusively axillary inflorescences (vs. temirnal and axillary), lanceolate-ovate bracts (vs. linear), sessile or subsessile flower (vs. with short pseudostalk ca. 1 mm long), obconical hypanthium (slightly pyriform in flower buds) (vs. funnel-shaped) and more stamens (18–28 vs. 8 stamens) (Table 1, Fig. 3).

Etymology. The species epithet refers to its number of flowers in a inflorescence, which is usually in a cluster of three.

Vernacular. Trâm ba hoa (three-flowered syzygium), 

Trâm hoa nhỏ (tiny-flowered syzygium)

Dang Hung Cuong, Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, Nguyen Huu Hiep, Dang Ngoc Huyen, Thanh Truong Hoang and Shuichiro Tagane. 2025. Syzygium triflorum (Myrtaceae), A New Species from Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 255: 75-83. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.143043

[Botany • 2025] Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae) • A New Species from limestone karst in central Laos

 Orophea phouphamarnensis D.Kong., Soulad. & Tagane,

in Kongxaisavath, Tagane, Souvannakhoummane, Phengmala, Sengthong, Dang, Nguyen, Yamamoto, Tanaka, Takahashi et Souladeth, 2025. 

ຜາມ່ານອິນທີ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.1.3  

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In Southeast Asia, approximately 408,000 km2 is covered with limestone, most of which was originally fragmented in distribution (Clements et al. 2006). In Laos, the limestone area is about 30,000 km2, covering ca. 12.6% of land in northern and central Laos. Khammouane Province, central Laos, is one of the core sites of limestone in the country where two main national protected areas, Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area and Hin Nam No National Park, are well known. In addition, the Nam Sanam-Phou Pha Marn Provincial Protected Area (hereafter PPA) covers an area of about 1,500 km2, in which the Rock Viewpoint Phou Pha Marn covers a huge area of the PPA.

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During our field surveys in the limestone karst of the Rock Viewpoint Phou Pha Marn, a species of Orophea was collected. After further comparisons with related taxa based on the literature and herbarium specimens, it was found to be a species of subg. Sphaerocarpon, morphologically most similar to O. laotica, but differing from all previously known species in the genus. Here, we describe it as a new species.

Flora, inventory, Magnoliales, Sphaerocarpon, taxonomy, Magnoliids

 Orophea phouphamarnensis.
 A. Flowering branch. B. Lower leaf surface. C. Inflorescence, top view and side view. D. Flower. E, F. Sepal (abaxial and adaxial). G, H. Outer petal (abaxial and adaxial). I, J. Inner petals (abaxial and adaxial). K. Stamen, L. Pistil.

 Photos A–C, K. Souvannakhoummane and D–J, L by D. Kongxaisavath of Tagane et al. Z994 (FOF).

Orophea phouphamarnensis D.Kong., Soulad. & Tagane, sp. nov.  

 Orophea phouphamarnensis is most similar to O. laotica in leaf shape and size but distinguished by a number of morphological features, especially stamen and carpel numbers (Table 1).

Etymology:—Referring to the type locality, Phou Pha Marn.

Vernacular name:—Pha marn Inthy (ຜາມ່ານອິນທີ; Lao), proposed here. Pha marn refers to an area, and Inthy refers to Inthy Deuansavanh, who established walking trails on the limestone karst that enabled access to the core area of Phou Pha Marn.

Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Shuichiro  TAGANE, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Anousone SENGTHONG, Van-Son DANG, Quoc Bao NGUYEN, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Nobuyuki TANAKA, Kotaro T. TAKAHASHI and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2025. Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae), A New Species from limestone karst in central Laos.  Phytotaxa. 687(1); 15-20. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.1.3 [2025-02-13]

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[Botany • 2025] Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae: Olisbeoideae) • A New Species from Coastal Areas of south central Vietnam

Memecylon longipedunculatum  

in Tagane, Dang, Truong, Q. B. Nguyen, Pham, T. V. Nguyen, Yamamoto, Kongxaisavath, Yamazaki, Nuraliev, Fomichev et Souladeth, 2025. 

Sầm cuống dài  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.1  

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Abstract

Memecylon longipedunculatum, a new species of Melastomataceae, is described and illustrated. The species is known to occur in Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces in South Central Coast Vietnam, where it is restricted to low dry coastal forests and scrubby vegetation. The description is based on the authors’ original gatherings as well as on the historical collections made a century ago. The new species is distinguishable from most of its congeners by small leaves (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm) with obtuse or sometimes emarginate apices, long peduncles (1–2.7 cm long), and crescent-shaped anther connective with distinct centrally placed gland.

Indochina, Myrtales, taxonomy, Olisbeoideae, Eudicots

Memecylon longipedunculatum.
A, B. Flowering branches. C, D. Leaf, adaxial and abaxial side. E. Inflorescence. F. Flower, top view. G. Stamen, side view. H. Anther, side view. I. Post-anthetic flower (after abscission of petals and stamens). J. Mature flower bud.

Nuraliev & Fomichev NUR 4192 (A, E–J) and Nuraliev NUR 3340 (B–D). 

Photos by M.S. Nuraliev.

Memecylon longipedunculatum.
 A. Flowering branch. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C. Bark. D. Inflorescence. E. Top view of flower bud (up-left), anthetic flower (bottom), and post-anthetic flower (up-right). F. Inflorescence branch with anthetic and post-anthetic flowers. G. Fruiting stage of inflorescence.

Tagane et al. N465 (A, D–F) and Tagane et al. N216 (B, C, G). 

Photos by S. Tagane.

Memecylon longipedunculatum Tagane, V.S.Dang & Nuraliev, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis:—Memecylon longipedunculatum is similar to M. chevalieri Guillaumin (1921a: 7, see also Guillaumin 1921b: 936) distributed in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam by having axillary and terminal inflorescences with relatively long peduncles 1–2.7 cm long (vs. almost 1.5 cm long in M. chevalieri), but distinguished from the latter species by its smaller leaf blades (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm vs. 4–7 × 2–4 cm), longer pedicels (3.3–5.5 mm vs. 2–3 mm long), longer petals (ca. 4 mm vs. 2–3 mm long) with acute (vs. acuminate) apex, and subglobose (vs. ovoid-globose) fruits

Etymology:—The species epithet refers to its long peduncles (up to 2.7 cm long in flower and to 5.1 cm long in fruit), one of the remarkable features distinguishing it from most of its congeners in the Indochinese Peninsula.  

 Vernacular name:—Sầm cuống dài (Vietnamese).

Shuichiro TAGANE, Van-Son DANG, Ba Vuong TRUONG, Quoc Bao NGUYEN, Quoc Trong PHAM, Tran Vy NGUYEN, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Kaito YAMAZAKI, Maxim S. NURALIEV, Constantin I. FOMICHEV and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2025. Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Coastal Areas of south central Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 683(1); 1-8. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.1 [2025-01-29]

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[Botany • 2025] Tetrastigma fruticosum (Vitaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Karst in central Laos

Tetrastigma fruticosum Soulad., Phonep. & Tagane, 

in Tagane, Souladeth, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Kongxaisavath, Yamamoto et Murakami, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.2 

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Abstract

A new species of Tetrastigma, T. fruticosum (Vitaceae), from the limestone karst in Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described. The new species can be distinguished from the previously known species in the genus by a combination of its shrubby habit, absence of tendrils, pedately 5-foliolate leaves (rarely 4, 6, or 7-foliolate) with shallowly emarginated leaflet, and 1-seeded oblong-ellipsoid fruits. A description, photographs, vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided for it.

Cayratieae, endemic, Indochina, phylogeny, Southeast Asian flora, Vitales, Eudicots

 

Tetrastigma fruticosum Soulad., Phonep. & Tagane sp. nov. 

Shuichiro TAGANE, Phetlasy SOULADETH, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Takenori YAMAMOTO and Nariaki MURAKAMI. 2025. Tetrastigma fruticosum, A New Species of Vitaceae from Limestone Karst in central Laos.  Phytotaxa. 683(1); 9-17. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.2  

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